What Is the Skoda Vision X?
At this years’ Geneva Motor Show, Skoda showcased their new concept Vision X SUV - with its main party-piece being a compressed natural gas hybrid electric powertrain.
Skoda say the Vision X is more of a crossover than an SUV, however its dimensions are larger than both of its counterparts in the Volkswagen Group range (the T-Roc and Arona). Skoda’s reasoning behind this is that they want to keep the family car practicality feel that is sometimes lost in the production of crossovers.
Amidst all of the excitement surrounding the Vision X, we’re not expected to see it put in to production until 2019 and by that time it could carry the name badge ‘Amiq’ or ‘Anuq’ depending on which one they pick.
Now you know what it is, let’s go through some of the features that make this concept an exciting prospect for the future!
Skoda Vision X Innovative Powertrain
Skoda have designed a new powertrain that is focused on adhering to the ever tightening regulations on CO2 emissions in the European Union. The powertrain is driven by compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid system and features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine which powers the front wheels. The engine is then supported by a belt-driven starter-generator which supports the front axle, and a second electric motor which gives power to the rear axle.
Essentially then the system works by offering power to both sets of wheels when needed. For the majority of the time the power will be sent to the front wheels and then sent to all four wheels when more acceleration and traction is needed. On electric power rear wheel drive only it can run for close to 2km without having to switch back to normal power. The powertrain will get you from 0-62mph in a respectable 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph with a claimed CO2 output of 89g/km.
Skoda have housed two CNG tanks in the car, one under the rear seat and one behind the rear axle. The electronic motor is powered by a 48V, 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery which will recharge under braking. The Vision X also comes with a reserve petrol tank, mainly to make sure that the powertrain won’t have any trouble starting when the weather is cold – this all together gives the Vision X a range of around 400 miles.
Skoda Vision X Design Features
In an official statement Skoda said the Vision X is a design study for an ‘urban’ compact crossover. We can assume from this then that the future versions of Skoda’s upcoming compact crossovers will take heavily from the exterior design of the Vision X.
New design features come in the form of raised lights accompanied with daytime running lights and indicators that sit above the main headlights. On the rear of the car, the Vision X has L-shaped tail-lights that line up with a similarly shaped bumper reflector. Even more noticeably on the rear is that the accustomed Skoda badge we are used to seeing has been replaced with the brand name spelt out instead.
On the inside, the Vision X comes with featured elements that are likely to be adopted by forthcoming Skoda models. The dashboard spans very wide and houses a large touchscreen located in the center with a small ‘wing’ beneath it which Skoda have said is for resting a hand on while using the screen.
As for the rest of the cabin, this has been kept under wraps for now so we’ll just have to wait in anticipation!
If you’d like to find out more about the Skoda Vision X concept car then you can speak to one of our expert advisors using our online contact for here.
