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Skoda planning MPV, large SUV and new hatch

By Brett Davis |

As part of plans to expand Skoda’s showroom range and double its global sales, the Czech Republic-based Volkswagen Group brand will introduce a range of new models in the next few years. These models include a new large SUV, an MPV and a new medium-sized hatch.

In a recent Autocar report, Skoda technical chief Eckhard Scholz revealed some of the details of Skoda’s future plans. They include launching a new model every six months to help boost sales as Skoda aims to ramp up from its 2010 sales figure of 762,600 to 1.5 million by 2018.

Scholz says that in order to achieve this, the brand will be looking to offer a car for every segment. He says, “big volume segments, not anything niche” will be part of the criteria for the new models.

To kick things off, Skoda will be launching the new Skoda Citigo from early next year, a model that is based on the Volkwagen Up!. The city car will come in more than one style, unlike the Up!, including a larger four-door version.

As for the Skoda MPV, Scholz said the car won’t be a simple matter of rebadging a Volkswagen product, as opposed to the Fabia, which is based on the Volkswagen Polo, and the new Citigo. Scholz says the model will be “a more conventional MPV, something bigger than the Roomster”.

With China being the fastest growing car market at the moment, Skoda is also looking to provide a product that could do well in the market, more specifically, a new SUV. The official size and segment of the SUV is yet to be determined. Scholz says the SUV will be “bigger than the Yeti, as such a car is important for China, as well as Europe”.

With the Yeti based on Volkswagen’s A5 (PQ35) platform – underpinning vehicles such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mk6 Golf – it’s possible the new Skoda SUV will be built on the next size up platform, the PQ46, which underpins the Passat. However, an official announcement is yet to be made.

Lastly, a new Skoda hatch will be introduced, based on the Skoda MissionL concept and the Skoda MissionD concept (pictured). As previously reported, a hatch version is being planned to take on the likes of the popular Ford Focus market, slotting in between the Skoda Fabia and the Octavia in terms of price and size. The new model is being slated for release some time in 2012.

We’ll keep you updated on official details on all new models as soon as we hear more. What’s your opinion on Skoda’s current lineup? Is there a segment that stands out that Skoda needs to take part in?


 
  • Andronicus

    Quality concept that VisionD. Would love to see Skoda take that to production…hopefully almost unchanged ala RR Evoque concept = production.

  • Good News Guy

    What about a sports model.

    • aball

      I’m thinking sports models should go to Seat( VW’s “sporty” brand) and Skoda (as VW’s “value and sensible brand) should get the Alhambra MPV. VW appears to be muddying the waters between the two brands. I’m liking the VisionD’s design language. Bodes well for future Skodas.

      • CRS200

        See you don’t know what your on about Skoda has a long history in motor-sports.

        • aball

          I’m well aware of Skoda’s rally heritage. I was refering to VW’s current positioning of the brands. Skoda also has a heritage of building dreadful rear-engined cars. Clearly not the market they’re after now. Toyota’s long history of motor sport hasn’t really translated into it’s current range

      • Hendo

        Seat is not VW’s ‘sporty’ brand, its a Spanish brand that has been under VW’s control for a long time now. Trust me, their cars are no sportier than a regular VW.

        They just look Spanish!

    • me-all-day

      Octavia RS

  • kejovi

    why don’t skoda do a superb scout? it’s a beautiful wagon and it’d be great with the scout look and 125TDI tune.

  • http://www.suvstrucks.com ST

    I agree with kejovi, a scout look and 125TDI – perfect.

  • Mr Gaspo

    Skoda, what I like about you:
    1. Thick gauge sheet metal
    2. Solid feeling construction
    3. High quality interiors as good if not better than VW models

    What I don’t like:
    1. Exterior styling is a bit stodgy
    2. Prices are high, cheaper to buy a Golf Diesel and Passatt
    3. Resale concerns and reliability of some of the VAG engineering.

    I really believe if Skoda can improve the external styling, reduce it’s prices and offer a 5 year warranty they would storm up the sales charts. Even though I would like an Octavia or Superb wagon the issues above stop me from buying one.

    • Ezzagun

      Mr Gaspo I agree with you on all counts, both for and against… yet I still bought a Skoda Octavia RS wagon.

      Why?

      1. I don’t really care about exterior styling, I’m buying a machine not a piece of art; so long as it’s not dogs arse ugly that’s ok by me.

      2. Prices were line-ball with Golf but with 2 young kids the Golf’s boot was too small whereas the Octavia’s is cavernous in comparison… they drove similarly, both felt tight and well-screwed together, same engines etc, so really it was the bigger, more practical body that swayed me to the Octavia.

      3. Resale is not a concern as for me it’s a long-term car (7 years+ I’ll probably keep it) and in any case redbook shows Skoda resale values are quite competitive, so I see no concern.

      4. VW reliability? Yes, I also read about this before buying, but took the punt; by my rough calculations I’d say about 5% of VAG cars seem to have serious issues, so for me that’s a 95% chance of being satisfied, which I am after 18 months of ownership.

      • AS

        1. I actually like the exterior styling, although I think the appearance of my RS liftback is better than the standard model.

        2. Skoda is much better value when you start optioning up. I found that the VW prices for what is essentially the same piece of kit with a different logo were ridiculous.

        3. Resale? I bought the car to own and drive today, not on the basis of what it will get me when I finally come to sell it. Mind you, I plan on having it for 4 years only, so in 2 years I’m going to start looking at this issue.

        4. Everyone talks about reliability of VW, but then Skoda comes out near the top in European reliability surveys.

  • CRS200

    If Skoda launch their new Hatch like the first Photo and a vRS / Sports model with a proper balanced chassis, manual gear box and over 170kw, they can count me in.

    • Grim reaper

      Well, one sale in the bag, pheeeew I’m sure they’ll get right on it. 3-400 mill just for r&d alone but I’m sure it’ll be worth it.

      Are you serious?

      • andronicus

        If they do all that CRS200 wont be the only one lining up for a Skoda.

    • Jerrycan

      Sports models are only relevant to a small market segment. What you hope is that the ability to produce a true aspirational model with good handling and suspension will filter down to the bread and butter models.

      I drive an octavia wagon 1.9d manual and I really like its ride, steering and handling. All done with 15in wheels, good geometry, well specified spring and shocks.

      Hyundai are about three years behind in this aspect. I speak from experience owning a Santa Fe R and regularly driving rental cars.
      I was appalled at the steering on an only 20k old rental I30 (My first I30 expereience) I drove the other day. Possibly the worst of any car I have ever driven.

  • Peter

    The larger MPV has been on the cards for a long time. Google “Skoda Secret Van” to find out more.
    Peter

  • Jake

    The cars look simple and neat, ideal for the segment and the market.. but isn’t Roomster an MPV!? If no, then its a bad job! I din like the Roomster very much!

    Just sharing my thoughts!