Currently reading: Skoda VisionC concept unveiled
Dramatically styled concept previews a new production five-door Skoda that's planned to arrive in 2016

Skoda has signalled intent to reach beyond its existing range of practical mainstream offerings with the unveiling of a dramatic-looking concept that previews a new five-door liftback. Called the VisionC, the model is currently undergoing production development and is planned to join Skoda's line-up in 2016.

The VisionC concept has been revealed on the eve of the Geneva motor show, paving the way for the introduction of the new liftback, which has been conceived to fill the gap between the Skoda Octavia and Skoda Superb in Skoda’s existing range. The development is aimed at providing the Czech car maker, which produced 920,800 cars in 2013, with greater sales reach and exposure to new customers.

Sister car to a proposed second four-door coupé-style offering from parent company Volkswagen, the new Skoda is based on the same hot-formed, high-strength steel MQB (Modularen Querbau or modular transverse architecture) platform as the Skoda Octavia, alongside which it is planned to be built.

While the basic silhouette of the concept and five-door liftback layout is expected to be brought over into production with little or no change, the detailing and rear end will be further refined.

Many of the VisionC’s design cues, including its bold chromed grille, taut surfacing treatment, precisely structured flanks and triangular theme to its lamps will be reflected on other future Skoda models.

Official dimensions are yet to be revealed, although Skoda suggests the VisionC runs to around 4700mm in length and 1820mm in width, allowing it to offer what they describe as “more than sufficient space for four adults and their luggage”.

Among the perceived rivals for the new car is the Mercedes-Benz CLA. It is intended to provide Skoda with a timely image boost following the recent expansion of its line-up with more run-of-the-mill models.  “We think it is time for a Skoda model that combines traditional practical qualities with a bold new design direction,” says Skoda boss, Winfried Vahland.

The VisionC is powered by the same engine used in the recently introduced Volkswagen Golf TGI and Audi A3 G-Tron. The 108bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder direct injection engine can run on either petrol or natural gas. Computer simulations suggest it would provide combined average consumption equivalent to 72mpg in natural gas mode, for average CO2 emissions of just 91g/km.

Suggestions are the production version of the new Skoda will eventually offer a wide range of transversely mounted four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines ranging in capacity from 1.4 to 2.0-litres. Alongside standard front-wheel drive, it will also offer four-wheel drive in combination with a range of more powerful engines, according to company officials.

Skoda also hints the VisionC will provide the basis for a new 280bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-powered four-wheel-drive performance flagship that will lead a revised line of Skoda vRS models.

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LPC 1 March 2014

People getting hung up on the

People getting hung up on the four door coupe CC looks of this thinking it's an Octavia CC, it's not, it's a concept previewing the design direction of the New Superb
Andrew Lee 28 February 2014

Seat's surely?

This should be a Seat, replacing the Exeo. I agree with the comments pointing out its similarity to Seat's detail styling - all those sharp angles/edges. They (rather than Skoda) need a sporty larger model. Wouldn't there also be an overlap with VW's rumoured Golf-sized version of the CC? It looks good as a drawing but let's see how the production model appears. And for what it's worth: that cut-off boot reminds me of an early 90s 3-series!
3mocion 27 February 2014

An ugly, less practical taxi for those who are brand concious...

Skoda seriously need to rethink their design philosophy and the VW group seriously need to rethink their brand strategies. Why does Skoda need a 4 door Octavia coupe when Octavias are mainly basically sold to taxi drivers because they're good value and practical. Why are the VW group allowing their brands to overlap in their design philosophies, products and target audiences? I often question VW's logic. VW, wouldn't it be better to have SEAT design a 4 door coupe for the European market but have its interior designed and engineered by Skoda for the ultimate practicality and build quality and have a Skoda version with a few styling tweaks to be sold in China. Isn't that what is being done with their suv project? Skoda always finds a way to rear its ugly head in Seat's design board meetings and engineering workshop. I hope Skoda doesn't steel Seat's Cupra 280 engine, but i suspect that if the report is true it probably will.
skorob 28 February 2014

3mocion wrote:Skoda seriously

3mocion wrote:

Skoda seriously need to rethink their design philosophy and the VW group seriously need to rethink their brand strategies. Why does Skoda need a 4 door Octavia coupe when Octavias are mainly basically sold to taxi drivers because they're good value and practical. Why are the VW group allowing their brands to overlap in their design philosophies, products and target audiences? I often question VW's logic. VW, wouldn't it be better to have SEAT design a 4 door coupe for the European market but have its interior designed and engineered by Skoda for the ultimate practicality and build quality and have a Skoda version with a few styling tweaks to be sold in China. Isn't that what is being done with their suv project? Skoda always finds a way to rear its ugly head in Seat's design board meetings and engineering workshop. I hope Skoda doesn't steel Seat's Cupra 280 engine, but i suspect that if the report is true it probably will.

A very stereotyped biased opinion there. Skoda octavia is now a huge seller in most countries, and is 6th best sellinmg car in Europe, not just to taxi drivers or police or emergency services either, but privately as well. Skoda Octavia vRS is a brilliant car (I have one), and even though it's 154 mph top speed and accelleration is great, the 280 BHP engine from the VW Group would fit in lovely with 4X4, a lot of people mentioning it in Briskoda. Seat are a long long way off Skoda in sales figures, and are the poor performer in the VW group. Spain is about the only country the Seat range hits the top ten sales market, whereas as mentioned earlier, Skoda are continually in the top 10, and with the octavia, are number 1 seller in 7 countries at the moment. Not didding Seat by the way, i'd have one over a Golf, but i'd never have a Leon over an Octavia, interior is way too cheap and nasty looking.

3mocion 3 March 2014

Biased, but based on what i've seen....

Biased maybe, but i made an assumption based on what i see.I see plenty of Octavia taxis, but hardly ever privately bought. As for SEAT being a poor performer, how about i quote you European sales figures. In January this year, Skoda came in 12th place and SEAT came just 5 places behind at 17th place. Not bad for a manufacture with no crossover/suv, no large saloon or large family car. I'm glad you like your Octavia, but i wouldn't buy one unless i was a taxi driver doing lots of mileage. Non of my mates would be seen dead in one and i don't know any young person who has one or would consider buying one. Personally, I'd be embarrassed having to watching my elderly granny or aunt on break dance or do the Gangnam style at some hotel wedding venue only to have inadvertently witnessed her break her hip or pick up her denchers off the floor. Good luck with Skoda trying to target a younger audience like SEAT enviably does, however, Skoda are not convincing us and their brand perception is hard to dismiss. Skoda should stick to just offering pleasant cars for their existing target market.