Skoda Vision X Concept Previews Next Year’s Compact Crossover

Skoda’s vehicle expansion plan will continue with a new crossover slotting under the Kodiaq and Karoq, with the brand previewing the car with the Vision X Concept.

Unveiled online before its media presentation at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, the new study is of “compact proportion”, and has a “crystalline exterior” design, in the firm’s own words.

What they’re trying to say is that it sports a very familiar styling, being inspired by the larger Karoq and Kodiaq, with a few nips and tucks to highlight its concept nature. Notice the green-ish paint with black roof, aluminum trim, black accents, and front end that makes it instantly recognizable as a Skoda.

Still, expect it to be significantly toned down for production, so you may want to forget those very slim LED headlights, shaved door handles, and other exterior accents.

A sister car to the VW T-Roc and Seat Arona, the Vision X is longer and wider than either of the two at 4,250mm long and 1,800mm wide, though it sports a lower roofline. More importantly, it rides on a stretched wheelbase that at 2,645mm, is 55mm longer than the T-Roc and 80mm more than the Arona’s, as Skoda wants the Vision X to offer more space and practicality than its siblings, being aimed more towards families.

Inside, the show car has a futuristic and funky look, with lots of different accents running alongside the dashboard, pillars, doors, steering wheel, central console, and seats. It also gets a tablet-like infotainment system, a two-spoke steering wheel, and what seems to be a digital instrument cluster.

Described as “the first hybrid vehicle in Skoda’s history to have a CNG- (compressed natural gas) and petrol-powered engine, as well as an electric motor”, the new Skoda Vision X is reportedly emitting just 89 g/km of CO2 in concept form. It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which can run on CNG or petrol, backed up by a rear electric motor. More importantly, the concept will benefit from all-wheel drive.

That’s all the automaker is willing to reveal so far, but don’t forget that it “provides a concrete view of the third member of the successful SUV family”, according to the brand’s boss, Bernhard Maier. Expect the production car to be revealed in the second half of 2019.

Post updated with new information and live images from Geneva