This is the VisionS, and it’s as crossover-y as a crossover can be. Based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, it features a classic two-box design. The larger of those two cubes – speaking of, the new look is allegedly inspired by cubism, Skoda said – features three separate rows of seats with room for six passengers. Don’t think that there’s loads of space for those six people, though. This is still very much a compact CUV.
At 15.4 feet long, it’s almost the exact same length as a Mitsubishi Outlander – one of the only compacts in the US with a third row – and it’s only slightly wider, at 6.26 feet versus 5.94. The footprint, then, will still be very comfortable on European roads, while offering more space than the average Octavia Estate. The VisionS should also be comfortable at European gas pumps, too.
Like so many concepts today, the VisionS relies on a plug-in hybrid system. There’s a 1.4-liter, turbocharged petrol engine up front, with a healthy 154 horsepower, but it’s paired up with potent 54-hp engine. Total system output sits at a 221 hp, which if we look at the aforementioned Outlander, is only three hp less than the thirsty V6 model. 62 miles per hour arrives in just 7.4 seconds.
And then there are the looks. Feel free to debate the VisionS’ aesthetics in the Comments, but we quite like it, which is a good thing since Skoda claims this CUV will preview future models. You can check out the gallery for a better look at the VisionS, and then head below for the full press release.
› Highlight at Lac Léman: Design study ‘ŠKODA VisionS’ gives an insight into future SUV models
› Plug-in-hybrid drive with high efficiency
› Emotive design study demonstrates evolution of ŠKODA design language
› Generous interior with three rows of seats, and a total length of 4.70 m
› New production models: Power package ŠKODA Octavia RS 4×4 and ŠKODA Fabia Combi ScoutLine celebrate motor show premiere
› CNG campaign continues: ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC now available with DSG transmission
Mladá Boleslav, 17 February 2016 – ŠKODA continues to grow: Over recent years, the brand has fundamentally expanded and renewed their model range. The SUV range is now also being strengthened. With the ŠKODA VisionS, the Czech car manufacturer gives an insight into how ŠKODA’s future SUV design language might look. The brand also presents their most important future technologies with the show car. The new ŠKODA Octavia RS 4×4, the ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC with DSG transmission and the ScoutLine version of the Fabia Combi round off ŠKODA’s appearance at Lac Léman.
The ŠKODA VisionS incorporates the brand’s new design language, carrying it over into the SUV segment: the design is clearly influenced by Czech Cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art. The lines are precise, sharp and clean-cut; the distinctive interplay of light and shadow on the contoured surfaces creates exciting effects, which are accentuated by the Island-Green color.
With a 2.79-meter wheelbase, at 4.70 meters long, 1.91 meters wide and 1.68 meters tall, the ŠKODA VisionS makes a bold statement on the road. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), this is ŠKODA’s first vehicle to feature six seats across three rows.
Another highlight of the concept vehicle is its plug-in hybrid drive: with 165 kW (225 hp), the show car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of almost 200 km/h. 1.9 litres of petrol is all the car needs to travel 100 km (45 grams CO2 per kilometre). The ŠKODA VisionS can go up to 50 km on electric alone, and will travel up to 1000 km with both systems combined.
The internal combustion engine is a 1.4 TSI with 115 kW (156 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. This works alongside an e-motor that provides 40 kW of continuous power and 220 Nm peak torque. It is integrated into the six-speed DSG, which directs the power to the front wheels. A second electric motor with up to 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque drives the rear axle. This works independently of the front axle drive, meaning the show car has a smart four-wheel drive, which requires no mechanical coupling. The three engines cooperate in a highly flexible manner: The driver of the ŠKODA VisionS can choose between several modes of operation – from purely electric drive to charge modes, always with the goal of maximum efficiency. The lithium-ion battery with a 12.4kWh capacity is positioned in front of the rear axle.
ŠKODA has responded to the rapidly growing scope of information and the passengers’ desire to communicate by introducing automotive digital networking (mobile services), providing large displays for optimum vehicle and infotainment services for all passengers, who can connect to the network several ways from each seat in the vehicle.
The ŠKODA Octavia RS 4×4 will also be celebrating its debut at this year’s motor show: ŠKODA’s top-of-the-range Octavia is available as a saloon or estate with the 2.0 TDI engine with 135 kW (184 PS) and DSG transmission. With a drive unit, which is both sporty and safe, the Octavia RS 4×4 makes a strong partner for families, work and leisure. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 228 km/h. In NEDC, the model will manage 4.9 litre diesel per 100 km; CO2 equivalent of 129 grams per km (all values for sedan).
The ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC is particularly economical: It currently costs less than four euros in fuel to drive this model 100 km. On request, ŠKODA can fit the natural-gas car with DSG transmission. The 1.4 TSI provides 81 kW (110 hp) per km, emits less than 100 grams of CO2. The ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC is available in saloon and estate versions.
ŠKODA’s ScoutLine range also continues to grow. Alongside the Rapid Spaceback ScoutLine, there is now the ŠKODA Fabia Combi ScoutLine – with its unique off-road look and attractive, practical equipment features. Three petrol engines with 55 kW (75 hp), 66 kW (90 hp) and 81 kW (110 hp) and three diesel engines with 55 kW (75 hp), 66 kW (90 hp) and 77 kW (105 hp) are available.
