The Skoda Montiaq student concept car has been revealed to showcase “the exceptional technical competence and craftsmanship of our students”.

Don’t expect to see the Skoda Mountiaq in a dealership near you, this student-built concept is the sixth such vehicle from apprentices at the Skoda Vocational School. The Kodiaq-based Mountiaq pick-up is intended, according to Carsten Brandes, Head of the Skoda Voicational School, “[to highlight] 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.”

A total of 35 Skoda apprentices from seven different career paths, among them six women, were involved in the development and production of the Skoda Mountiaq. It took eight months and 2000 hours to complete the vehicle from design through to construction.

“Building the Skoda Mountiaq with our own hands was a unique opportunity for all of us, as we were able to use our theoretical know-how in a practical context”, said Skoda apprentice Petr Zemanec. “We also benefited from the new connections we were able to establish with students on other career paths. We will never forget the over 2000 hours of work we spent making our unique pick-up.”

The Mountiaq is 4999mm long, 2005mm wide and 1710mm high. The wheelbase measures 2788mm, and the vehicle weighs in at 2450kg. For enhanced off-road capabilities, the trainees increased their one-off model’s ground clearance by 10cm to a claimed 29cm. The bulk of this extra clearance came via fitting 17-inch wheels wrapped in aggressive mud-terrain tyres.

According to Skoda, “After the design was finalised, the production phase kicked off in January this year. Body and paint shop work took place simultaneously so the students could finish the vehicle in time for the May deadline. They began by reinforcing the body.

“Next, they removed the roof of the donor Kodiaq and fashioned a rear panel for the cab as well as a new rear window and side windows. The area behind the cab of the Mountiaq features a load bed with a hidden storage compartment underneath. The students shortened and widened the doors, adjusting them to fit within the wider overall proportions of their vehicle. The appearance of the car was rounded off harmoniously by modified bumpers at the front and rear. Running boards on the door sills and the completely redesigned rear radiate rugged appeal and underline the Mountiaq’s visual presence. One of the project’s greatest challenges for the students was the integration of a fully functional tailgate”.