Skoda VisionS Concept Closely Previews the Brand’s Second Production SUV

It’s raining SUVs at Volkswagen Group’s 2016 Geneva Motor Show booths

There's a catch, though: while SEAT's Ateca has launched in production specification, Skoda's VisionS is just a study. However, the concept car is a rather thinly-veiled preview of the brand's second production SUV that will sit above the Yeti in the automaker's lineup. The VisionS also acts as a preview for Skoda's first plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is currently undergoing testing. Finally, the study showcases a new design language for the Skoda brand, influenced by cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal glass art.

Shown in an Iceland Green color, the Skoda VisionS features precise, sharp lines and contoured surfaces that give it a sturdy appearance. The vehicle's size places it in the European mid-size segment, with a length of 4.70 meters, a width of 1.91 meters and height of 1.68 meters. The wheelbase is 2.79 meters, ensuring a spacious cabin and enough room for three rows of seats. As a result, the VisionS is Skoda's first vehicle to feature six seats across three rows.

Just like the VW Tiguan and SEAT Ateca, the VisionS is underpinned by VW Group's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). The modular platform allows for the integration of a variety of powertrains, including plug-in hybrids. The concept vehicle combines a 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 156 PS and 250 Nm with an electric motor that produces 40 kW (54 PS) and 220 Nm. Integrated with the six-speed DSG transmission, the e-motor drives the front wheels while a second electric motor with up to 85 kW (116 PS) and 270 Nm of torque sends power to the rear axle. The more powerful electric motor operates independently from the front axle drive, which means the VisionS benefits from a four-wheel drive system that requires no mechanical coupling.

The concept also features a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery located in front of the rear axle, which allows the VisionS to cover 50 km on electric charge alone. Combined driving range is 1,000 km, thanks to a claimed average fuel consumption of just 1.9 l/100 km (with corresponding CO2 emissions of 45 g/km). Thanks to the total system power of 225 PS, the VisionS can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a hot hatch-like 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of almost 200 km/h.

Expect the production model to ditch the futuristic interior with large displays for all passengers, as well as the crystal exterior trim and retracting door handles when it goes on sale this fall.