The success of Skoda Yeti is huge, even to the extent that its sales are increasing every year. Of course, this does not leave Skoda cold and it is preparing to expand its SUV offer . We will see a seven-seater model and most likely also an urban crossover .
The main priority of the car company from Mladá Boleslav is currently a large SUV . That will arrive in 2015 , and as Frank Welsch , Skoda's chief developer, told the UK's Auto Express , a seven-seat SUV is a logical choice within Skoda : "A seven-seat model is a logical path for our customers." If we make an SUV, it will be a typical Skoda with a large interior space. The 5+2 seating arrangement is perfect.”
The Czech automaker currently holds 4% of the European market in the SUV segment. A large model could then bring an increase in this share. Another advantage is interest in the growing Chinese market , where Skoda wants to sell up to 500,000 cars instead of the current 235,000.
Just like the sister Volkswagen CrossBlue , the large Skoda SUV will stand on the longest variant of the MQB modular platform . Thanks to this, it will be possible to use the latest engines of the concern, as well as electronic and multimedia systems. The huge external dimensions allow, with a seven-seater configuration, up to 380 liters to be loaded into the trunk, which is at the level of today's Volkswagen Golf.
We recently published an article about the fact that the entire concern is gradually switching to plug-in hybrid vehicles . In addition, the large SUV is heavy and comes with a higher price tag, so it might seem like an ideal candidate to add to the family of plug-in hybrid models . According to Welsch, however, this is not the case: “We are in an advantageous position because we have small cars with fuel-efficient engines, which helps us cope with ecological limits. Other corporate brands have a problem with this, so electric and plug-in hybrid cars are a certain way for them. But we don't have to go with her just yet." When asked about a possible name for the model , Welsch only smiled at suggestions such as Snowman, Big Foot or Sasquatch, and then rejected all three options.
Typologically, the Yeti , which was presented in Frankfurt in a modernized form and in two versions – City and Outdoor, will be placed under the large SUV. A completely new generation , built on the MQB platform , will arrive a year after its bigger sibling.
The latest addition to the SUV family will be an urban crossover based on the Volkswagen Taigun (which will be based on the Volkswagen Up!). Despite the technical affinity, both cars will be different. Skoda CitySUV , as the model could be called, will be based on the design of the Citigo, a sibling of the Up!, and will only offer front-wheel drive.
Welsch says of the CitySUV: “Now we need more spacious cars, so we are focusing on larger SUVs than the Yeti. But that doesn't mean there isn't a place for a small SUV. We are members of the Volkswagen Group, so hang in there and see.”
Source: autoexpress.co.uk, autozeitung.de, theophiluschin.com
