Geneva Motor Show 2018: Skoda Vision X concept

Skoda has chosen the 2018 Geneva Motor Show to preview the next step in its ever growing lineup in the form of the Skoda Vision X Concept. Said to preview the brand’s upcoming small SUV, possibly named Amiq, the Vision X looks unlike any other Skoda currently on sale.

But whilst the exterior design may be different, underneath the skin of the Vision X is also quite different to the current Skoda range with the Vision X employing an all-wheel drive hybrid drivetrain with a petrol engine capable of running on petrol or compressed natural gas, previewing a possible future Skoda drivetrain.

“Emotive design, modern drive technology and full connectivity: with the Škoda Vision X concept study we are presenting our vision of a modern urban crossover,” said Škoda CEO Bernhard Maier.

“The exterior design provides a concrete view of the third member of the successful SUV family. With this model we will attract even more customers to the Škoda brand going forward.”

Sitting on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the Vision X offers dimensions that are similar to the Volkswagen T-Roc with a 4,255mm length, 1,807mm width and 1,537mm height. Like the Citroen C4 Cactus, Hyundai Kona and many others, the 2018 Skoda Vision X Concept is styled differently to most cars, especially with its split face design arrangement. Like its competitors, the top row incorporates LED daytime running lights, whilst the bottom section is for the main headlights and indicators.

The usual Skoda grille features prominently on the front, whilst a wide mouth and skid plate emphasise the car’s SUV styling. The side profile is similar to the SEAT Arona – not offered in Australia – with a black roof panel that previews a possible customisation program much like the Fabia small car. The rear of the Vision X is similar to the larger Karoq and Kodiaq – angular tailights sit proudly on the rear, and use sequential LED indicators, possibly previewing similar tech on future Skoda models.

The interior of the 2018 Skoda Vision X Concept is also unlike other Skoda models, with one of the first applications of a tablet-style infotainment system in non-Audi Volkswagen Group products. The Vision X also continues Skoda’s use of digital instruments, and uses the same triangular theme as the exterior. Like the exterior, the interior of the Vision X appears to be almost ready for production, with only a minor toning down of the colours and seats necessary in transition to showroom.

Underneath the Vision X’s body is quite different to other Skoda models, however. Instead of employing a regular TSI or TDI engine, the Vision X uses a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 96kW and 200Nm. This engine is capable of running on either petrol or CNG, and is combined with a rear electric motor with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery mounted on the rear axle, which is capable of driving the car up to 2km on electric power alone. This allows the Vision X to be powered by petrol, gas or electricity, in front, rear or all-wheel drive formats. According to the brand, up to 1,000Nm of torque can be sent to the rear wheels alone.

The Skoda Vision X Concept will debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, with production confirmed for 2019 – though we expect the production model to be revealed before then. The production model will sit below the incoming Karoq SUV, and will be priced from around $25,000, giving Skoda an entrant into one of the booming segments in the Australian new car market.

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for news and reviews regarding the Skoda range.