Skoda previews EV design direction with Vision iV

SKODA has revealed design sketches of its latest concept vehicle, the Vision iV, a fully electric coupe-SUV that shows off design cues to be featured on future production EVs from the Czech brand.

With Skoda set to release its first production EV about 2021, the Vision iV gives fans an idea of what to expect, with a number of small touches that will set it apart from its internal-combustion models.

The Vision iV features an LED lighting blade that runs from the bottom of each headlight cluster and through the grille, which according to Skoda head of design Oliver Stefani, will be a characteristic of all future Skoda EVs.

Also featured on the Vision iV are slim, triangular LED headlights seen on other models such as the upcoming Scala, large lower air intakes, a sporty rear diffuser, narrow LED tail-lights and slimline cameras in place of traditional side mirrors.

It rides on massive 22-inch rims and, as with its front lighting signature, a long, slim LED lighting blade is seen across the lower rear bumper, angling upwards at the ends towards the main tail-lights.

Furthermore, the Skoda badge on the tailgate also lights up in red, matching the tail-lights.

The Czech brand has only used the coupe-SUV body style once before, with the Kodiaq GT that is exclusive to the Chinese market.

Skoda has used Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) all-electric platform for the Vision iV, which will also underpin Volkswagen’s ID range of electric vehicles.

No information has been included on what the Vision iV’s propulsion looks like, however, it could share a similar powertrain to the Vision E concept from the 2017 Auto China show, which used a pair of electric motors mounted to the front and rear axles for a combined output of 225kW/500Nm.

Also featured on the Vision E was DC fast charging, which allowed for 80 per cent of battery charge to be recuperated in 30 minutes.

Over the next four years, the Czech brand is investing about €2 billion (A$3.18b) into research for alternative powertrains and mobility services.

Its first plug-in hybrid, the Superb PHEV, will launch this year, however, Skoda Australia will bypass hybrid vehicles and wait until full-electric models are available.