Geneva show: Skoda uncovers VisionC

SKODA has revealed computer-generated images of the VisionC concept ahead of the car’s Geneva show debut next week, highlighting its next-generation design language and previewing a possible new five-door coupe flagship.

The images reveal a clean yet edgy design with sharp lines and concave surfaces on the bonnet and side panels, and a silhouette that is reminiscent of a smaller Audi A7.

A statement from the Volkswagen-owned car-maker says the VisionC “introduces the next evolutionary step in Skoda design” bringing with it a “new expressive, dynamic and emotional design language”.

Skoda says the design of the tailgate adds “an element of surprise”, but it is here where the similarities with the more premium Audi A7 are the most pronounced.

Looking directly at the rear, there is almost a hint of the striking Lexus LF-CC concept from the 2012 Paris motor show, but the tail-lights of the VisionC are more squared off and carry a similar shape to the headlights when viewing the car from side-on.

At the front, Skoda’s familiar grille design is front and centre and triangular shapes feature in the headlight and fog-light design, while the large wheels housed by the bulging wheel-arches feature an unusual sharks-tooth design.

As well as previewing the company’s new design language, the VisionC points to a new five-door coupe that could sit size-wise somewhere between the Octavia mid-sizer and the Superb large sedan as a new stylish flagship for the brand.

Built on the VW Group’s MQB platform that underpins the Octavia, VW Golf and Audi A3, Skoda says the four-seat VisionC has a large boot and superior loading capacity while featuring a low weight and “optimized” aerodynamics.

The bright green body paint is a signature colour in Skoda’s branding, but it also highlights the efficient 81kW compressed natural gas 1.4-litre TSI turbo engine that sits under the bonnet. Skoda claims CO2 emissions of just 91g/km.

Skoda is the latest car-maker to design a four or five-door coupe, a trend that started with the Mercedes-Benz CLS in 2005 before Volkswagen debuted its Passat-based CC in 2008 and Audi released its A5 Sportback in 2010.

Skoda CEO Windried Vahland said the Vision C will highlight the direction the company is heading for design, but will also showcase its engineering capabilities.

“We are signalling the next stage in the evolution of Skoda’s design language with ‘Skoda VisionC’, and thus highlighting the dawn of the brand,” he said.

“The vehicle demonstrates the company's outstanding design and engineering expertise, and underpins the dynamism and value of one of the world's longest-established automotive companies.” More details are expected to be revealed at the Geneva motor show next month, but it is still yet to be confirmed for production. If the green machine gets the green light, it could appear in Skoda showrooms sometime in 2016.