One-off Skoda Kodiaq ute previewed

Skoda has released the images of the Kodiaq-based ute it is currently building, revealing it will be called the Skoda Mountiaq.

Seen here being built by apprentice Skoda engineers and technicians, the Mountiaq is looming as an unusual Ford Ranger-rival - with a catch.

Unfortunately for those in the market for a new SUV-based pick-up, the Skoda Mountiaq concept isn’t likely to reach production.

In fact, it's destined only to be a one-off, created to help train fledgling employees at the Czech car-maker's design, development and production departments.

According to Skoda, the Mountiaq is the work of 35 apprentices, working 2000 hours to design and build.

When finished, it will feature a lift kit, a large winch and bullbar, snorkel, 17-inch off-road wheels and tyres and a novel illuminated load bed.

A bold roof-mounted LED light bar and bright 'Orange Sunset' paint ensure the Mountiaq won't slip under anyone's radar.

It's thought an actual production ute based on the Kodiaq is highly unlikely since the large Skoda’s car-like MQB platform doesn’t lend itself well to commercial applications and it wouldn’t offer anywhere near the one-tonne payload of its rivals.

It's no surprise then, one of the biggest challenges facing the apprentices was creating both a fully functioning bed and working tailgate.

To cope with the extra weight, the Kodiaq's body needed significant reinforcing while its doors were actually shortened and widened for the pick-up.

With the stiffer structure and the raised ride height, the Mountiaq towers over the regular Kodiaq by some 100mm, while the mud and snow tyres and winch should ensure the tough pick-up can go further off-road than any other model Skoda makes.

Under the bonnet, the pick-up doesn't lack for power. It's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces around 140kW.

The Mountiaq is the sixth apprentice-built creation, and the second ute, from the Skoda’s Mlada Bolesav trade school.

Last June, 23 students created a wacky convertible based on the car-maker’s Karoq.

Dubbed the Skoda Sunroq, the 2018 concept followed on from a Citigo-based electric buggy (2017), a Rapid Spaceback coupe (2016), a Fabia ute (2015) and a sporty two-seat Citigo roadster (2014).