GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Skoda teases its T-Roc

Skoda will unveil a third member of its growing SUV family at the Geneva motor show next month.

Called the Vision X Concept, the latest Czech concept has been created to rival SUVs like Nissan JUKE, Mazda CX-3 and sister brand Volkswagen's own forthcoming T-Roc.

Previewing an urban crossover production car that's expected on sale in Europe in the second half of 2019, the latest Skoda concept shares styling cues with both the Kodiaq and smaller Karoq.

Sporting slim LED headlights, a large chrome grille, full-size panoramic roof and large 20-inch alloy wheels, the car Skoda plans to reveal at the Swiss show is rumoured to be closely related to the production version.

Inside, the Vision X is claimed to preview the car-maker's next-generation minimalist approach to cabin design by featuring a huge centrally-mounted landscape infotainment system that helps eradicate the number of buttons.

Some are predicting that as well as the next-gen interior, the small SUV will come with a name beginning with 'A' rather than 'K' like Skoda's other two SUVs. It won't be called the Yeti.

Currently, Aratan, Aron, Amiq and Anuq are all in the running following news that the Czech car-maker submitted trademarks applications for all those names.Developed side-by-side with the next-generation Fabia hatchback, the production version of the Vision X will sit on the same Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform, but instead of sharing the hatch's dimensions, reports suggest the small SUV will have a significantly longer wheelbase, sharing more in common with the Rapid Spaceback.

That means it's likely to be one of the biggest models in its segment and offer class-leading space compared to the cramped Nissan JUKE cabin.

Despite having a platform that has been developed for all-wheel drive, it's unlikely to be offered on the small Skoda SUV. That said, a Scout version is likely, offering a higher ride height and underbody protection and, potentially, a traction-enhancing 'off-road' ESC mode.

Under the bonnet, the production Vision X will be launched as a plug-in hybrid but will also offer both turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines.

There will also be a VW-sourced 1.6-litre TDI diesel and range-topping versions will come with a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four sourced from the Golf GTI.