2017 Skoda Kodiaq: official new teaser pictures and video released

We've driven a prototype version of the Kodiaq, and the car was spotted testing at the Nürburgring ahead of its official unveiling at the Paris motor show this autumn.

The SUV was previously teased in a pair of sketches, confirming that the production model's design will retain most of the look of the VisonS concept on which it is based.

It's clear that the Kodiaq development car has kept the VisionS's bulky wheel arches, although it does appear to have a slightly more slanted nose - perhaps to conform with pedestrian impact safety standards - and lightly reshaped headlights.

Name and design

The new model's name, Kodiaq, was confirmed earlier this year and comes from a species of Alaskan bear, although the spelling - kodiak - has been altered. Skoda says this is to make the name "more distinctive".

It was said from the start that the look of the VisionS concept would be toned down for production, but key elements, including the prominent front grille, are likely to remain relatively unchanged. The conceptual interior of the VisionS will be altered for the production model, though.

A plug-in hybrid model is also planned - although it won't be part of the launch range. Skoda will instead launch its first plug-in hybrid model as a variant of the Superb in around 2019.

Big seller

The new SUV is expected to become a big seller for Skoda, introducing new customers to the marque and paving the way for future SUV models. It will also introduce a fresh, more 'emotional' design language which will be seen on all the brand's future cars. It’s already known that a rakish five-door coupé-like SUV is planned following the initial Kodiaq launch, as well as a performance version with sportier styling, which could carry the vRS badge.

The SUV-coupé, a rival for the likes of the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupé, is currently only designated for China but is likely to also be sold in Europe. Another crossover-style car with "SUV elements" is also in development for the Chinese market, and will arrive in 2018. Skoda boss Bernhard Maier has previously said: “We might imagine there will be further models [in the SUV family]."

Beyond the launch of the SUV family, Skoda's Yeti will morph into a larger model with a more traditional SUV shape. Maier is promising more space than in the old car, and it's extremely likely that a hybrid variant will form part of the launch range. Skoda is also known to be working on a bespoke electric vehicle for launch in 2020/21, and although the shape of that model is currently undecided, an SUV or crossover body would appear to be a strong choice.

“We’ve seen for some time that the SUV segment has experienced the strongest growth in the market,” said Maier. “That was the reason for Skoda to decide to invest in this segment. There is already major demand for the Yeti, and we hear from existing customers and from those that want to be customers that they would like to see a Skoda SUV. We have additional ideas on top of this.”

Maier said that the traditional properties of an SUV – a raised seating position, clear visibility, storage space and practicality – fitted in well with Skoda’s brand values. He also confirmed that future Skoda models will feature a design language akin to that of the VisionS – a key driver in attracting younger customers to the brand.

Asked whether Skoda could explore additional larger or smaller models after the Kodiaq goes on sale, Maier said the decision would depend on "the demands of the market".