Skoda builds HiLux-smashing Mountiaq ute

After a couple of teasers, Skoda has finally revealed its apprentice-built Mountiaq ute.

Based on the Kodiaq SUV, the Mountiaq (or ‘mountain Kodiaq’) was developed by 35 students from the Skoda Vocational School for Mechanical Engineering and took over 2000 hours over the past eight months to create. 

The Mountiaq looks tough from the side.

The Mountiaq is the sixth vehicle built by the company as part its vocational program, and there is currently no production intent for the car - though it’s not hard to see Skoda producing something similar to it in the future. 

Read More About Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda teases Mountiaq ute. 

Heavily reworked from the Kodiaq on which it was based, the Mountiaq’s cabin is significantly shorter and ends behind the front seats. The rear was totally reshaped to accommodate an illuminated pick-up bed and a fully functioning tailgate.

An illuminated Skoda logo sits in the rooflining.

The Mountiaq also features a number of off-road parts including an LED light bar on the roof, 17-inch wheels with off-road tyres, an air intake snorkel, winch and bullbar. 

The suspension was lifted 10cm to further increase off-road ability. 

The Mountiaq's dashboard has from the Kodiaq with extra orange details.

Inside the Mountiaq is fitted out with more off-road kit - there is a pair of radios, an integrated refrigerator and an illuminated Skoda logo in the headliner. 

The exterior’s orange and black colour theme continues through to the cabin, with black upholstery with orange highlights featuring. 

Under the bonnet of the Mountiaq is the standard Kodiaq’s 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Mountiaq's tray is configurable.

Previous apprentice-built cars from Skoda include the Sunroq (a Karoq convertible) in 2018, the Element in 2017 (an electric Citigo), the Atero in 2016 (a Rapid-based coupe), the Funstar (a Fabia pick up truck) in 2015 and the Citijet (a Citigo convertible) in 2014.

Should Skoda build a ute like the Mountiaq? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.