Skoda isn’t a name that tends to set the pulse racing. It doesn’t evoke thoughts of sky-high power outputs, hair-raising acceleration and outrageous exteriors.
But that’s fine. The Czech car maker has come a long way in the past two decades and the company’s execs in Prague are probably happy with the fact that their name is no longer the laughing stock of the car industry.
Taxi drivers and company car drivers have been long-time advocates of well-built and cost-effective cars like the Octavia and Superb, but every petrolhead in the land should be ready to embrace Skoda because it has some very promising ideas for its next batch of RS models.
October’s Paris Motor Show will host the reveal of the new Skoda Vision RS concept – a car that provides the framework and basis for the next-generation of performance-focused Skodas.
What does the Vision RS look like?
The world got its first glimpse of what to expect in late August as the first sketches of the concept emerged. Initial teaser sketches tend to not give too much away, but it was obvious that this concept was very concerned with aerodynamics.
A precisely defined front-end with dynamic slim headlights was complimented by a rear dominated by a diffuser and an aerodynamically optimised roof spoiler.
Measuring at 4,356mm long by 1,810mm wide, with a height of 1,431mm and a wheelbase of 2,650mm, the Vision RS concept is quite close to the Octavia in terms of height and width (1,814 and 1461mm) but 32cm shorter in length.
The sketches really don’t say ‘C-segment cruiser’ though, with its muscular frame and bulky shoulder lines unmistakably gunning for the SUV label. The concept is said to bear a ‘brilliant white’ paint job, underlining its clean drive technology and eco credentials.
How does the Vision RS look inside?
Inside, the innovative cabin uses vegan and sustainably produced materials and achieves a sporting and airy feel, thanks to the use of seemingly floating seats, striking light effects and handmade, specially-cut crystal from Czech glass manufacturer Lasvit.
The elongated instrument panel with carbon elements picks up the symmetrical contours of the radiator grille and features special RS design animations, illuminated by lighting effects that interact with the infotainment system touchscreen.
Skoda also revealed that the car’s centre console is made entirely of carbon, as are the decorative elements, door panels and seats, creating a direct link to the world of motor racing.
Elsewhere, the special loop-shaped door handles are reminiscent of racing cars. Sustainability has also played a key part in the Skoda Vision RS, with seat covers made from vegan alcantara and carbon fibres consisting of 100 per cent recycled polyester.
What engine does the Vision RS use?
One thing we haven’t spoke about so far is the actual powertrain, which is pretty important in any car, let alone a performance model.
Plug-in Skodas are on the way, with a Superb PHEV set to arrive in 2019, so there is a high chance that the Vision RS may pinch or adopt a different take on the same system, which combines a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 85kW (114bhp) electric motor.
We’ll have to wait and see what drives the Vision RS, but you can guarantee that this won’t be an area that Skoda has neglected.
So, did we convince you? Does the Vision RS concept get you excited for what the next line of hot Skodas holds in store? Let us know down in the comments.
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