Volkswagen has big plans for its cooperation with Skoda and Audi. The German carmaker is launching its truck under VW badge in the US – Atlas Tanoak. Audi pickup is almost ready, and the latest rumors we can hear about are regarding the Skoda Pickup Truck Concept. Well, the idea is there for a while, but the VW is not seriously considering this move.
We could see Skoda Funstar concept of Czech students. It is not likely that a sporty subcompact truck could appear. But, the wider image is giving us a better perspective of VW plans. And the Skoda Pickup Truck Concept could be the final step before the release of the production model. The German carmaker will have to weight the risks and decide if this idea is profitable.
Skoda Pickup Truck Concept Based on VW Amarok
This is the most certain outcome. Volkswagen is already present on the market with Amarok truck. However, it is not available for the US market. We doubt Skoda Pickup Truck Concept when it enters the production, will be launched immediately on the big stage.
The Skoda Pickup Truck could be repacked VW Amarok under the new badge. Same drivetrains slightly changed the shell, and the new logo is the good start. Also, the price is definitely going down. We can see similar solutions in other segments. Although it is Skoda, there are VW parts, since the Germans are the parent company to Czech carmaker.
Skoda Pickup Truck Concept Drivetrain
Under the hood of the Skoda Pickup Truck Concept is definitely some of VW engines. We still don’t know what it could be, but diesel is a more likely option. The truck is not heading to the US, so there are no worries about emission standards. For example, a 2.0-l is good for the entry-level engine. It can produce 160 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. There is also a bi-turbo version of this powertrain that adds more twist. The Bluemotion 3.0-liter turbo-diesel is capable to make up to 225 horses and 410 lb-ft. However, this engine could come as optional for high-end trim levels.
Skoda Funstar Truck Concept
A couple of years ago, Czech students presented the concept of a truck based on Fabia, one of the best-known Skoda’s vehicles. The Skoda Funstar concept, three years later, is still out of production plans. But, fans hope that could be a kind of sign that the company is going to make its own pickup truck. We doubt this is about to happen, although the idea is great. Well, the Funstar is not so capable to work. But, sporty design with a lot of creative solutions could be used for some parts of the upcoming Skoda Pickup Truck Concept.
Skoda Pickup Truck Concept Future
The Skoda Pickup Truck Concept is a long shot. The company is being very successful recently, especially in the European market. The quality brought by VW’s ownership made buyers give trust to the Czech carmaker. To stay competitive, Skoda will have to expand its offer. The SUVs is already there and the next vehicle to develop and launch is a pickup truck. We could see the first ideas during 2019 and 2020, with production not starting before 2021.