Skoda revealed the Vision X at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The showcar is described as a vision of a compact crossover that will soon be joining the Karoq and Kodiaq to become the third pillar of Skoda’s SUV range. Skoda (and everyone else) needs a compact SUV, and the Vision X will be headed to production.
The Vision X appears to be a smaller and funkier Karoq, with some interesting detailing. “Emotions are very important for us in our new design language. The concept is well moulded, a wonderful game of light and shadow dances on the athletically modelled surfaces, and the car comes across as a dynamic sculpture,” said Vision X designer Dalibor Pantucek.
The FlexGreen paintwork stands out, but the car’s most striking feature is its face, reinterpreting the usual Skoda SUV look and grille. But here, the latter’s frame is made of crystal, and the bars are also crystal, accentuated by backlighting. The slim LED daytime running lights sit above the floating headlights, and follow on from the grille’s upper line. All the light fixtures “have been carefully set like gemstones in a necklace adorning a beautiful woman,” Skoda says.
The rear end is unique. Besides the Skoda script replacing the emblem, the tail lights have been split into two segments. It’s pointed out that despite this, the lights still make the traditional ‘C’ shape seen in Skodas. Check out the intricate crystalline pattern on the top-tier lights.
Inside, Skoda intentionally chose a “democratic layout” and a symmetrical dashboard, as opposed to some selfish driver focused cockpits. Physical controls have been kept to a minimum and all functions are covered by the new 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. The driver gets a digital instrument panel.
Glasswork is a modern Skoda thing, and there are bits of glass in the doors, on the steering wheel and dashboard. The centre console extending from the dashboard to the luggage compartment comprises a unique piece of glass that’s over 1.6 metres long. The console surface is graced by a cut that interprets the traditions of Czech glassmaking in a modern light.
Interestingly, there are two electric skateboards (instead of the usual bicycle) stored in the boot, where they are constantly charged while the car is in use. Last mile city centre connection, Skoda says. The kit includes helmets and a camera-fitted drone so you can video your journey, too.
All nice and cool, but the most unique aspect of the Vision X is the proposed powertrain, which is a hybrid using compressed natural gas (CNG), petrol and electric. The 130 hp/250 Nm 1.5 litre TSI petrol engine runs on CNG and drives the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox. One gas tank is located under the rear seat, the second behind the rear axle.
The rear axle has its own 48 V electric drive, powered by a lithium-ion battery and used primarily to boost the internal combustion engine when faster acceleration is required or when AWD is engaged.
On its own, the rear e-motor propels the car only in low speed situations (parking, heavy traffic) or when forced into pure electric mode. The system enables low CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km. The other motor is a just a belt-driven starter-generator in front. An interesting way to achieve low emissions and consumption, and a bridge between today’s tech and EVs.
Skoda says that electro-mobility plays a crucial role in its global growth strategy. The electrification of its range will start in 2019 with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid Superb. The plant in Mlada Boleslav will also be producing electrical components for the plug-in hybrid models of several VW Group brands from next year, while the first fully electric Skoda production vehicle will follow shortly afterwards.
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