Skoda students create Kodiaq ute

Labelled the ‘Mountiaq’, the project involved 35 students and 2,000 hours’ work over an eight-month period. The students were supported by instructors from Skoda’s Design, Production and Technical Development departments.

“The Skoda Mountiaq highlights the exceptional technical competence and craftsmanship of our students,” said Head of the Skoda Academy, Carsten Brandes.

The work started last year with designing the car before the actual metalwork began in January. With the build to be a ute, the body was reinforced before the roof was removed and a new rear cabin section, rear window and side windows were added.

In the tray, two separate storage compartments were incorporated under the tray floor, while the doors were lowered, lengthened and fitted with puddle lamps.

Modified bumpers were added at each end, while the functional tailgate is part of a bespoke back end., which the students say was the most challenging part of the build.

Other changes include a 10cm body lift, achieved through the fitting of custom 17-inch wheels and deep-profile tyres which also widened the track.

Accessories fitted to the Mountiaq included a front nudge bar, winch (and compatible mount), snorkel, rooftop light bar, bespoke fog lights, illumination for the tray area, and ambient lighting for the grille, bonnet badge and engine bay.

The Sunset Orange paint is unique to the concept, while inside, the students added a fridge, an illuminated Skoda logo in the headlining, walkie talkies and boosted the stereo output for the Columbus infotainment system by adding 320-watt speakers, a 2,000-watt amp and 2,000-watt subwoofer.

The finishing touch was a pair of sports seats with orange trim and a special Mountiaq logo embroidered into the headrests.