Skoda Vision iV SUV concept revealed

Skoda has revealed its latest electric vehicle concept in the form of the Vision iV concept at the 2019 Geneva motor show. The concept, a more production-oriented derivative of the 2017 Vision E, is set to make it to international markets in late 2021.

The 4.66m-long, Kodiaq-sized four-door SUV-coupé is based on the VW Group’s MEB platform and uses a 306hp four-wheel-drive electric powertrain offering a near 500km range and the ability to charge up to 80 percent in 30 minutes.

The SUV-coupé's cabin shows a design that has moved on from current Skoda interiors, and it has a multi-level dashboard, a large, free-standing central screen, and a minimalist look.

The absence of a transmission tunnel in the EV is said to offer plenty of storage space, according to the firm, alongside a compartment allowing two mobile phones to be wirelessly charged.

Compared to the Vision E, the grille of the Vision iV sports a traditional slatted design while retaining the former’s coupé-like profile.

A full-width LED daytime running light sits below the main headlights, while the 'Skoda' name at the rear is backlit in red.

Last year, the company revealed that the production version of the Vision iV will be sold as standard SUV and coupé variants, akin to the Kodiaq and China-specific Kodiaq GT. However, it’s still not clear which body style will make it to production first.

Both versions will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s electric-only MEB platform, which will be used across all the company's brands.

Ahead of the international market launch of the production Vision iV, Skoda is set to bring out an all-electric version of its VW Up-based hatchback, the Citigo, as a means of preparing its sales and aftersales services to handle EVs.

Another model set to be revealed in the coming months is a plug-in hybrid version of Skoda's flagship, the Superb, which is likely to follow right after the unveiling of the facelifted standard model.

Also present at the show is Skoda’s new entry-level SUV, the Kamiq. Based on the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform, the new model provides a preview to an India-specific SUV from Skoda that's due in 2020. The India-spec SUV will be based on an India-specific derivative of the MQB A0 platform called the MQB A0 IN.