Geneva show: Skoda reveals VisionS concept

SKODA has revealed a six-seater SUV concept ahead of the Geneva motor show, dubbed the VisionS, that could pave the way for the Czech brand's first production plug-in hybrid model, as well as giving a nod to a new design direction.

A showroom version has not yet been announced but the Volkswagen-owned car-maker said in a release that its “SUV range is being strengthened” and that the VisionS “gives an insight into how Skoda's future SUV design language might look”.

The car-maker has previously confirmed its intent to join the booming SUV and crossover segments, with a first model due to breach the market in 2017, and a production model spawned by the VisonS design study would fit that timeline.

Measuring 4700mm long, 1910mm wide and 1680mm tall, a production VisionS would sit firmly in the mid-sized SUV segment and has dimensions almost identical to BMW's X3.

In addition to its Czech cubism-inspired aesthetics, the show-car might also herald the company's foray into plug-in hybrid production vehicles.

The concept is underpinned by parent Volkswagen Group's MQB modular platform and the company has already developed plug-in hybrid systems that now feature in the locally sold Audi A3 e-tron as well as PHEV versions of the Q7, Volkswagen Passat and Golf in other global markets.

Skoda is going light on specifications ahead of the concept's official debut, but has detailed the drivetrain. The VisionS has a combined power output of 165kW, can get to from zero to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, has a top speed of “almost 200km/h” and uses just 1.9 litres of fuel per 100km.

Like most PHEVs, the Skoda has an electric-only mode in which it can travel up to 50km when drawing in the 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery. When under dual-motor motion the concept could drive from Melbourne to Sydney without stopping to fill up.

Under the bonnet is a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine producing 115kW, paired with a 40kW/220Nm electric motor on the front axle and a second 85kW/270Nm driving the rear wheels for a total torque tally of 740Nm – more than Mercedes-AMG's mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

With separated drive motors and no mechanical link front to rear, the VisionS has what Skoda calls “smart four-wheel drive” allowing the driver to choose between several modes depending on the type of driving style or terrain encountered.

In response to the demands of Skoda customers for more communication options, the VisionS also adopts “large displays” for all passengers, who can connect to the vehicle in “several ways” from each of the six seats.

No interior views have been provided so it is unclear how the seating is laid out, and while a van-like 3x3 is not out of the question, a more conventional 3x2 is the most likely solution.

Skoda will also use the show to show off its Octavia RS 4x4 as well as a natural gas-fuelled version of the same model named the G-Tec.