Skoda preparing strong SUV rollout

A bi-turbo diesel producing 176kW and 450Nm is the ideal powerplant for a future Kodiaq RS, says Skoda project manager, Jirí Dytrych – if the company decides it needs such a sporty SUV.

Speaking hypothetically during last week's launch of the new, seven-seat SUV, Dytrych offered his vision of a high-performance version, should it happen.

"If it will be coming with RS [a halo model with extra performance], then RS will be only with one or two engines – on top of the range," he said.

Questioned as to what sort of engine would power a Kodiaq RS, Dytrych suggested a "bi-turbo diesel", and went on to list his preferred specs: two litres, 176kW and 450Nm.

While the Kodiaq project boss had all his answers worked out in advance, he also stressed that nothing was official.

"I'm not sure," he answered when asked whether a high-performance Kodiaq was in Skoda's future product plans.

It was revealed by another Skoda executive later the same day that the manufacturer plans to unveil a Sportline version of the Kodiaq at the Geneva motor show early next year, and that model is potentially a third variant that could be introduced into the Australian market, although there's nothing to report on that front as yet.

Based on what was said by the Skoda execs, the Kodiaq Sportline will be more a dress-up pack – not necessarily boosting performance. The bi-turbo engine to which Dytrych referred would be for a Kodiaq RS, if it comes to market.

The next year or two will be busy times for Skoda's product development team. In February the manufacturer will be launching a facelifted Octavia, with the all-new Yeti to follow in the second half, and Rapid update after that. In addition, Skoda has a couple of upcoming SUVs on the agenda, although one is definitely reserved for the Chinese market only.

"We will introduce something like that in China," said Štepán Rehák of Skoda's International Communications, when asked by motoring.com.au about the mooted small SUV.

"This is confirmed for China, and also confirmed already for China is the Kodiaq Coupe."

Asked whether the Kodiaq Coupe will be sold in markets other than China, Rehák left the door open.

"It's not confirmed for global markets yet, just now for China. But we are discussing if we will bring it to Europe...

"It's not confirmed."

Rehák emphatically denied reports "in the UK media" that the Kodiaq Coupe had been confirmed for markets outside China.