Skoda planning a new range of SUVs, including an EcoSport competitor

Skoda is planning to add a couple of all-new SUVs to its global line-up. These new vehicles will reach the showrooms worldwide in the next two years. The products will be based on Volkswagen’s AO platform. 

The new SUVs are expected to flank the Yeti from both directions; one will be priced lower, whereas the other will be priced higher. It is highly possible that the SUV to be priced under the Yeti will be based on the Taigun concept shown at the Auto Expo this year. It will be a worthy competitor to the Ford EcoSport worldwide and might be priced lower than the VW Taigun. The other might be a larger vehicle which will compete with the big brigade of SUVs worldwide, again this one might be priced lower than its German sibling. 

The engines are likely to be an all-new 1.5-litre diesel, a downsized version of the current 1.6-litre diesel and a three-pot, 1.0-litre, 108bhp turbocharged direct-injection petrol motor mill. Skoda’s bigger SUV could be based on the recently-launched VW Touareg and be priced below the VW. 

The Yeti is also getting a little old and when asked about the future plans for the SUV, Skoda brand director Alasdair Stewart said, "We will definitely be seeing a new Yeti revealed to the world in the near future," 

He also added, "The SUV market is a sector that we are most definitely looking to expand so things like the seven-seater Yeti have been discussed for future projects. Our future in the SUV market is an important one and we will need to strengthen our position with new products, be it larger or smaller than the current Yeti."

In India, we can expect both the SUVs to be launched immediately after their global parade. However, the confidence of the smaller SUV making it to India is higher than the bigger one. It could be the first of the two if Skoda decides to bring both here to hit our market following the launch of VW Taigun.

Source: AOL Cars