Skoda’s large SUV christened Kodiaq

Skoda Auto has christened its large SUV ‘Kodiaq’, ahead of its official unveiling at the Paris motor show in October this year.

The Kodiaq name comes from a species of Alaskan bear, although the spelling - usually 'Kodiak' - has been altered, according to Skoda, to make the name more distinctive. Autocar UK had reported the Kodiaq name some months ago, at Skoda's global press conference.

The Skoda Kodiaq SUV was first revealed at an event in Prague, and the pre-production model we saw looked largely unchanged from the VisionS concept on which it is based. It's due to go on sale in the UK early next year.

The Kodiaq's exterior design was officially previewed by the VisionS concept car at the 2016 Geneva motor show, and will only be toned down slightly for production. Key elements, including the prominent front grille and lighting arrangement, are likely to reach production relatively unchanged. The conceptual interior of the VisionS will be altered for production, however, most likely to fit seven seats and a more pared-back centre console.

Recommended: Skoda plans family of four new SUVs

While it's already known that the core of the Kodiaq's engine range will be taken from the Superb, a plug-in hybrid model is also planned, although will not be part of the launch range. That's because Skoda will instead launch its first plug-in hybrid model as a variant of the Superb in around 2019.

The new SUV is expected to become a big seller for Skoda, introducing new customers to the marque and paving the way for future SUV models. It will also introduce a fresh, more emotional design language which will be seen on all the brand's future cars. It’s already known that a rakish five-door coupe-like SUV is planned to follow the initial Kodiaq launch, as well as a performance version with sportier styling, which could carry the vRS badge.

The SUV-coupé, a rival for the likes of the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupé, is currently only designated for China but is likely to come to Europe too. Another crossover-style car with "SUV elements" is also in development for the Chinese market and will arrive in 2018. Skoda boss Bernhard Maier also said that “we might imagine there will be further models” in the SUV family.

Also read: Skoda drives past 1 million sales in record-breaking year

Beyond the launch of the SUV family, Skoda's Yeti will also morph into a larger model with a more traditional SUV shape. Maier is promising more space than the old car, and it's extremely likely that a hybrid variant will form part of the launch range. Skoda is also known to be working on a bespoke electric vehicle for launch in 2020/21, and although the shape of that model is currently undecided, an SUV or crossover body would appear to be a strong choice.

“We’ve seen for some time that the SUV segment has experienced the strongest growth in the market,” said Maier. “That was the reason for Skoda to decide to invest in this segment. There is already major demand for the Yeti and we hear from existing customers and from those that want to be customers that they would like to see a Skoda SUV. We have additional ideas on top of this.”

Maier said that the traditional properties of an SUV – a raised seating position, clear visibility, storage space and practicality – fitted in well with Skoda’s brand values. Maier also confirmed that future Skoda models will feature a more emotional design akin to that seen on the VisionS – a key driver in attracting younger customers to the brand.

Asked whether Skoda could explore additional larger or smaller models after the Kodiaq goes on sale, Maier said the decision would depend on "the demands of the market."

Read more: Skoda to launch its first-ever electric car in 2020-21