PRAGUE: The recent launch of the Skoda Kodiaq SUV has been greeted with very positive reviews. Taking this one step further, is Skoda planning to develop the soon-to-be-revealed Vision E concept along the same lines?
First sight of this new vehicle will be at the Shanghai Motor Show next month and Skoda is teasing buyers with an intriguing image of a concept called Vision E. Very little is known about this concept but it is strongly rumoured to be likely to evolve into a coupe version of the impressive Kodiaq.
The shadowy image shows what appears to be a crossover type of vehicle that has been styled more like a coupe in the company's signature "crystal glass art" design. The Vision E or Kodiaq coupe will likely come in a two-row, 5-seat version implied by its sloping roof line, rather than as a seven-seat vehicle.
Will we see this car in Europe? Initially it was thought that Skoda planned the Kodiaq coupe only for the Chinese market, hence the first viewing in Shanghai where it is expected to launch by 2019. It is now rumoured that the brand is now mulling bringing it to Europe thanks to the success of the bigger Kodiaq.
Playing their cards close to their chest, the company has not revealed any information on specifications, however the mystery car is likely to come with engine options similar to the standard Kodiaq. The petrol variant is likely to be powered by versions of the 1.4L, four-cylinder TSI engine or a 2.0L TDI diesel.
As with other current models, engines are likely to be available with dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Possibly, in line with current trends, a plug-in hybrid may follow.
The Shanghai Auto Show press days run April 19-20 and the show is open to the public April 21-28.
