Skoda Confirms Development of Large 7-Seat SUV for 2015 Launch
Skoda will expand its SUV range in 2015 with a new model offering five- and seven-seat versions, targeting the Hyundai Santa Fe and major export markets.
Skoda has confirmed plans to introduce a larger SUV above the Yeti, with five- and seven-seat versions scheduled for launch in 2015. The new model is intended to compete directly with established rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, reflecting Skoda’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the family SUV segment.
Development of the new SUV is being driven by strong demand for larger, three-row vehicles in key markets. Skoda’s chairman, Winfried Vahland, has identified China as a primary target, noting the popularity of both the Yeti and larger SUVs in the region. Russia is also a priority, with a clear preference for seven-seat models to suit family buyers. The company aims for global sales of around 100,000 units per year for the new SUV, according to statements reported by Auto Express.
Positioning above the Yeti
Skoda’s new SUV will sit above the current Yeti in the range, offering more space and flexibility. Unlike the Yeti, which already has a stretched version built for China and Russia, the new model will not carry the Yeti nameplate. Vahland has indicated that Skoda intends to expand the Yeti’s global reach separately, aiming for annual sales of 200,000 units for the smaller model. The new SUV will instead establish its own identity within the Skoda line-up.
The move follows a broader trend among mainstream manufacturers to broaden their SUV offerings with larger, family-oriented models. The Hyundai Santa Fe, a direct competitor, is already sold in both five- and seven-seat configurations and has proven popular in similar markets. Volkswagen, Skoda’s parent company, is also developing a seven-seat SUV for the US market, reflecting group-wide interest in the segment.
Focus on export markets
China’s appetite for larger SUVs has been a key factor in Skoda’s decision. The brand has already introduced a stretched Yeti in China and begun local production in Russia, but the new model is designed to meet even greater demand for space and flexibility. The seven-seat version is expected to appeal particularly to Russian buyers, where practicality is a major selling point.
No technical details or specifications have been released at this stage. Skoda has not confirmed which engines or platforms will underpin the new SUV, though it is likely to share components with other Volkswagen Group models. The company’s focus for now is on meeting the requirements of global markets where demand for large, practical SUVs is growing rapidly.
Naming and brand strategy
The upcoming SUV will not use the Yeti badge, despite initial speculation. Skoda’s strategy is to maintain the Yeti as a separate, high-volume model, while the new SUV will establish a distinct identity within the line-up. This approach mirrors moves by other brands in the Volkswagen Group, such as Seat and Volkswagen themselves, which are expanding their SUV portfolios with new nameplates for different segments.
The launch of a large seven-seat SUV marks a significant step for Skoda as it seeks to broaden its appeal in export markets and challenge established players in the family SUV class. Further details, including final design, technical specifications and pricing, are expected closer to the model’s 2015 debut.
