ŠKODA Electrifies with Vision S Concept

• 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

Known as the Skoda VisionS concept, it’s expected to be called the ‘Kodiaq‘ when it goes on sale as the Czech firm has registered the name as an official trademark.

The show car gives a clear idea of how Skoda’s line-up of new SUVs could look as it’s rolled out over the next four years. The process will start with this model, the largest, which will take the fight to the Land Rover Discovery Sport when it hits showrooms early next year.

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 VisionScan 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.

The Vision S will have the Discovery Sport, as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, as key rivals, but it’s likely to undercut all three, with a starting price of around £25,000.