What's all this about?
Two years ago at the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), Skoda unveiled the VisionC concept car. It went on to become the current-gen Superb. This time around, the C has changed to an S for the Czech company's preview of its forthcoming SUVs. Say hello to the VisionS hybrid.
What sort of drivetrain are we looking at?
Based on the MQB platform (what else?), the VisionS teams a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with a couple of electric motors. The total system output is 225hp, but there's more power than that within the VisionS's reach, as the TSI delivers 156hp and 250Nm, while 40kW and 85kW electric motors are housed in the six-speed DSG transmission and on the rear axle respectively. That means 54hp and 116hp of additional electric grunt, with 220Nm from the front motor and 270Nm available at the rear. All told, the VisionS can do 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, hit almost 125mph flat out and travel up to 625 miles on hybrid power (or 31 miles on electric juice alone) while emitting just 45g/km CO2 and returning 148.7mpg. Also, there's no physical link between the two axles for its four-wheel drive running.
Can you tell me a bit more about the rest of the car?
Aside from what you can see of its crisply styled Island Green body, inside are six seats arranged across three rows - meaning any production version is likely to be a seven-seater - and a full suite of connectivity, with large display screens for the occupants to play with.
Has Skoda got anything else planned for GIMS?
The Octavia vRS 4x4, the Octavia G-TEC (it can run on natural gas) and a crossover version of the Fabia Estate called the ScoutLine will accompany the VisionS on the Czech manufacturer's Geneva stand.
Matt Robinson - 17 Feb 2016