Skoda Yeti’s success is persuading the top management of the Cech brand to broaden their offer in the SUV segment. According to Auto Bild, it is confirmed that two more models will enter the market by the end of 2016: a 4.3 meters long model will replace the Yeti while an older sister measuring 4.6 meters in length - based on VW Tiguan - will also join the fold, and will probably be able to accommodate up to 7 people in its cabin. Rumor has it that both cars will be heavily inspired by the design of the Mission L Concept - recently showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show - and that their front end will become a signature feature for most future Skoda cars.

This new policy toward the SUV market alongside the introduction of brand new versions of both Fabia and Octavia models should allow the Cech brand to achieve the 500,000 units sold target in 2018, as estimated by the VAG Group’s global strategy plan. Skoda is actually expanding its customer base by entering new segments of the market with such models as the Up!-derived Citigo and a new MPV based on VW Sharan. Also a saloon car called Rapid is recently entered into production in India, but it is destined to extra-European markets only.

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The Skoda Yeti will get a bigger version alongside it in the SUV range in a ‘maxi’ version with seven seats. It could be called the Skoda Bigfoot although we’re hoping that this name changes. The bigger Skoda model would be based on the longer Volkswagen Tiguan model and would represent the biggest car not only in the Skoda line-up, but also in the VAG group. It would fill the gap left by the absence of the Volkswagen Sharan and Seat Alhambra.

The Skoda Bigfoot would be about 465 cm long and would compete with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander, Citroen C-Crossover, Peugeot 4007 and Volvo XC60. That’s a crowded segment so hopefully the Skoda will do something to distinguish itself from the others. The Skoda Bigfoot would be available in Europe, but would also possibly arrive in Russia, China and India.

The Bigfoot engine range would include the 1.4 TSI with 150 hp, the 2.0 TSI with 211 hp and the new 2.0 TDI twin turbo with 204 hp. A 4×4 version would also be available, along with a dual-clutch DSG gearbox. The Skoda Bigfoot should be released sometime in 2013 at a competitive price.

Source | AutoInternationaal

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The Car of the Year prizes have been dominated by the Germans with many being awarded one of Autobild’s “Golden Steering Wheel” awards. The Porsche Panamera won the luxury car category, beating the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S Class, while the medium to large sedan category was won by the Audi A5 Sportback, followed by the BMW 5-Series GT and the Mercedes E Class.

Among the compact class, a nice win for the new Opel Astra, beating the Skoda Yeti, which came in second ahead of the Renault Megane. In its sector, the Renault Scenic emerged ahead of the Toyota Verso and Peugeot 5008, and among the small cars the Volkswagen Polo won over the Citroen C3 and Hyundai i20. The Toyota Prius took out the ecological prize, followed by the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid.

The supercar category was dominated by the new Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing, followed by the Audi R8 Spider and the Aston Martin One-77. The finalists for overall COTY are the Citroën C3 Picasso, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Opel Astra, Peugeot 3008, Skoda Yeti, Toyota iQ and Volkswagen Polo. Take your bets now…

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At the 2009 Geneva show Skoda has officially presented the Yeti, defined as a compact SUV. It’s 4.2 metres long, and is designed for maximum versatility and functionality. The engine range has been confirmed as: the new 1.2L TSI at 105hp with front wheel drive, the 1.8 litre TSI at 160hp with all-wheel drive (for the petrol version), and the 2 litre TDI at 110, 140 and 170hp with DPF filter. The 110hp version is also available on order with front rear wheel drive only.

Continue reading: Skoda Yeti presented at the Geneva show

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