Behold, the Skoda Mountiaq pick-up concept. The vehicle was built based on the Kodiaq SUV, and it measures 4,999 mm long, 2,005 mm wide and 1,710 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,788 mm, and the vehicle weighs in at 2,450 kilograms. Its ground clearance has been raised to 290 mm, achieved by fitting a set of 17-inch Rockstar II wheels with special off-road tyres (the latter increase track width by 30 mm).
Power comes from the same 2.0 litre TSI four-cylinder petrol engine as the Kodiaq, making 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque. It’s paired to a seven-speed DSG and features all-wheel drive as well.
Before we get into design, it’s worth taking note that the Mountiaq is a one-off project, created by a team of 35 Skoda apprentices (among them six women) and were supported by their instructors as well as Skoda experts from the Design, Production and Technical Development departments.
While strong cues of the Kodiaq still remain, the pick-up concept gains a more rugged appeal thanks to the raised air intake snorkel and high-performance winch up front. The bumper is framed by a thick bullbar, and there’s additional LED lighting in the lower bumper, on the roof, under the bonnet and on the Skoda logo.
The load bed is also illuminated with LED, with clever compartmentalisation – the boot floor features hidden compartments for smaller items, and there are rails for netting, too. The special Sunset Orange paint finish and fully functional tailgate were developed by the apprentices, and the rear features Skoda script, a design trait lifted off the Scala and Kamiq.
Inside, there’s a glowing Skoda logo in the roof lining, along with features such as integrated refrigerator, 3D-printed wheel hub ornaments and two walkie-talkies. The Mountiaq comes with a unique logo that’s embroidered in orange on the front seats, and the contrasty colour is also used for the steering wheel and shift lever.
Skoda says the Mountaiq is as genuine of a car it gets, and like every production model, the pick-up concept comes with the signature Simply Clever ideas like the new integrated funnel for the windscreen washer tank. A touchscreen head unit is linked to a set of 320-watt speakers that’s boosted by a 2,000-watt amplifier and a 2,000-watt subwoofer.
In total, it took the team over eight months and more than 2,000 hours to design and build the Skoda Mountiaq. According to the automaker, the name Mountiaq conveys a spirit of adventure and off-road flair, combining the appeal of a contemporary lifestyle vehicle with the everyday usability of a pick-up. Looks superb, doesn’t it?
Skoda Academy chief, Carsten Brandes said: “Like its predecessor models, the Skoda Mountiaq highlights the exceptional technical competence and craftsmanship of our students. Year after year, their work demonstrates the superior quality of the professional training at our vocational school.”
The project gives youngsters the chance to design and build their own vehicle. But it’s not just the apprentices who benefit – Skoda gains from their feedback and ideas during the course of the project. Once their apprenticeship is completed, Skoda gains skilled employees – every successful student at the Skoda Vocational School is offered a job with Skoda at the end of their training.
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