Skoda Kodiak SUV On Track For 2016 Reveal

Skoda plans to introduce a brand new midsized SUV next year.

The model has been rumored for a while, but now, it seems that the Czech-based automaker is putting the final touches. The crossover is believed to be based on the second-gen Volkswagen Tiguan riding on the German group’s flexible MQB platform, used on various VAG products since 2012.

AutoBild reports that the new Skoda SUV, known as the Snowman until now, will wear the Kodiak moniker, named after a subspecies of the brown bear. The vehicle should be approximately 4.75 meters long and its starting price is expected to start from around €24,000 ($26,190.

A different report, from Worldcarfans this time, which is quoting “a source close to Skoda”, indicates that the new Kodiak will make its public debut next October, during the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The model should be produced at the Kvasiny facility, in the Czech Republic, and be offered in two versions, with a five-seat and with a seven-seat layout.

Initial data suggests that Skoda’s future model might get an engine lineup similar to the one used on the new-gen Octavia and the vehicle should also give birth to a Seat-badged counterpart. More details on the Skoda Kodiak remain unknown so far, but if the report turns out to be true, then chances are we will find out more about it before it will debut at the French show.

Note: Skoda test mule pictured