ŠKODA have unveiled a new concept car which gives motorists a preview of the VW Group marque's future.
The Škoda Vision 7S is a seven-seater all-electric SUV based on the Volkswagen Group's Modular Electrification Kit (MEB). Powered by an 89 kWh battery with a peak charging rate of 200 kW, the concept vehicle has a projected range of over 370 miles (WLTP).
The car boasts an intriguing estate-flavoured profile and features pillarless passenger doors, the rears hinged on the wheel arches to open in an airbrake style, with chunky front and rear bumpers and rugged external cladding made from recycled tyres which give the Vision 7S a definite 'Scout' flavour.
It also features a futuristic interior with three rows of seats in a 2+2+3 formation, a large rotating touchscreen display – vertically-orientated when in Driving mode, horizontally-orientated for Relax mode while parked or charging – and an odd 'surely that can't be practical?' looking 'squoval' steering wheel.
A full-length panoramic glass roof keeps things light and airy inside, while a large crystal on the front of the centre console indicates battery and charging status using different colours visible from outside the car.
Young families will benefit from the Vision 7S's innovative child seat, which can be mounted rear-facing on the centre console between the second row seats, and the Vision 7S also includes practical backpacks which magnetically attach to the seat backrests and can easily be removed when exiting the vehicle – very useful on family day trips. There are also magnets incorporated into the centre console where metal Škoda drinks bottles or a first-aid kit can be securely attached.
The Vision 7S is the first 'concept study' preview of an imminent new real world Škoda seven-seater for families which showcases the brand's new 'design language'.
Key characteristics will include its distinctive new front end look, which Škoda are calling 'Tech-Deck Face' – "a modern reinterpretation of the familiar Škoda grille" – and an increased amount of sustainable materials used in the interior: the Vision 7S features floor and boot-liners made from recycled tyres and upholstery finished entirely in artificial leather and recycled polyester yarns.
"The Vision 7S is the forerunner of our new design language that we'll be rolling out across the entire product portfolio over the coming years," explains Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto board member for sales and marketing.
"Through our new brand identity, we're getting ready for the electric future while distinguishing ourselves even more clearly from the other brands in the Volkswagen Group."
The new Škoda cars will also be badged with revised 'name only' branding, which replaces the existing logo and, on the Vision 7S at least, is complemented by a new ambient light strip which extends across the entire front width of the vehicle.
In addition to a new seven-seater family E-SUV, Škoda will also be launching two other all-electric models by 2026, a small car and a compact SUV, as they target a market share of over 70 per cent for all-electric models in Europe by 2030. To this end, the marque plan to invest a further €5.6 billion in e-mobility and €700 million in digitalisation over the next five years.
In the meantime, Škoda hasn't abandoned combustion engines just yet: it will be unveiling its next generation Superb and Kodiaq in the second half of next year, while a refreshed Octavia is due to arrive in 2024.
