Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda VisionS previews SUV, plug-in hybrid tech at Geneva

Skoda joins the SUV party - in concept form at least - with a 149mpg plug-in hybrid

Skoda continued its tradition of releasing a striking concept vehicle at the Geneva motor show with a new SUV study dubbed the VisionS.

It’s a unique proposition for the Czech manufacturer, which doesn’t currently offer a true SUV model in its range, the Yeti serving the role of a compact crossover.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, like Volkswagen Group cousin SEAT, Skoda can no longer ignore a market that grows bigger every year – particularly given it’s a segment that’s also popular in the Chinese market, where Skoda has a strong presence.

While the VisionS’s proportions suggest a car based largely on SEAT’s new Ateca, its 4.7-metre length is considerably longer than the SEAT’s 4.36m, and it’s wider too at 1.91m (versus 1.84m). The car is, however, based on the ubiquitous MQB modular platform.

Naturally, the Skoda has its own style too, though those already used to Skoda’s design language will find many familiar details, from the strong ‘tornado line’ along the car’s shoulder to the narrow headlights and prominent bonnet ridges.

Behind the familiar nose is a compact 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, developing 154bhp and 184lb ft. It’s joined at the front by an electric motor, providing an additional 54bhp and a healthy 162lb ft of twisting force.

The rear axle has its own electric motor, this time developing 114bhp and 199lb ft – and while working out the car’s peak output isn’t quite as simple as adding everything together, the setup enables a 7.4sec 0-62mph time, as well as a wide choice of driving modes, from all-electric to the power of all three sources working in unison.

The other benefit is fuel efficiency. We’ve long learned to ignore official range and fuel consumption figures and even more so with hybrid vehicles, but the claims here are 31 miles of all-electric range, and combined economy of 149mpg.

Any self-respecting concept vehicle will these days include some form of connectivity and infotainment tech, and the VisionS provides mobile digital networking, with large interior displays and infotainment options for all three rows of passengers.

Follow all the latest Geneva motor show news on our show hub page.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender 130 V8 2024 review – an exercise in excess
Land Rover Defender 130 V8 - front
Reviews

Land Rover Defender 130 V8 2024 review – an exercise in excess

The longest version of the Defender is now available with a 5-litre supercharged V8. It’s not the version you need, but it’s one you might want
22 Mar 2024
Kia EV9 2024 review – a Range Rover on a budget?
Kia EV9 – front
Reviews

Kia EV9 2024 review – a Range Rover on a budget?

Need an electric seven-seater with a 300+ mile range? Right now, the answer is Kia's EV9.
20 Mar 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024