Already driven: the new generation Skoda Octavia!

Skoda Vision O is electric estate car

The Skoda Vision O is an electric station wagon. And that body shape was a deliberate choice by Skoda, because this study model shows that the classic estate car will play an important role in Skoda’s electric future. In other words, the beloved Skoda Octavia Combi will continue to exist for the foreseeable future. The platform on which Skoda is building the new-generation Octavia will accommodate battery-electric powertrains, as well as plug-in hybrid technology. Technical details Skoda is not releasing at this time, except for some dimensions and luggage compartment capacity. We do know that this Vision O uses the electric motor from the Skoda Superb iV and the 25.7 kWh battery pack. That gives this concept car a range of about 100 kilometers.

Already driven: the new generation Skoda Octavia! – AutoRAI TV

Dimensions

The Skoda Vision O has a length of 4.85 meters, a width of 1.90 meters and a height of 1.50 meters. Thus, the model offers similar dimensions to the current generation Skoda Octavia. The boot has a capacity of more than 650 liters and that can be expanded to over 1,700 liters with the rear seats folded down. That’s about the same amount as the Skoda Octavia Combi now found in Skoda showrooms.

Here’s Simply Clever

When you think of Skoda, you naturally think of clever inventions. Simply Clever solutions, as Skoda itself calls them. This Vision O also has several of them. For example, the car has a portable bluetooth speaker and even a fully integrated refrigerator. There are four umbrellas on board, and a cloth – to clean the large screen – has also been thought of. In the trunk is a separate recess where you can neatly store the charging cables. Also notable: all occupants can charge their phones wirelessly.

Modern Solid design language

What is also noticeable is that the Skoda Vision O looks quite minimalist and Skoda has put a lot of work into the aerodynamics of this car. The Vision O is designed according to the latest generation of the Modern Solid design language. Simplicity is central to this, but also clever use of airflow. For this reason, the car has several cooling vents and airflow channels to minimize drag. Other features include the front view – christened Tech-Loop Face by Skoda – and an illuminated Skoda logo. At the front, we also detect futuristic Skoda Cyber Lights. At the rear, T-shaped taillights stand out. Aerodynamic rims, tinted windows, black accents and a black roof complete the look.  

Skoda Horizon Display: 120 cm wide!

Then the interior. What prevails above all is space, space and more space. An absolute eye-catcher is the Skoda Horizon Display, which offers customizable information and easy operation via a central screen. The Horizon Display, measuring over 1.20 meters, runs across the entire width of the dashboard. As a result, it can be used by both the driver and passenger.

Also physical buttons?

In the middle you will see a separate vertical screen for the most important functions, below which you will find a real dial. So you can choose what you find convenient: do you control the screen via the touchscreens in the dashboard or via a familiar physical button? It’s up to you. There are also buttons on the steering wheel for key functions, such as volume control, changing radio stations, taking phone calls and activating cruise control. Tranquil mode promotes comfort by adjusting the seat configuration for extra space and creating a soothing atmosphere with personalized lighting, favorite music and minimal screen information.

Skoda Vision O also has ‘infodimming’

Too much information? Don’t panic! With the “infodimming” feature, you control how much data is visible in front of you at that moment. When it’s busy, the amount of information can be limited and, during quiet driving, expanded. The lighting in the interior automatically adjusts to daylight. This means that in the dark you do not have to look at large carnival-like screens. That’s a nice way to drive. At the same time, Bio-Adaptive Lighting provides mood lighting on board and Laura – the AI-controlled personal assistant – is always there for you. She suggests routes or manages tasks such as taking notes and planning meals. With a storytelling mode and integration into the new Vision O app, Laura enriches daily life with personalized content.

Does it include sustainable materials?

The interior is constructed of environmentally friendly materials. The seats are upholstered in 100 percent recycled “flatknit. In this process, that fabric is knitted in one piece and in a flat shape – to size, specifically for the part for which it is intended. This prevents waste. A special detail is the 3D printed headrest. It requires no further finishing and is recyclable again. The center console, armrest, dashboard and steering wheel are finished with ultrasuede NU, a material that consists of 65 percent vegetable components. This material has a transparent coating. The entire floor in the Vision O is made of Nabore, a material reclaimed from discarded leather.

Autonomous driving

The Skoda Vision O is, of course, a concept car, so it can also “drive autonomously. In principle, the car can drive autonomously except in challenging conditions such as heavy rain, limited visibility or in extreme crowds.

When will the new Skoda Octavia hit the market?

You can expect all that in the new generation Skoda Octavia Combi. This Skoda Vision O will not appear in showrooms, but a model very similar to it will. Skoda’s electric station wagon will appear on the market around 2030. The production version of the Vision O will be based on a future Volkswagen Group platform.