Skoda Vision O New Teaser Released: Previews The Next-Generation Octavia
The Octavia has been a long-standing and extremely popular nameplate for Skoda. Over the years, we have seen it sell well in several markets, including India. Now, the Czech carmaker is working on the next generation of the Octavia, which will debut as an EV and will later spawn Internal combustion engine (ICE) versions as well. Skoda has now released teaser images of the Vision O, which is expected to be showcased at the Munich Motor Show in September. This vision car will preview the design of the upcoming Octavia.
Next-Generation Octavia Teased
The teaser shows a silhouette of the Vision O. We can deduce the proportions, design and bodystyle from this image. The Vision O takes the form of an estate model. The Octavia has always had an estate on sale.
Though launched in India with the name Octavia Combi, it did not quite take off here. This, in a way, forced Skoda to limit the succeeding Octavia lineup to sedans alone. However, the Combi now has high aspirational value among enthusiasts.
Circling back, the Vision O previews the design and technology direction of the future Skoda estate cars. The carmaker will retain the body style in the Octavia lineup. Think of the Vision O as a development of the Modern Solid design philosophy. It will have a stronger focus on aerodynamics. Unlike the boxy wagons of the past, the Vision O will have clean lines, smooth surfaces and pronounced edges.
Picking the estate shape for the next-generation Octavia, instead of going ‘full SUV’ seems to be a deliberate choice- possibly with the intent of maximising aerodynamic efficiency and avoiding trade-offs of conventional SUVs.
The silhouette shows a steeply raked windscreen and roofline. Look closely and you will notice that the headlamps and tail lamps get sharp designs. The picture also shows what appears to be a camera unit in place of the rearview mirror. We also expect to find Skoda’s ‘Tech-Deck Face’ and illuminated grille on the vision car.
The carmaker revealed the vision car’s interior in another image. The cabin design will focus on having clean lines, intuitive functionality, and spacious ergonomics. Like most other electric cars of the day, the next-generation Octavia will make generous use of sustainable materials inside. The front seats will have uniquely styled 3D-printed headrests.
Talking about the design, Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design, said: "The interior design concept of the Vision O showcases our commitment to combining simplicity and sustainability with enhanced comfort. The combination of clean lines and intuitive functionality reflect our efforts to create a harmonious and functional interior.
It features materials and design elements that are not only aesthetically an evolution of our Modern Solid design language but also emphasize environmental responsibility.”
Upcoming Octavia: What Do We Know About It?
We expect the new Octavia to arrive later this decade and will be able to have our first look at the concept at Munich. Skoda will base the next-generation Octavia on Volkswagen Group’s SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture. This will be an EV-centric platform.
The new Octavia will initially stick to the EV form alone. However, chances of the carmaker rolling out hybrid versions of it later are high. The length of the vision car will stand under the 5-meter mark.
Skoda will take a tech-focussed approach with the Octavia EV. It will come with ADAS features, bi-directional charging, and smart cargo management.
Octavia Estate-Based EV: Why It Matters So Much?
We expect the all-new Octavia to be out by 2027. The production spec will take learnings from the Vision O design study. Launching an electric estate can attract a lot of buyers in several international markets. The bodystyle continues to be popular in markets like Europe.
An all-electric estate wagon is further, an under-served segment in many markets. Skoda can easily build on its rich ‘estate heritage’, and make the Vision O-based EV rise to acceptance.