Skoda has unveiled their concept for the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the Skoda Vision X, which has some very interesting tricks up its sleeve.
The car itself appears to be a concept presaging a Volkswagen T-Roc sized small SUV, also spun off Volkswagen’s MQB matrix. This would make it the Czech brand’s third SUV model after the Kodiaq and Karoq. Future variants also include a production version of the electric Vision E as well as a Kodiaq coupe.
What makes the Vision X so special is its hybrid drivetrain. The Vision X combines a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 96kW and 250Nm of torque, with a belt-starter generator and a rear electric motor with integrated gearbox. What’s interesting is that the engine is fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). The result is a 0-100km/h time of 9.3 seconds, with a low CO2 rating of 89g/km. It also has a top speed of 201km/h. The publication of these figures suggests this frugal drivetrain could be destined for production.
The Vision X features two CNG tanks, a 48V battery and a 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery that is also replenished by regenerative braking. This all adds up to an impressive range of 643km. The use of an electric drivetrain for the rear wheels also allows for superior packaging than a conventional, shaft setup. The rear electric motor can generate 70Nm from idle and up to 1000Nm of road torque.
Dimensionally, the Vision X is 4250mm long, 1500mm high and 1800mm wide, on a wheelbase of 2645mm, making it longer, lower, slightly wider and on a slightly longer wheelbase than the T-Roc. Expect more information in coming days as it is rolled out at Geneva.
