The rendering is based on the actual 7-seater and will be the new flagship SUV for Skoda, priced on the lines of the Superb sedan.
Earlier this year, Skoda Auto had conveyed its plans of launching a 7-Seater full-blown SUV by 2016-17 with development on the model already begun. To be positioned above the Yeti in Skoda’s lineup, the new SUV is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform and will come with three rows of seats and a host of equipment on offer. Codenamed as the ‘A Plus SUV’, the Volkswagen Group company recently showcased the upcoming 7-seater model to certain international media publications at a closed event and now Auto Moto has rendered the upcoming SUV based on what they saw.
Since publications were not allowed to take photos, the rendering is said to be the closest to the actual A Plus SUV. The rendering showcases the SUV with sharp lines and a familiar front grille seen on the company’s new models; however, it is not a full blown SUV but more of a soft-roader complete with urban styling. The Czech based automaker had earlier confirmed that the SUV measures 4.6 metres in length, while features from the Superb sedan will trickle down on the SUV. Skoda bosses also confirmed at the event that the new SUV will not be called ‘Snowman’ as speculated earlier.
In terms of powertrain, the new Skoda A Plus SUV will use 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines under the hood, paired to manual and automatic transmissions and will be offered with 2WD and 4WD options. A plugin hybrid is likely to join the lineup in the future. Competing against the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and the likes in the segment, the upcoming SUV will be priced around the same range as the Superb putting it in the Rs. 25-30 lakh space. An Indian launch could be likely, but we suspect Skoda India to take a firm decision once its operations stabilise in the country.
Source – Auto Moto