autoevolution
 

VW Group Plans: Skoda Kodiaq RS And SEAT Arona-like Crossover Are in The Works

Exceeding all expectations, the Kodiaq proved to be an instant commercial hit for Skoda upon its introduction in September 2016. Available with four-cylinder engines as powerful as the 180-ps 2.0-liter TSI and 190-ps 2.0-liter TDI, the mid-size SUV will welcome a performance-oriented derivate in 2018.
2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 7 photos
Photo: Skoda
2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline
It was July 2016 when we first heard the Czech automaker planning on spicing up the Kodiaq, and Skoda is sticking to the original plan. The latest report, which comes from Autocar, cites sources close to the matter and suggests to brace ourselves for “lots of torque.” This implies the relentless surge of thrust offered by a diesel, but chances are a more potent 2.0 TSI may also be offered.

Think about the engine choices available for the Octavia RS. In its most performance-oriented configuration, the go-faster Octavia brags with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 245 PS (242 horsepower) from its 2.0-liter turbo-4. For the diesel-loving public, the most likely plant to be shoehorned under the hood is the twin-turbo 2.0 TDI, which develops 240 PS (237 horsepower) and 500 Nm (369 pound-feet) of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm.

Also heard through the grapevine known as Autocar, the British motoring publication believes Skoda will add a compact-ish crossover to the lineup in 2019 with underpinnings borrowed from the SEAT Arona and Volkswagen T-Roc. Based on the MQB A0 platform, the yet-unnamed model is described “as a sister car to the new Rapid Spaceback,” with the latter slated to be refreshed from the ground up in 2019.

Designed for markets that include the People’s Republic of China, the small utility vehicle is currently referred to as “Model Q” and it’s expected to rival the likes of Nissan’s Juke, Renault Captur, and the rather ugly Ford EcoSport.

Considering its segment and backbone, the Skoda Model Q should be offered with front- and all-wheel-drive, three- and four-cylinder engines, as well as a DSG as an option to the standard manual transmission.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)

Editor's note: 2017 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline pictured.

About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories