Skoda plans large SUV

* Skoda rival to Hyundai Santa Fe * Five- and seven-seat versions * Could be based on VW Crossblue...

Skoda plans large SUV

Skoda is planning to build a large SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

The new model could be based on the VW Crossblue concept car which was unveiled at this week's Detroit motor show and will be available as both a five- and seven-seater.

Skoda CEO Winfried Vahland told What Car?: 'We are looking at building a large SUV, and it will need to be available with both five and seven seats to reflect the demands of different markets.'

However, Vahland indicated that this would be the only seven-seat car in the Skoda line-up for some time to come.

'Our new products need to be internationally viable, and the worldwide MPV market is in decline,' he said.

By Will Nightingale