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3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Skoda is going "back to its roots" with its most important concept yet - and here's an early look
Vision O concept will be revealed in September as a preview of the next-gen Octavia, twinned with VW's ID Golf Open gallery Rakish roof and clean lines for the next iteration of Skoda's Modern Solid design language Silhouette takes familiar Octavia shape and applies new 'Modern Solid' cues Close News Skoda has given more details of its upcoming electric estate concept, with just weeks to go until the wraps come off at the Munich motor show. The Vision O concept will preview the next-generation Octavia estate, due by the end of the decade as the first of Skoda's legacy nameplates to gain electric power. It will set the tone for the next generation of Skoda's design language, while taking influence from previous generations of Octavia, including the seminal late-1990s Mk1. Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer said the concept 'sets the stage for the future of Skoda's combi estate'. 'This is an important segment for many of our customers and one where Skoda has been playing a leading role in Europe for many years. For example, more than three million Skoda Octavia estate cars have been produced across four generations since the modern Octavia was launched in 1998 – the best-selling estate model in Skoda history." The Vision O will also showcase 'the evolution of the Modern Solid design language' that Skoda is rolling out across its line-up, which the brand says will manifest in far fewer 'decorative' styling elements and a prevailing focus on aerodynamics. Details visible in the latest preview video include its rakish, sloped roofline and T-shaped rear lights like those of the upcoming Skoda Epiq small crossover. Daniel Edr, the Vision O project manager, said that the concept's aim is to go 'back to the roots' of the Octavia. 'From my perspective, the car's simple and purposeful design draws heavily from the first and second generations of the Octavia, returning to the model's roots -which are above all about functionality.' Skoda also says the "steeply raked" windscreen and "gently sloping roofline" are "design cues that have characterised Skoda's most successful estate models". The Superb and Octavia estates are among Skoda's best-selling global models, with the Octavia 'Combi', particularly, ranking as its top seller in certain markets. As a result, Skoda "is committed to continuing the estate bodywork legacy into the future," said the company. Exterior designer Jounggeen Kim shaped the Vision O's silhouette and said his task was "to apply the Modern Solid language to an estate car". He designed the concept to be an "all-in-one" proposition and added: "This car is built to do it all. I see Skoda as a family-oriented brand – practical, reliable and trustworthy. I aimed to reflect those qualities through the new Modern Solid design language.' Kim added that while the Vision O will be a future-looking concept that adheres to Skoda's current design principles, he took inspiration from past models such as the Yeti and Roomster. Skoda had originally planned to launch an electric estate version of the Octavia based on the Volkswagen Group's current MEB electric architecture. However, Zellmer said it will instead be underpinned by the VW Group's upcoming SSP architecture because it will offer 'more performance and be more cost-efficient'. He said: 'Wait and see until September, and then we will show you the full potential and technical package that we envision. It will be a concept car, so this is also a test bed for us to see what the resonance from the media, from our dealers and from our potential customers is.' The production version of the electric Octavia estate is due by the end of the decade at a similar time to the related Volkswagen ID Golf, which will also be based on the SSP platform. It is expected to lead the next generation of electric Skodas and mark the point where its combustion-engined and all-electric ranges start to converge. To date, Skoda's electric vehicles have existed in a parallel line-up as the brand prioritises consumer choice and will continue to do so. This suggests the hybridised combustion-engined Octavia estate will continue to be sold as Skoda gradually introduces battery-electric vehicles into its more familiar nameplates. Before the electric Octavia, two more Skoda EVs are due. The Epiq, a sibling to the Volkswagen ID 2 and Cupra Raval, will be launched next year as the Skoda's entry-level electric car. The brand will also put its previous Vision 7S concept car into production in 2026 as an electric equivalent of the Kodiaq. This is likely to be Skoda's most expensive car yet, but Zellmer said it will retain its core principles of 'design functionality and value for money'. However, there are no plans to launch a Skoda version of the recently unveiled Volkswagen ID Every1 concept car, which will arrive as an entry-level VW electric city car in 2027 and be priced from around £17,000. 'We have decided not to be part of that segment,' said Zellmer. 'Within the Volkswagen Group, VW [will be left to] conquer that part of the market.' Skoda is not abandoning entry-level cars altogether, though, and Zellmer confirmed a sub-£17,000 starting price would remain in its range as the Fabia, Kamiq and Scala have all been signed off for updates to keep them in the market for the years ahead. This will include mild-hybrid versions, something that's required for the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which re-engineered versions of these cars will have to meet. Zellmer is keen to add more hybrids to Skoda's range, including more long-range plug-in hybrids off the back of the success of Superb and Kodiaq hybrids. He said: 'We want to have more hybrids in our portfolio because this is clearly something that we see reflected in the competitive landscape and consumer sentiment. "The feedback we get from our dealers and from our customers in those cars [Superb and Kodiaq plug-ins] is very reassuring that we're heading the right way to have the best of both worlds: the range and the ease of a combustion engine, and the peace and quiet driving around and more than 100km [62 miles of electric range] with the E drive mode.' Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. 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NZ Autocar
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
More Volkswagen ID Golf details are emerging
The Volkswagen Golf is gearing up for a bold transformation in its ninth generation due out in 2028. To be known as the ID Golf, the new model will signal a high-tech rebirth for VW's benchmark family hatch. It will blend classic Golf DNA with cutting-edge EV technology. This is Autocar UK's render of the Gen IX Golf, available with a host of powertrains. Unlike previous iterations, the ID Golf will be designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. But petrol-electric plug-in hybrid variants will continue in parallel for a time. Before then, VW's electric revolution continues with its ID 2X compact SUV, and the production version of the ID 2all hatch. Both utilise the new MEB Entry platform, aiming for affordability. A sporty electric GTI version of the ID 2all is also coming. The GTI version of ID 2all. These new models pave the way for the more advanced ID Golf, which will ride on the all-new SSP platform. This flexible architecture merges elements of VW's MEB and PPE EV systems. Expect the ID Golf to feature styling that will appeal to Golf fans, without being too retro. VW design boss, Andreas Mindt, is aiming for a fresh but faithful take on the Golf's core traits. Expect a sleeker body that retains a clear lineage to past Golfs. Interior improvements will also mark a major shift from the current Mk8.5 version. VW is committing to the return of physical controls for core functions after its foray into haptic touch sliders and steering wheel buttons proved a turn off. This return to tactile usability is part of a broader push under CEO Thomas Schäfer to reinfuse the brand with emotion and trust. Golf IX will feature some of the ID 2all/GTI concept styling features. Rivian-co-developed software architecture is set to underpin the ID Golf. The system is designed for efficiency, adaptability, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. This so-called zonal software platform will reduce the number of processors while improving system integration and responsiveness. It will also enable real-time updates and enhancements even after the vehicle is sold. Even aspects like handling and braking are evidently modifiable over the air. The software's flexibility will also empower performance variants of the ID Golf. GTI and R versions are expected. The GTI will remain front-wheel drive, while the R variant will likely go dual-motor AWD. However, the R will prioritise agility and driving fun over brute force. This is a departure from the heavier GTX-badged ID models. The electric variants of Golf IX will be built where Golf always has for over 50 years. Production of the ID Golf will take place at Wolfsburg, the Golf's birthplace since 1974. To make room for this EV shift, ICE production will move to Mexico in 2027. The current Mk8.5 Golf will continue to be sold alongside the ID Golf, but in Europe and the UK it will be available only as a plug-in hybrid. It too will be phased out in 2035. The ID Golf is not intended to replace the ID 3. Each will target slightly different customer bases. Beyond the ID Golf, VW's EV overhaul will continue with a new SUV expected to succeed the ID 4. Think Tiguan in electric form. A render of the Golf ID earlier this year, also by Autocar UK. The ID Golf then will become a flagship of sorts for a new era, redefining it for a future shaped by electrification, advanced tech, and the rekindling of driver-focused design.
