The Czech car manufacturer, Skoda is seriously planning to expand its SUV portfolio in segments below and above the Yeti. Dissatisfied with only one SUV- Skoda Yeti, the car maker is eagerly doing efforts to launch two more SUVs, which will be introduced in the market in the next two to four years, including in India. At 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this auto giant announced that the company will be introducing a new model every 6 months.
The anticipated launch of these two SUVs is expected to be a part of that strategy. First product of the two will be a crossover, based on VW’s Tiguan and will be bigger than the Yeti in size. The second product will be the new version of the Yeti.
A Tiguan based crossover will be christened Snowman and will be ready in two years. It is here that Skoda will be using the Tiguan platform only and rest of the SUV will be designed and given a characteristic Skoda look. Thus, expect a Skoda Rapid like front, sides and Yeti like rear on the Skoda Snowman. The interiors of the Snowman will be much plusher and up market compared to Skoda Yeti and every possible effort will be made to make it more attractive and comfortable than the Yeti. It is expected that the launch will follow immediately after it in 2014.
Another vehicle joining Skoda’s SUV line-up will be the new version of the Yeti, a compact SUV will be developed on a new platform and is expected to inherit a platform from Volkswagen Polo. However compared to Polo, it will be longer, wider and higher. Under the hood, new engines will also make an appearance of which a new 2.0 TDI diesel mill is worth a mention. The power will be jacked up to 177bhp from the current 140. Expect the price to go down slightly too as the new flexible platform enables cheaper manufacturing. The new Yeti is expected to arrive only by 2016 in Europe.
“There are several volume segments we are not currently in. We’re discussing both directions at the moment (MPV and SUV.) Personally, I prefer SUVs. There is certainly space in the range for two SUVs, one bigger and one smaller than the Yeti. Whatever models we bring, they have to be compatible with our international markets, India, China and Russia.” the company’s technical director, Eckhard Scholz said in a statement.
Also see – Skoda Rapid hatchback rendered images
Source & Image Credit – CarMagazine.co.uk
