Skoda VisionS concept previews 'Kodiaq' SUV

The Skoda VisionS concept made its debut at the Geneva motor show, offering a close preview of Skoda's upcoming SUV, which is expected to be called Kodiaq.

The Skoda Kodiaq has been officially revealed - get the full story here

The concept will come with three rows of seats offering space for six passengers and their luggage. The VisionS is 4700mm long by 1910mm wide, with a height of 1680mm, making it longer, wider and lower than the Kia Sorento. In production form, Skoda’s SUV will be pitched as an upmarket rival to the Sorento and its sister model, Hyundai’s Santa Fe.

Read our first drive review of the concept car here

Powering the concept is a hybrid powertrain which mixes a 154bhp/184lb ft 1.4-litre petrol engine with a 54bhp/162lb ft electric motor mounted within the six-speed DSG gearbox housing. A second 114bhp electric motor is located on the rear axle, giving a combined system output of 222bhp and lending the VisionS a so-called 'smart' four-wheel drive system which requires no mechanical coupling. 

Skoda claims the VisionS can reach 62mph in 7.4 sec with a top speed of 124mph. CO2 emissions are rated at 45g/km. The VisionS is capable of travelling up to 31 miles on electric power alone, with a combined range of 621 miles.

As with most electric and hybrid vehicles, drivers can choose to operate the VisionS purely on electric power, or activate the petrol engine to aid progress and recharge the battery. 

Skoda says the interior of the concept will feature large digital displays designed for "digital networking" and infotainment. Users can "connect to the network in several ways from each seat in the vehicle."

The VisionS's styling is in line with 2014's VisionC concept, which ushered in a new design language for the brand.

Although nothing is official at this stage, Skoda’s SUV should cost from around £24,000 when it goes on sale in the UK early next year. That price neatly undercuts its rivals from Kia and Hyundai, which start at £28,795 and £31,845 respectively.