Skoda muscles into seven-seat territory

Skoda has commenced the countdown to the release of its first seven-seat SUV by releasing these two teaser sketches of its all-new Kodiaq, which is now confirmed to make its world debut in September.

That makes a Paris motor show premiere almost certain, before the big new Czech crossover arrives as a direct rival for the Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger in Australia next year.

First spy shots of the production Kodiaq, which will measure about 4.7 metres long and ride on the Volkswagen Group's front/all-wheel drive MQB platform, emerged earlier this month.

No firm details have been released, Skoda saying only that its biggest ever SUV, which is expected to offer seven seats across three rows and a range of four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engines, will deliver the biggest boot in its class.

The new five-door crossover wagon was previewed by the Vision S concept at the 2016 Geneva show, and the showroom version is rendered here in a computer-generated image from Automedia.

Skoda's chief designer Jozef Kaban said the Kodiaq – a name confirmed by the car-maker in May is the first production vehicle to show off the brand’s new SUV design language.

"The ŠKODA Kodiaq is a pioneer for our brand in two respects," said Kaban. "We are entering a new segment with our first large SUV above the Yeti. And at the same time, the Kodiaq is the first model with the new ŠKODA SUV design language. It is powerful and emotive, but also timeless.

"The ŠKODA Kodiaq is extremely versatile. It is exceptionally spacious and with compact external dimensions, it delivers the best overall package in its class. It is also robust, suits all types of terrain and offers the best flexibility and functionality."

Kaban said the Kodiaq's crystalline-like headlights, which are separated by a wide grille with trademark vertical slats, pay homage to to Czech crystal glass art.

"Every detail of our models tells a story, that is the emotive power of the brand. We were inspired by traditional Czech crystal glass art for the crystalline elements of the ŠKODA Kodiaq."

Other details include C-shaped LED tail-lights and, reportedly, a C-shaped C-pillar, while Skoda says the as-yet-unseen interior features strong vertical elements including four large air-vents and a large display unit that splits the three-dimensional instrument panel into two equal sections for the driver and passenger.

"We are carrying the exterior’s wide, clear lines forward into the interior. And the emphasis here is on the harmony between form and functionality, on calm and clarity," said Kaban.

"For me, a car has to function perfectly and also radiate aesthetics. An interior should spark feelings of trust and well-being. From this philosophy, we have created an atmosphere that is also elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time."

Much like Volkswagen's closely-related new Tiguan, the Kodiaq is expected to be followed by a low-roof 'coupe' version, as well as a redesigned Yeti compact SUV in 2018 and a smaller new Skoda SUV that may or may not be sold in Australia.