Skoda releases first sketches of its China-exclusive Kodiaq GT coupe-SUV

Finally, Skoda is entering the coupe-SUV segment. However, motorists in Europe or United States won't be able to get a piece of it. This is because Skoda is marketing the all-new coupe version of Kodiaq – the Skoda Kodiaq GT -- exclusive in China. It may arrive in other markets around the world, but for now, plans only involves exclusive sale in the Chinese market.

Skoda has yet to disclose important details about the all-new Kodiaq GT. Nonetheless, the fact that the Czech carmaker has released three design sketches, Skoda is all-bent to deliver a new coupe-SUV – as based on the Kodiaq SUV – for the Chinese market. This means that China will the only market in the world in which Skoda will be selling four SUV models: Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT.

The new Kodiaq GT will be Skoda’s fourth SUV in China, and will be second exclusive model made just for the Chinese market, after the Kamiq. It will also be replacing the Kamiq as the brand’s most expensive SUV and its new flagship in China. According to the Czech carmaker, the Kodiaq GT coupe SUV is a demonstration of its commitment to the Chinese market, expecting the new model to be a key driver of the brand’s image.

Based on the design sketches released by Skoda, the new Kodiaq GT boasts of an athletically dynamic profile, as define by its coupe-like flanks as well as clear and precise lines. Starting from behind the front doors, the roofline of the new Skoda Kodiaq GT slopes downward in gentle manner, then merges with the coupe SUV’s angled tailgate. While the Kodiaq GT does look like the Kodiaq large SUV, but the coupe version is differentiated on the rear end. The basic exterior dimensions of the Kodiaq GT seem to be similar to that of Kodiaq.

Inside, the new Skoda Kodiaq GT – according to the images – will have nearly the same overall design as the cabin of the Kodiaq. However, it is expected that the coupe version will feature more sporty options like sports seat.

Skoda is seeing the SUV segment, not just in China, but also in other markets, as having particular potential for growth. This is why its new SUV offensive -- along with electromobility and digitalization – as one the key pillars of Skoda’s Strategy 2025. The partiality that Skoda seemingly has for China is due to the fact that the country is its largest global market for the Czech carmaker. In fact, one of every four vehicles that Skoda sells is in China.

In 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Czech Republic and inked a Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum called for a five-year plan in which over EUR2 billion will be invested to expand Skoda’s SUV portfolio and develop alternative-drive models.

PRESS RELEASE

SKODA provides first view of KODIAQ GT

ŠKODA allows first view of future top model of the design sketches of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT in the Chinese market. The dynamic coupé version of big SUV ŠKODA KODIAQ will be exclusively available in China. In the meantime, China will be the only market in which ŠKODA offers a total of four SUV models with KAMIQ, KAROQ, KODIAQ and KODIAQ GT.

As the design sketches show, all lines are clearly and precisely designed, the coupé-like side line gives the new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT a sporty and dynamic profile. The coupé-version of large SUV that differentiates it from the KODIAQ is its rear section. Behind the front doors, the roofline gently slopes down, merging into an angled tailgate. As the first SUV coupé in the Czech car maker’s model portfolio, the KODIAQ GT will serve as the new flagship model in China, and be a key driver of the brand’s image.

China – the worldwide largest market for ŠKODA
The SUV offensive is a key pillar of Strategy 2025, along with electromobility and digitalisation. In China, where the new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT in addition to ŠKODA KAMIQ will actually be the second exclusive ŠKODA SUV on the market, this segment offers a particular potential for growth. Even today, Chinese market is the world’s biggest market for ŠKODA. Every fourth ŠKODA vehicle is currently delivered to China. According to a five-year plan, laid out in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the Czech Republic, more than two billion euros will be invested in the expansion of the SUV portfolio and the development of alternative-drive ŠKODA vehicles.

Source: Skoda