Skoda builds a ute!

If you’ve ever wondered what a Skoda Kodiaq-based ute would look like, then wonder no more.

The one-off Mountiaq concept is the product of more than 2000 hours work over eight months by a team of 35 apprentices.

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Transforming the Kodiaq into a ute required reinforcement of the body after the team removed the roof, creating a rear panel for the cab along with new rear and side windows. Skoda says one of the biggest challenges was the integration of the fully functional tailgate and the short tray features a hidden storage compartment. Although it looks pretty similar to a conventional 4x4 ute, overall payload is limited due to the donor Kodiaq, which is based on the road-focused MQB platform.

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But it’s not just a ute look-alike with some extra body cladding, as the Mountiaq has been fitted with high-lift suspension, a snorkel, underbody protection, bulbar, LED light bars and a winch. The one-off concept adds a whopping 100mm of ground clearance (290mm in total) over the Kodiaq via the lifted suspension and 17-inch Rockstar wheels wrapped in special off-road tyres with deep treads.

At 4999mm long, 2005mm wide and 1710mm tall, the ute is bigger than its SUV donor in all dimensions, showcasing just how much work went into the conversion.

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However, don’t expect blistering performance with the Mountiaq weighing a heavy 2450kg and powered by the Kodiaq’s stock 140kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol.

The Sunset Orange paint was also developed by the students, while the cabin received attention with specific design elements and a thumping sounds system featuring a 2000-watt subwoofer.

What do you think, should Skoda consider taking Mountiaq to production?