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

Land Rover Defender V8 Soft Top could be an Octa from 25 years ago
Land Rover Defender V8 Soft Top
News

Land Rover Defender V8 Soft Top could be an Octa from 25 years ago

The latest six-figure classic Defender in the works bespoke lineup is a convertible, for maximum access to that rumbling V8
25 Apr 2025
2026 Lamborghini Urus Performante will fight the Ferrari Purosangue and Aston DBX707
2026 Lamborghini Urus Performante rear
News

2026 Lamborghini Urus Performante will fight the Ferrari Purosangue and Aston DBX707

Lamborghini is already testing a more sporting derivation of its newly-hybridised Urus super SUV
15 Apr 2025
Lamborghini Cheetah – dead on arrival
Lamborghini 4x4
Features

Lamborghini Cheetah – dead on arrival

How the Italian supercar maker once put its name to a 4x4 intended for the American military
8 Apr 2025
Used Porsche Cayenne (2010-2017) review – not the prettiest SUV, but a remarkably capable one
Porsche Cayenne – front
In-depth reviews

Used Porsche Cayenne (2010-2017) review – not the prettiest SUV, but a remarkably capable one

It might be big and ugly, but the second-gen Cayenne is a sporty SUV with real depth and ability – particularly in GTS form
26 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter
Porsche 911 Carrera S – pictures
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter

A new Carrera S has arrived with supercar-baiting pace and a £120k starting price – is it the sweet spot of the 992.2 range?
25 Apr 2025
Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car
Aston Martin Vantage V550 – front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car

One of Aston Martin's last true hand-built models, the ludicrous twin-supercharged Vantage was a muscle car crossed with a stately home
24 Apr 2025
Used Ford Mustang (S550, 2015 - 2023) review – Ford’s V8 muscle car for £20k
Ford Mustang (S550) front
In-depth reviews

Used Ford Mustang (S550, 2015 - 2023) review – Ford’s V8 muscle car for £20k

The S550 appeared ten years ago as a more sophisticated kind of Mustang, in right-hand drive and with the job of tempting European sports car buyers. …
23 Apr 2025