If you were in the market for a solid, yet hooligan-esque SUV but felt you were lacking in options, Skoda may be about to answer your prayers.
They’ve released a teaser video of a Kodiaq vRS at the Nurburgring with a promise of a ‘record breaking lap’.
Sabine Schmidt was at the helm for the lap, which will be revealed tomorrow, 14th June. Keep your eyes peeled…
Details on the hot seven-seater are yet to be announced, but it is expected to hit the market later in the year.
Want one already?
Skoda have revealed their concept SUV, the Vision X, at the Geneva Motor Show.
The concept is the first hybrid to wear the Czech company’s badge, and showcases a combustion engine that runs on petrol and naturally compressed gases (CNG) for the front axle, and is supplemented by electric motors powering the rear wheels. The 1.5-litre unit has been developed to work with CNG and is fitted with a turbo, resulting in emissions of a mere 89g CO2 per kilometre. CNG units are considerably more efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts, and the G-Tec Skoda example is capable of using biogas – something that opens the possibility of carbon neutral emissions.
Alongside the green drivetrain, images of equally green bodywork have also broken cover, and the styling of the SUV shows a sporty advance on the current Skoda family look. The interpretation of a modern crossover is a hint at what a third Skoda SUV would be and also a look forward to the future of the brand – that has targeted a plug-in hybrid Superb for next year and electrification of the whole range by 2025.
The electric motor can offer 52lbf.ft in the rear axle on demand, which will be useful off-road and compliments the 130bhp and 147lbf.ft on tap from the drivetrain. It also utilises regenerative charging when braking or coasting to keep the power supply topped up.
With front, rear and all-wheel drive selectable, the Vision X is a versatile concept. That continues inside, with infotainment extensively available thanks to a wide dash, with a large glass-like display that rises from the centre console. The concept also previews systems that do everything from find parking spaces, offer ride sharing or vehicle rental and the Vision X will even pick the kids up from nursery when you can’t – or at least it would do.
To further the active lifestyle appeal of the Vision X concept, it’s boot is home to two electric skateboards, charging ports and a pair of helmets plus a drone to film the knarly kick-flips and grinds. In a sentence that could be taken from a budget adaptation of Transformers, the backs of the rear seats also detach and double up as spinal protection for skateboarding.
Concepts often feel like gimmicks to simply get people interested, but the plausibility of the Vision X, plus Skoda frequently referencing it as a study, give the impression that at some point, we might actually see something like this in production.
Despite the fact the Mecca of motoring doesn’t start until next week, manufacturers have been teasing a mix of pictures, specs and new releases already. Here’s a list of what to look out for.
Honda
Honda will reveal the European spec of the next-gen CR-V in Switzerland, with styling updates accompanying optional sixth and seventh seats and a hybrid powertrain on the new model. Oh, and four-wheel drive variants with both petrol and hybrid drivetrains.
The first deliveries are expected in autumn this year, with hybrids coming next year.
Jaguar
The I-Pace will get it’s full public unveiling next week in Geneva, but there will be an online reveal before then.
Tomorrow night the electric SUV will be uncovered live on the internet at 6pm. Jaguar say that the battery on the five seat SUV will charge from empty to 80% in 85 minutes, and full pricing and specifications are to be announced after the curtain drops.
Jeep
There will be three debutants from Jeep at this year’s show, with the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the 2019 Cherokee and the most anticipated new model in the off-roading sphere, the fourth-gen Wrangler appearing in Europe for the first time.
Joining the new releases on their stand will be a Night Eagle special edition of the latest Compass and four Mopar kitted Jeeps, showing off the accessory brand’s latest ranges.
Land Rover
Land Rover have teased a limited run two-door Range Rover, harking back to the Classic. We know very little thus far, except that it’s a full-fat Range Rover minus the back doors, there will only be 999 of them and the interior looks funky.
The full reveal will be at the show on the 6th March.
Mitsubishi
Geneva will see two model debuts from Mitsubishi – the e-Evolution concept and the 2019 Outlander PHEV.
The all electric e-Evolution will be making its European debut at the show. The EV shows the ‘strategic directions’ of the Mitsubishi brand, combining a sharp exterior with an under-floor triple battery system. One battery drives the front axle, whilst to share responsibilities at the back, and this is paired with Mitsubishi’s all-wheel drive management setup.
A global debut awaits the 2019 Outlander PHEV at Geneva. The second-generation hybrid SUV has had its drivetrain redesigned, with the previous 2.0-litre petrol engine being upgraded to 2.4-litres. The outputs of the generator, rear motor, and the drive battery will be 10% higher than the current PHEV, whilst the drive battery’s capacity will be upped by 15%.
The Outlander’s 4WD system will also be getting more modes, including sport and snow settings.
Click here to visit Mitsubishi’s dedicated Geneva Motor Show website.
Skoda
Skoda have announced that they will reveal several model updates at Geneva, including the latest L&K and their latest concept.
The Kodiaq L&K will make its debut in the metal in Switzerland, as the SUV receives the top-spec treatment. A digital instrument panel will also be added to the Kodiaq lineup.
The Vision X concept looks forward to the future of the Skoda SUV family. The hybrid, ‘emotionally rich study’ operates a large touchscreen display and champions infotainment and connectivity. The powertrain in the Vision X is a four-cylinder turbo unit that runs on compressed natural gas and is enhanced by an electric motor.
SsangYong
SsangYong are doing well at the moment, and fresh from winning our 4×4 Of The Year Award with the Rexton, they’ve got a couple of reveals lined up for Geneva.
A new Musso will be revealed for the first time in Europe, alongside an electric offering. The e-SIV (which stands for electronic smart interface vehicle) is a concept SUV geared towards connectivity and autonomous driving, and has a slated range of 450km and can charge up to 80% in 50 minutes.
With more reveals certain over the duration of the show, we’ll keep you updated with everything 4×4.
In our 4×4 Of The Year Awards, we divided the array of 4x4s and SUVs available today into seven less broad classes. We’ve also named an overall winner and dished out three Special Awards.
The first of these is Best Value, which goes to the SsangYong Rexton. The truck itself is staggeringly impressive and marks a watershed in SsangYong’s transition from budget brand to part of the mainstream – but the price at which it’s performance comes is overwhelming.
The Off-Road Award (not to be confused with the class award for the Off-Roaders category) goes to the Jeep Wrangler. The JK model is in its last year, but it remains the definitive choice for off-road use.
Our final award goes to 4×4 Manufacturer of the Year. This year, Jeep has strengthened its hand with the new Renegade, and on top of that it has debuted the new Wrangler JL – which, though it’s yet to arrive in Europe, we now know will retain all the critical engineering features that made the JK such a superstar. Even among the soft-roaders in its range, the availability of Jeep’s enhanced Trailhawk models allows them to top the pile off-road. All in all, Jeep is nailing it.
List of Winners
Crossover Estate- Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer
Crossover– Fiat Panda Cross
Small SUV– Jeep Renegade
Medium SUV– Skoda Kodiaq
Large SUV– Land Rover Discovery
Performance/Luxury SUV– Range Rover
Off-Roader, Best Value & 4×4 Of The Year– Ssangyong Rexton
Off-Road Award– Jeep Wrangler
4×4 Manufacturer Of The Year– Jeep
Read the full overview and reports from the 4×4 Of The Year Awards, in the 48-page supplement in the February 2018 issue of 4×4.
The Medium SUV class is the biggest and most varied category in the 4×4 of the Year Awards, with plenty of all-rounders and precision tools worth a mention. Not to mention the impressive newcomer from Mazda – the CX-5. But the Skoda Kodiaq takes the crown, on merit, for being an exquisite multi-faceted option. Its build quality, interior styling and space and the gear combine to make a worthy winner.
The Kodiaq is competent in every way on the tarmac, and is available with off-road enhancements that make a real difference. It’s in touch with reality for vehicles in this class, whilst also being a fantastic family wagon.
Read the full verdict and the overview of the Medium SUV class in the 48-page 4×4 of the Year supplement with the February 2018 issue of 4×4.
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