Skoda is committed to expanding its line-up with a host of new models, and among them possibly a direct competitor for the Range Rover Evoque.
According to British magazine Autocar, the sporty crossover could be pitched as a budget-priced alternative to the BMW X4 and Range Rover Evoque.
The magazine reports that the Volkswagen-owned company, based in the Czech Republic, has set itself the goal of building 1.5 million cars prior to 2018. As a consequence, the article hints, Skoda is fast-tracking product development to grow sales exponentially.
Due on sale in 2016, the all-new SUV will be priced to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, according to Autocar. Rather than sharing the PL73 platform that underpins the next-gen VW Touareg and Audi Q7, the big Skoda will use a stretched version of the VW Group's ubiquitous MQB architecture. Autocar reports the Skoda SUV will be offered as standard in a five-seat format, with two additional third-row seats that can fold away into the boot floor available as an option.
As per the smaller Yeti, the proposed newcomer will be offered in front-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, further broadening its target market.
Engineering sources quoted by Autocar have said the new SUV in all-paw form will have "lots of off-road capability", as well as the ability to tow decent-sized boats and caravans.
The large SUV will be a relative latecomer in Skoda's current product plans. Before the SUV's launch in 2016 there will be an all-new Fabia debuting this October, and Autocar suggests it will be followed three months later by a wagon derivative with class-leading luggage space.
The UK publication reports the next salvos in the arsenal will be an all-new Superb hatchback and wagon that will also use the MQB platform. Although not significantly longer than the existing model, a stretch in wheelbase and width is expected to boost passenger space and luggage capacity.
Styling-wise, the new Superb is said to draw from the Vision C concept (pictured), sporting sharper-edged lines and a more coupe-like profile. Autocar reports the third-gen Superb won't be offered with V6 engines, topping out with a 209kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol flagship.