We recently got the opportunity to visit Skoda’s home back in the Czech Republic, where we got a first-hand look at what could be the brand’s most important design shift in years, the Vision O Concept. Now, in the overseas markets, Skoda has been known for its station wagons. However, technology, design, and even powertrains have been rapidly shifting towards the greener side. There comes the Vision O, through which Skoda is reimagining what an electric estate can be. It has got a sleeker, more emotional design language that we believe, points toward the future Octavia. Here’s everything that you need to know.
Skoda Vision O: New chapter of Skoda’s design
The Vision O is the purest expression yet of the brand’s evolving ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy. Starting with the dimensions, this concept measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and is 1,500 mm tall.
It has the proportions of a proper estate, however, keeping in mind it will be an electric car, every surface has been designed keeping aerodynamic efficiency in mind. At the front, there’s a single light strip stretching across the width of the car. The bonnet, with its subtle scoops and tight lines, gives the car presence without aggression. Another key highlight is its shut-off, blacked-out grille upfront that conceals the radar sensors, cameras, and more. It results in a clean, minimalist design.
Besides that, it features a T-shaped pattern for the headlights that are said to have a pop-in, pop-out function depending on need. Lastly, it also has movable lower panels to optimize airflow.
From the side, the Vision O looks incredibly clean and balanced. Key highlights include flush door handles, smooth surfacing, and darkened pillars that create a floating roof effect. It also has fully covered 21-inch aeroptimized alloy wheels that not only look decent but will also improve efficiency.
At the back, the elongated wagon shape tapers slightly, giving it a sporty and dynamic stance. The rear design mirrors the front with T shaped LED lamps, an illuminated Skoda badge, and a sharply raked tailgate that adds a bit of sportiness without compromising the car’s utility. Overall, the Vision O appears quite different from the brand’s current crop of vehicles, and in a good way.
Skoda Vision O: Inside, less is more?
Moving inside, the highlight is the Horizon Display, a long, ultra slim digital screen that runs almost the entire width of the dashboard. It replaces the traditional instrument cluster. Besides that, The interior features a simple and minimalist theme with a focus on a clean, spacious feel. There’s also a vertical touchscreen sitting at the centre, supported by a few tactile controls.
The steering wheel is minimalist and you also get the brand’s ‘Simply Clever’ touches, a small fridge, wireless charging pods, a removable Bluetooth speaker, and storage made specifically for charging cables. Most materials inside are sustainable too, from recycled fabrics and plants, upcycled leather waste and 3D printed elements made from recyclable plastic.That said, the Vision O concept appears to be laying the groundwork for the next generation Octavia, especially its estate version. Even the O in its name hints at both Octavia and circularity. However, the company hasn’t officially confirmed it. If this is the direction Skoda is heading in, we can expect the next Octavia to be more aerodynamic, smarter in its design, and even more efficient in space usage. The company has kept the technical details under tight wraps for now. There is no official word on the battery size, range, or power figures, though it is expected to use one of Volkswagen Group’s upcoming electric vehicle platforms.
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