Skoda showcased its first SUV called the Vision IN, based on the Volkswagen MQB A0-IN platform at its first Group media night in India. It was showcased alongside the Volkswagen Taigun, and will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos when it is launched later this year.
The Vision IN is still in the concept stage, but a lot of what we see on the car at the moment will make it to the production-spec car. The design language is typically Skoda, and reminiscent of the bigger Skoda SUV: the Kodiaq. The power bulge in the hood is distinct and the split headlamps are very obviously Skoda. The grille has the typical butterfly shape but the vertical slats now have a slight overbite. The front sump guard is finished in chrome and there's black cladding all around the car.
The Vision IN, when viewed externally has a grille illuminated by LED elements in the concept. From the side, the straight roof line with panoramic glass roof and buffed aluminium roof rails conveys a sporty appearance at first glance, complemented by the 19-inch alloys. The L-shaped LED taillights are connected by an LED light bar, giving off a sophisticated, yet rugged overall look.
Under the hood, the Vision IN boasts of a 1.5-litre TSI (turbo-petrol) engine that the brand claims will deliver 148bhp and 250Nm to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic transmission), where instead of a mechanical linkage, the gear selection is relayed automatically. Additionally, the convenient electromechanical parking brake means the familiar handbrake lever is also no longer required which, as Skoda puts it, clears up the clutter. Skoda says the Vision IN will touch 100kmph from standstill in 8.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 195kmph.
With the Interiors of the Vision IN, the designers have kept with a traditional Indian theme melded with elements of classical Czech crystal design. This is evident with the decorative trim on the dashboard which pays homage to the traditional Indian textile printing technique, in which classic motifs are printed onto fabric using handmade East-Indian rosewood stamps. However, this is melded with the crystal elements on the dashboard and door panels, as well as the all-new crystal button on the dashboard, using which the driver can communicate with the digital assistant in the same way they would as on the free-standing 12.3-inch Infotainment screen.
And moving to rear passenger area, and the variable back seat converts from a three-seat configuration into two comfortable single seats with a centre console between them. There is liberal use of vegan as well as recycled materials, like Oak leather and Rhubarb leather all over the cabin. The floor mats are made of Pinatex, or pineapple leather, as it is known, a leather-like fabric made from waste pineapple leaves. The concept study’s roof lining is made from recycled plastic fibres. The interiors are still too far away from production but the overall architecture with the floating screen might remain.
The Vision IN will be the first car to be launched in India based on the MQB A0-IN concept and will be followed by the VW Taigun. Skoda claims it will go into production by early 2021, and once it is here, it will go up against the likes of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and MG Hector.
In the coming few days, Skoda will showcase the other models at Auto Expo such as the Karoq mid-size SUV, the updated Superb flagship saloon, the Monte Carlo and Matte Concept variants of the Rapid 1.0 TSI, as well as the Kodiaq and the much-anticipated Octavia RS 245 saloon.