Skoda has shed more light on its future plans to make it big in the SUV and crossover sectors, giving us a sneak peek at the cars that will grow its range over the next few years.The brand is planning a total of four new SUVs including a more mainstream Yeti, a seven-seat BMW X4-style coupe and smaller Juke rival. All of the new models are based on the versatile Volkswagen Group MQB platform but while the others are earmarked for Europe, it's possible that the coupe may only be sold in China.
The new Skoda Yeti shares much with the new Volkswagen Tiguan that has just been unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. It features a Superb-style front end and sharp creases down the sides to differentiate it from its Volkswagen Group stablemate. The new Yeti is due on sale in 2018.
Family buyers will be catered for by Skoda's new 7-seat SUV. The upscale model looks very smart with sharp lines and high quality detailing. Following the lead of the Superb saloon, interior space is particularly strong with loads of room in all three rows. The rear seats slide an impressive 18cm allowing owners to prioritise legroom or boot space.
We've also been given the heads-up on how the current Skoda look will evolve in future. We'll see the return of twin headlights on 2017 Octavia facelift with the inner lights cleverly integrated into grille to give the Skoda family a more distinctive front-end appearance.
Skoda's SUVs will get the same four headlight treatment, with the driving lights lifted up to sit underneath slim headlights. Square wheel arches also feature across the SUV model line with recessed boot opening at the rear. Skoda's SUV designs are further marked out by clamshell bonnets with the new Yeti and bigger 7-Seat SUV inheriting this feature from the current Yeti.
In terms of engine technology, we expect the latest Volkswagen Group turbocharged petrol and TDI diesel units to feature but both the Skoda Yeti and the 7-seater will feature a new plug-in hybrid powertrain that will debut in the Octavia. Familiar trim levels will feature with the rugged Scout trim used across the range of two and four-wheel-drive models. More road-orientated Sportline models will provide an alternative.
The range is set to be transformed by the arrival of these new products but Skoda will stay close to its current value-for-money brand ethos. That doesn't mean cheap, with the new 7-seat SUV possibly pushing Skoda towards the £50,000 barrier for the first time.