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Skoda wants Mazda CX-3 rival

Skoda wants to expand its growing crossover SUV line-up even further by launching a smaller model to match the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V, set below the mid-sized Karoq and large Kodiaq.


This desired small SUV would serve as a spiritual successor to the slightly unusual Skoda Yeti, which has been killed off to make way for the more conventional Karoq as pictured above.

While not exactly a roaring success the world over, the Yeti was a massive hit in Europe - where it sold in numbers similar to the Mazda CX-5.

Pictured: Skoda Yeti 

The Czech company is currently rolling out the Kodiaq seven-seater around the world, including in Australia (review here). Meanwhile, the Karoq five-seater will launch in March 2018 in Australia.

Both are based on the same modular MQB toolkit/architecture as the Volkswagen Tiguan.

If it comes about, the mooted smaller crossover would sit between the Fabia and Karoq and probably share components with parent company Volkswagen's new entry SUV, the T-Roc.

Pictured: Skoda Kodiaq 

Such a vehicle could embrace the quirkiness that made the Yeti, given brands often take risks at this end of the market (think of the Nissan Juke and Toyota C-HR).

"If you have a look at the segments and how they are developing... the small SUV part is growing massively and definitely Skoda would like to join the party. We are evaluating potential other models," said Skoda's head of sales for our global region, Peter Šolc, out from the Czech Republic for the Kodiaq launch in NSW.

Not much else is known about this expected Skoda baby crossover, though the odds of the Yeti name being dusted off are slim. We understand all Skoda SUVs will have names starting with K and ending in Q.

Pictured: Skoda Vision E concept 

On another note, Skoda is not expected to bother with a second-generation Citigo mini car due to declining demand in Europe, while the next Rapid due around 2019 will grow into a proper golf rival.

As we already know Skoda will produce a sleeker Kodiaq 'coupe' derivative. It'll almost certainly have PHEV and even full electric spin offs.

Skoda is on track to sell a record 1.2 million cars this year, the vast majority it Western Europe and China. Eastern Europe is its home, but its volumes there are lower (though its market share isn't).

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