Skoda Vision O Unveiled, Previews Future Octavia

Putting an end to anticipations, Skoda has revealed the all-new Vision O concept at the Munich Motor Show. Based on what the manufacturer calls an ‘evolved’ version of the Modern Solid design philosophy, the concept points to the design direction that the next-generation Octavia would take. This concept is expected to make it to production in the next decade.

A Closer Look At The Vision O Concept

The concept has been derived from the ‘concept of circularity’, and makes generous use of sustainable materials, like many other modern EVs. It previews an electric estate- Skoda sells the estate version of the Octavia under the ‘Combi’ name.

Talking of the design, the Vision O comes with clean panels, simple shapes and a minimalist design at large. We first saw the Modern Solid design language on the Epiq concept. A tweaked version of this forms the base for Vision O. Aerodynamics is prioritized over visual bulk. Much work has gone into ensuring maximum aero-efficiency, which in turn would benefit the EV’s range.

Vision O retains the ‘Tech-loop face mask’. We’ve seen this on several other modern Skodas. It gets a full-width LED light bar which, interestingly, loops around at the bottom, creating a sealed-off fascia. Look closely, and you will also find the radar and camera units for the autonomous driving systems neatly integrated into the design.

Skoda calls the lighting signature ‘Cyber lights’. Turn indicators are integrated into the same. Furthermore, the front bumper has active louvres, and the hood gets a pair of scoops as well. These help in ensuring aerodynamic efficiency.

The side view is the most attractive on the Vision O. The front and rear windscreens feature steep rakes, and the long bonnet adds more character to the overall shape. The concept also has aero-optimised alloy wheels, flush-type door handles, and special channels to redirect excess air towards the wheels. The B-pillar has a unique styling, and the C-pillar has been blacked out. Even the glasshouse features a peculiar design.

The rear design is very attractive. The tail lamps get a T-shaped LED setup. It, in a way, mimics the front-end design. The T-shaped LED motif runs along the width of the car. The rear also gets an illuminated Skoda lettering and a split spoiler. The bumper even has a faux diffuser. The boot will have a capacity of 650 litres.

The Vision O is 4,850 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and has a height of 1,500 mm. It is thus bigger than the Skoda Vision S concept showcased at Bharat Mobility Expo previously.

Futuristic Interior

The Vision O’s interior gets a minimalist design as well. The biggest highlight inside is the slim, 1.2-meter-long horizontal screen that runs along the width of the dashboard. The carmaker calls this the ‘Horizon Display’. It provides all necessary information in the driver’s Field of Vision (FoV). The display offers high degrees of customisation.

The dashboard has touch-based controls, and the centre console comes with a rotary dial as well. There’s also a vertically-oriented central touchscreen and a handful of physical controls. Like the latest concept cars from the manufacturer, the Vision O also features a stylish two-spoke steering wheel.

The cabin gets an achromatic colour scheme. Skoda has also given it a new bio-adaptive lighting setup which will help in creating a relaxing environment inside.

Features inside the concept include a portable Bluetooth speaker, a fully integrated fridge and magnetic wireless phone charging pods. The interior makes generous use of sustainable trims and materials in its construction. The seat covers, for example, are made from 100% recycled fabrics.

Skoda has also given the Vision O a ‘Tranquil mode’. This adjusts the seats for additional room, cleans up the displays, and lets the user select the preferred ambient lighting setup for some extremely relaxing time inside.

As for the autonomous driving abilities, Skoda says that the product will be able to manage most driving tasks independently. The only exceptions will be tricky scenarios like heavy rain or those with reduced visibility. The concept also gets an AI-based virtual assistant called Laura which can assist the users on various tasks.

The Czech carmaker hasn’t revealed the technical details of the Vision O concept. We, however, know that the production spec will be based on a new Volkswagen Group platform, expected to be out sometime in next decade.