Large front skidplate is reminiscent of Skoda’s previous ‘Scout’ specifications – but taken up to 11
Official sketches show a rugged SUV with a spacious wraparound interior and floating infotainment screen
Skoda has previewed its new electric concept car, the Vision 7S, ahead of its official unveiling on 30 August.
Sketches released by the marque show its new Modern Solid design language, a radical departure from the styling of its existing cars such as the Skoda Enyaq iV.
The front fascia is more rugged than that which features on the Enyaq thanks to a large slotted skidplate, which flows into the cladding around the wheel arches and side skirts. The slots are split into halves by a central orange segment with white text reading ‘Modern Solid’.
Above the skidplate are T-shaped headlights broken up into two square bulbs and eyebrow-like daytime-running light strips. These meet with the bonnet shutline and the colour-contrasting grille area, which is much smaller than that on the Enyaq.
A rear-view camera features in place of a traditional door mirror on the driver’s side but is completely omitted on the opposite flank.
A curved beltline wraps around the Vision 7S, flowing into a sharp rear end with the same T-shaped light motif as up front – appearing distinctly Range Rover-esque owing to the stacked square segments.
A rear spoiler gives the car a sportier look, although – in the likely event the 7S concept eventually yields a production car – this could be reserved for high-end vRS versions.
Chiselled low-profile wheels sit at each corner, appearing to be an evolution of the ‘Regulus’ design that is standard on the Enyaq.
Renders previously released by the Czech brand show a spacious interior with a wraparound design and room for up to six adults.
Curiously, a child seat has been integrated into the centre console – which Skoda says is the safest place in a vehicle.
For the driver, a thin and wide steering-wheel design has been previewed, along with a tall, floating infotainment screen. It has also been positioned vertically – the first time ever in a Skoda car.
Skoda said it has placed an emphasis on haptic controls, which appear on the steering wheel, door panels and below the vertical screen.
Ambient lighting also features, activating when people are getting in and out of the car. It’s also used to indicate the EV’s charging status.
Meanwhile, the backrests of the seats in the second and third rows feature mounts for multimedia devices and benefit from integrated backpacks.
The concept’s interior offers two different configurations.
The driving configuration is said to emphasise the most ideal driving position available with detailed information displayed on the central infotainment system, which rotates vertically.
Relax mode is available when charging or stopping for a rest. It moves the steering wheel and instrument cluster towards the driver and puts the first- and second-row seats back for a slacked driving position.
“The new design language is minimalist, functional and authentic. In the future, we will continue to focus on Skoda’s traditional strengths, such as generous space, easy usability and a high degree of functionality,” said Skoda design chief Oliver Stefani.
“With our new design language, we’re taking the next step and placing even greater emphasis on the customer experience.
“The great creativity of our designers and engineers is demonstrated through movable interior elements and newly developed Simply Clever features, such as an integrated child seat.
“The deliberately minimalist lines also extend the clear exterior design into the interior.”
Skoda first revealed plans to revamp itself in March, helping to “prepare the firm for the digital and electric mobility era”.
Skoda described the change as “the most dramatic change for Skoda since joining the Volkswagen Group”, as it will introduce a new brand image, a new vehicle design language and a new product-positioning strategy.
Source: Autocar
