Škoda VisionC Concept

The Škoda VisionC Concept signals a global renewal and expansion of the brand’s model range. The aesthetic language of the “five-door coupé” introduces the next design evolution – aimed at being more expressive, dynamic and emotional.

The surface treatment features an interplay of soft, slightly contoured, concave and convex surfaces, as well as sharp, precise lines, which result in a distinctive interaction of light and shadow.

The front end combines a light signature based on triangular shapes with the typical Škoda grille and hood lines.

The side view is characterized by the arched roofline and the distinctive character line that originates from the headlights and extends up to the rear end. The graphic theme is recalled by the 10-spoke, turboine-shaped wheels.

Like the Volkswagen T-ROC Concept – also debuting at the 2014 Geneva Show – the VisionC is based on the flexible VW Group’s MQB platform.

The powertrain features a CNG/fasoline bivalent 1.4 TSI/81 kW turbo engine. On natural gas, the vehicle consumes a mere 3.4 kg or 5.1 m3 CNG per kilometre, equating to CO2 emissions of only 91 g/km.

From the official Press Release:

Design

Front End

The coupé’s front has a self-assured and dynamic look. The wide radiator grille and distinctive shape of the headlamps with their tapering triangular form dominate the powerful front end. The headlamp contours are sharp-edged, like cut glass crystals. In combination with the fog lamps, also triangular, they give the car an expressive, three-dimensional four-eyed look.

The grille retains its slightly curving form, it is however somewhat flatter and broader than in current ŠKODA models. The vertical fins are a distinguishing feature. In the design study, they are hand-made crystal elements with discreet indirect illumination.

In the lower area of the front view, a large air inlet – extending over the entire width of the vehicle – emphasises the vehicle’s elegant dynamism.

The bonnet is elongated and is accentuated with longitudinal chamfering to the right and left, extending in a slight arc from the A pillar through to the transition between headlamps and radiator grille. Jozef Kabaň describes it as “an expression of emotion, form and movement.” This reinterpreted bonnet bears the ŠKODA logo as its dominating centrepiece, on a harmoniously-rounded bonnet nose stretching into the radiator grille.

Silhouette

From the side view, ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ appears neat with clean lines. “The form is intended to look attractive. We have dispensed with superfluous corners and edges,” says Kabaň. The high tornado line, the low-lying front windscreen and the short overhangs emphasise the vehicle’s dynamic distinctiveness. The same goes also in particular for the sharp waistline which starts on the elegant bonnet at the wings, snugly and naturally hugging the sides.

The powerful, sleek silhouette, the roofline sloping gently down at the back over the C pillar, the fine flowing lines without visible gradations, frameless side windows and the strong side-transition to the tail – all this is aesthetically pure.

Typically for a ŠKODA, the lower side window line slopes gradually backwards, sweeping down to the rear side window of the back door. This ŠKODA design feature described by the designers as a ‘fin’ was first used in the brand’s model design on the new ŠKODA Octavia, and is continued in the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ as a distinctive feature.

The door handles of the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ are a feature in themselves. The designers have simply made them ‘disappear’. The door handles – running directly under the tornado line – are set invisibly into the external door trim. To open the doors, you press the handle – the door then comes out automatically and can be operated.

The rear flanks of the vehicle are particularly exciting due to the broad, striking design of the wheel arches. The rear lights reach far into the sides of the vehicle, emphasising the dynamic aspirations of the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ as well as the long wheelbase. The ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ features large 19-inch aluminium wheels.

Rear end

The shape of the tail is dynamic, exciting and unexpected. Maximum 3-D design creates a sculpture-like shape. The new tail light design is a brilliant distinctive touch. The C-shaped lights, a typical ŠKODA form, are divided into two parts, with the C being separated horizontally through the middle. The upper part is in the tailgate, housing all the lighting functions. The lower part of the C is formed by the reflector elements (cat’s eyes) inset into the bumper.

The vertical closure of the tailgate has a surprising and unique shape. In particular the sharp, inward crease is a striking accent. This radical rear end has a positive effect on the drag coefficient CW. Triangular-shaped embossing in the tailgate (described by the designers as “triangular cubist elements”) clearly identifies the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ as a member of the ŠKODA family.

Interior Design

The ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ is a glimpse of ŠKODA interior design of the future. Interior and exterior design are in harmony, both asserting the overall impression of a sleek, dynamic and elegant vehicle. Striking interior features include a recurrent elegant interplay of convex and concave surfaces, precise lines and the use of top quality, state-of-the-art materials.

In the coupé, four individual seats provide plenty of room for four people to sit in comfort. Despite the coupé-style silhouette, the vehicle is spacious. The accentuated horizontals emphasise the feeling of airy spaciousness. All instruments and controls are laid out in accordance with up-to-date ergonomic requirements, just in the right place. The infotainment system sets clear benchmarks with data processing and presentation of all relevant information on large displays for driver and passengers.

In front of the driver there is a fully-programmable combined unit with a large 3-D display. The attention-grabbing centrepiece of the dashboard is the touch-sensitive multimedia screen which projects gracefully from the dashboard, seeming to be hung-up in the interior. The visual effect is intensified by accents of back-lighting. Additional brilliance is provided by the finely polished glass structure – another reference to the art of the Bohemian glassmakers.

The air-conditioning controls are accommodated under the screen, on the decorative glass surface in the central console.

The transition between dashboard and doors is particularly elegant. A continuous ‘light line’ unites both elements visually, at the same time emphasising the breadth of the vehicle. The light line runs over the entire width of the door, circles the armrests and ends in the seat-belt tensioner. Additional visual accents are provided in the doors with backlit crystal decorative elements. Nevertheless, functional aspects are by no means neglected, including storage compartments for one-litre bottles.

Each rear passenger also has a foldaway multimedia screen. A screen integrated into the back section of the central arm rest shows basic information on vehicle operation.

Comfort for the rear passengers is of paramount importance. Individually-adjustable air-outlets are integrated into the backrests. The rear headrests retract into the backrests when not in use, so that the driver has a clear view behind him when there are no rear passengers. When required, the headrests are simply flipped up. There are reading lamps in the sides of both rear doors.

The large boot of the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ is impressively spacious. The tailgate swings open wide, making loading and unloading quick and easy. Moreover, the luggage space has a range of ‘Simply Clever’ solutions such as bag hooks or straps integrated into the boot floor for securing luggage. On the sidewalls there are lockable compartments for small items.

(Source: Škoda)