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Skoda Vision X Concept revealed

Czech brand previews city-sized SUV with hybrid concept


Skoda didn't have a single SUV in its line-up 12 months ago, but the Czech brand is quickly building a portfolio of soft roaders.

The latest of which has been previewed by the Vision X Concept revealed at the 2018 Geneva motor show.

The city-sized SUV is expected to become a production reality within the next year, joining the full-size Kodiaq and the upcoming Karoq.

Based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen T-Roc, the Vision X also showcases Skoda's first hybrid powertrain concept that combines a combustion engine which can run on petrol or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and drives the front wheel with an electric motor providing power to the rear axle.

Drive

Skoda says the 1.5-litre turbo charged engine, when running on CNG, produces 96kW and 200Nm and features an intergrated starter motor. The rear-mounted electric motor is powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack and can deliver up to 1000Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

The powertrain combination can be tailored for a number of specific uses; it can combine both the combustion and electric motor for genuine all-wheel drive traction, but also run purely in electric-only mode for short periods of urban driving. A back-up petrol tank gives the car a total driving range of 650km.

As for the the rest of the package, the Vision X rides on a wheelbase of 2645mm and measures 4255mm in length, 1807mm in width and stands 1537mm high - dimensions that are similar to the outgoing Yeti.

While the exterior features a more expressive evolution of Skoda's latest design language, the cockpit showcases a new, youthful style with a minimalist dashboard that is topped by a high-resolution multimedia screen, race-style bucket seats in the front and back and bright green highlights to match its body colour. The centre console feature a glass panel that Skoda says allows the occupants to watch the flow of energy from the drivetrain.

Drive

Extending its urban focus, the 380L boot features a pair of electric skateboards, helmets and a portable camera drone while the backrests of the seats have removable body armour and two drink bottles are located in the front cupholders.

The Vision X won't be Skoda's first plug-in hybrid, with the company confirming its flagship Superb sedan and wagon will be offered with a petrol-electric powertrain from 2019.

A production version of the Vision X is, however, expected to be revealed within the next 12 months, and is likely to join Skoda's local line-up.

- For more information visit our Skoda showroom

 

 

 

Andrew Maclean

As Editor in Chief of the Drive Network, Amac is one of Australia's most experienced automotive journalists with more than 25 years experience in newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and digital media.

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