Skoda presents the new VISION iV

Skoda VISION iV

Skoda VISION iV The all-electric VISION iV concept study offers a look ahead at ŠKODA’s electric future. By introducing its first vehicle to be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform, the Czech brand is taking the next step in its journey towards eMobility

. The four‑door crossover coupé impresses with sporty, emotive lines and exudes a feeling of spaciousness. A dynamic driving experience is ensured by all-wheel drive and two electric motors outputting 225 kW (306 PS).

The VISION iV is 4,665 mm long, 1,926 mm wide and has a height of 1,613 mm. Dynamic lines lend it a sporty appearance. Even from the outside, the interior’s spacious feel is evident from the new proportions created by a short bonnet and a long passenger cabin. The VISION iV offers a concrete preview of ŠKODA’s first production car to be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform.

The concept car features a horizontal light strip that – running across the reinterpreted, wide, covered ŠKODA grille that has delicate vertical slats and crystalline structures – spans the entire width of the vehicle and connects the Matrix LED headlights. The athletic side view of the VISION iV is shaped by bold wings and a coupé-like roofline. The doors do not have any handles – just a touch will open them automatically. Classic wing mirrors have been replaced by cameras providing a 180-degree view which is relayed in the rear-view mirror. The multi-level arrangement of the instrument panel and centre console as well as a seemingly floating screen add a new dimension to the interior.

The zero-emission ŠKODA VISION iV is powered by two electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear axle – giving the VISION iV all-wheel drive. The power of 225 kW (306 PS) is distributed to the wheels depending on requirements, thus providing a dynamic yet safe driving performance. The car has a maximum range of 500 km in the WLTP cycle; the battery can be charged to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. Through the use of laser scanners, radar sensors and cameras, the concept car can perfectly navigate its surroundings. In suitable situations it can even drive autonomously and park by itself. Comprehensive connectivity features allow for direct communication with other road users, cars and the infrastructure.

The latest-generation infotainment system provides access to ŠKODA’s numerous mobile online services and is not only able to master gestures and voice command but also to fully integrate the driver’s and front passenger’s smartphones into the operating concept. Using the smartphone as a digital key, the VISION iV can be unlocked and started. The concept car also monitors the driver’s heart rate, thus offering increased safety, and, if necessary, brakes automatically to come to a complete stop.

The VISION iV is a concrete preview of the models in ŠKODA’s future electric range. It features a light strip that runs across the radiator grille and spans the entire width of the vehicle, connecting the Matrix LED headlights. The VISION iV’s minimalist design accentuates how easy it is to get to grips with electric cars in everyday life. Sporty and dynamic lines embody the joy of driving; the generous feeling of spaciousness distinguishes the concept study as a true ŠKODA. The multi-level arrangement of the instrument panel and centre console as well as a seemingly floating screen add a new dimension to the interior.

Skoda VISION iV  Skoda VISION iV

 

 

 

The ŠKODA VISION iV is 4,665 mm long, 1,926 mm wide and has a height of 1,613 mm; its wheelbase measures 2,765 mm. The concept study gleams in Ultra Yellow – a multi-layered paint finish that contains organic gold pigments to create the effect of different shades. The radiant surface is complemented by matt design features in anthracite, providing the car with a rugged and modern look. The design of the ŠKODA VISION iV’s athletic body and bold wings is combined with a coupé-like, flowing roofline. The side view is characterised by a tornado line that connects the front and rear. This accentuates the clean surfaces of the handleless doors. Just a touch will open them automatically – the opposed-opening rear doors even open electrically. Classic wing mirrors have been replaced by cameras providing a 180-degree view which is relayed in the rear-view mirror. The aerodynamically optimised 22-inch wheels appear open and lightweight. One of the spokes on each wheel bears illuminated ŠKODA lettering.

The front is characterised by the reinterpretation of ŠKODA’s typically wide, covered grille, featuring delicate vertical slats and illuminated crystalline structures. A prominent horizontal light strip in the upper part of the grille connects the arrow-shaped main headlights that shine with innovative Matrix LED technology. The headlights resemble three glass jewels and other brand-typical crystalline elements. Large, striking air ducts in the front bumper emphasise the car’s sporty appearance. The distinctly sculpted, short bonnet bears an illuminated crystal ŠKODA logo.
From the outside, the long passenger compartment hints at the generous amount of space available inside. Furthermore, the boot has a total capacity of 550 l. Aerodynamic trailing edges and crystalline LED tail lights can be found at the bold rear. These redefine the ŠKODA-typical ‘C’ shape and, along with a strip of lights above the rear diffuser, accentuate the car’s width. Another eye-catching detail on the slightly curved lip of the electric tailgate is the ŠKODA lettering – the individual letters illuminate in red.

The VISION iV’s interior echoes the design of the VISION E concept study and further enhances it. It is a role model for future electric cars from the Czech car manufacturer. ŠKODA designers have made use of the lack of a classic transmission tunnel to give the instrument panel and centre console a striking new arrangement. This lends the interior a particularly spacious feel. The lowest level offers plenty of storage space between the driver and front passenger seats. Above this, there is a movable and particularly easy-to-reach centre console. This provides space for control units and two mobile phones, which can be wirelessly integrated into the infotainment and operating systems, and charged inductively.

The instrument panel consists of two levels that are delicate and light. It continues the shape of the vehicle’s front; decorative stitching and ambient lighting also accentuate these lines. The large screen appears to float in the centre above the instrument panel; there is a hand rest in front of it for use while operating the touchscreen. The exquisite, soft-foam surface with its specific texture resembles crystalline structures and will be used in all ŠKODA cars in future. Ultrasuede®, a synthetic suede fabric, rounds off the instrument panel and door trims. Ultrasuede® is a premium material which is manufactured in a particularly eco-friendly way.

The lower level of the instrument panel features striking decorative birch veneers with a matt finish that are extremely ductile and strong yet lightweight. These replace the classic air vents and create a sense of a natural flow of air. The wooden slats span virtually the entire width of the interior and are proof of the ŠKODA designers’ attention to detail. This is also evident in the illuminated door handles, the shape of which resembles those found in classic ŠKODAs such as the POPULAR. The airy feel and the generously spacious interior of the ŠKODA VISION iV are accentuated even further by a panoramic glass roof.

The VISION iV’s steering wheel also boasts a new design. It features just two spokes and ‘ŠKODA’ in block lettering instead of the usual ŠKODA logo; below it, a metal brace echoes the front of the vehicle. Buttons and particularly well-crafted knobs that appear to float on the steering wheel are both exquisitely designed and simple to use. The driving mode can be selected on the steering wheel; thus, all controls can be found together in one central position, in easy reach of the driver. The particularly lightweight swivel seats also contribute to the airy, spacious feel. The seats are covered in Dinamica®, a suede substitute that does not contain any animal-derived components, and includes perforations that shimmer with golden accents. Dinamica® is partially made from recycled polyester, which is also used for T-shirts and plastic (PET) bottles for example. Recycling polyester reduces CO2 emissions by approx. 80% compared to the production process using conventional materials. The backrests boast covers made from vegan vinyl fibres, whilst seat inserts feature a unique perforation pattern with golden accents. The footwell is covered by tufted floor mats made from pure bio-degradable wool.

The VISION iV is perfectly aligned with the needs of modern society and fully integrates smartphones as part of its operating and infotainment concept. The doors can be unlocked using a smartphone as a digital key. Inside the vehicle, the driver and front passenger’s mobile devices can be placed in the centre console, where they are inductively charged and wirelessly integrated into the latest-generation infotainment system. Furthermore, the VISION iV can be controlled using gestures, and – thanks to intelligent speech recognition with online support – can understand entire sentences and even dialects.

Upon opening the VISION iV, the driver is greeted by a specific welcome logo visible on the seemingly floating display. A permanent 5G connection enables the use of ŠKODA’s numerous online services such as Infotainment Online and Care Connect. Infotainment Online provides Online Traffic Information in real time, weather reports or information about available parking spaces, for example. Care Connect includes Proactive Service and remote vehicle access via the ŠKODA Connect app or web portal.

A premium sound system ensures the car’s occupants experience perfect acoustics, and the VISION iV itself monitors the well-being and safety of the driver. For example, the car detects when the driver’s concentration is waning by monitoring the movement of their eyes. It can also keep track of their heart rate – alerting the driver if it is at a dangerous level or, if necessary, automatically and safely bringing the vehicle to a stop.

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