By RAY MASSEY
Skoda really is putting the boot in with a new vision for future estate models that proves there's life in the station wagon beyond the combustion engine.
With concerns that estates will be lost in the EV transition, especially with the dominance of popular SUVs and crossovers, the Vision O model unveiled by the Czech car maker suggests they are still very much part of its plans.
Combining bold new looks and masses of practical space and comfort, it also highlights the latest new hi-tech and recycled green-tech set to be at the heart of such cars in years to come.
Measuring 4,850mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,500mm high with an aerodynamic profile and spacious interior, the electric Vision O also has more than 650 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place – expanding to more than 1,700 litres with them folded.
And while Skoda may not promise enough space in the back to include the kitchen sink, it does provide a fully integrated fridge among a series of clever and practical additions.
To help driver and passengers remain calm on the road, there's even a 'tranquil mode.'
The new car was unveiled at the German Motor Show in Munich – now called IAA Munich – and aims to be the spiritual successor to the popular family Octavia Estate – currently on sale in petrol, hybrid and diesel from £28,825 - of which more than three million have been sold over four generations since 1998.
Here's what to expect.
Vision O: Skoda really is putting the boot in, unveiling a preview for what its future estate models will look like in a statement of intent that proves there's life in the station wagon beyond the combustion engine
Skoda says its Vision O was developed 'from the inside out' to reflect the customer's perspective from the interior first.
The aim, it says was 'to ensure that every aspect of the interior meets the highest standards of comfort, usability, and technological integration, before shaping the exterior'.
A vast new 'Horizon Display' stretching to more than 1.2 metres and spanning the entire dashboard is complemented by a vertically oriented central screen.
It puts essential information directly in the driver's field of vision while also creating a sense of spaciousness within the cabin.
Skoda says: 'Information is logically collated for easy access, improving usability and minimising distractions.
'The vertically oriented central screen allows users to seamlessly switch between different levels of information, and also to customise the displayed information on the Horizon Screen'.
A dimming feature allows users to adjust the amount of information displayed to better retain focus and avoid distraction: 'Drivers can control the display using touch controls integrated into the dashboard or a central dial button for quick adjustments'.
Skoda says a 'balance' of buttons, haptic, touch and voice controls will give the driver seamless, safe and secure control over the future car.
Simple to use steering wheel controls are designed to provide quick access to essential functions such as adjusting the volume, changing radio stations, answering phone calls, and activating cruise control.
The aim again is to reduce distraction and ensure safe driving.
However, there are still touchscreen controls too and: 'Voice control capabilities further enhance safety by allowing drivers to operate features using voice commands, minimising distractions.'
Special 'bio-adaptive lighting' seeks to ensure a serene and sophisticated atmosphere within the cabin in keeping with the occupants' moods. It adjusts the cabin's screen and lighting shades according to natural light cycles to create a relaxing environment and blend with the darker taupe front seats
Boot space The Vision O offers vast amounts of boot space starting with more than 650 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place and expanding to more than 1,700 litres with them folded down.
There's even the addition of a fully integrated fridge, a portable Bluetooth speaker, four umbrellas for passengers, a screen cleaner, and dedicated storage for charging cables.
Practical magnetic wireless charging pods in the centre console mean convenient phone charging.
Skoda says its Vision O was developed 'from the inside out' to reflect the customer's perspective from the interior first and 'ensure every aspect of the interior meets the highest standards of comfort, usability, and technological integration, before shaping the exterior'
A versatile Tranquil mode adjusts seating configurations for comfort or extra space and switches ambient lighting to match.
The seats slide back to reveal additional room for the passenger, creating an ideal environment for relaxing.
It also selects appropriate favourite music, customised lighting, and reduced content on the screens.
The Vision O also boasts a new AI digital assistant called 'Laura', who is designed to be a true interactive companion for the driver and passengers.
Skoda says: 'Laura helps with everyday tasks such as taking notes from meetings, planning dinner, or discussing the surroundings, enhancing the support level while driving.'
She even has a storytelling mode, where Laura generates tales on demand for passengers of all ages for those longer, more arduous, journeys.
Practical: Measuring 4,850mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,500mm high with an aerodynamic profile and spacious interior, the electric Vision O also has more than 650 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place – expanding to more than 1,700 litres with them folded
A svelte new look for the 'boring' Skoda estate car
The new estate combines robust looks with optimised aerodynamics using the principles of Skoda's minimalist 'Modern Solid' design language of simple shapes and distinctive lines.
Channels on the sides divert excess air toward the wheels which are shaped to enhance dynamic performance. Retractable door handles boost airflow.
The bonnet has two ventilation openings that reduce aerodynamic drag and divert rainwater from the windshield. This helps increase range over significant distances, says Skoda.
A lighting loop runs around the entire front while a panoramic roof enhances the feeling of spaciousness,
Charging ports on both sides can power other devices Hidden windshield wipers under a movable cover ensure a sleek design.
Sliding main headlamps are part of the welcome and goodbye animations together with the illuminated Škoda logo on the bonnet.
With concerns that estates will be lost in the EV transition, especially with the dominance of popular SUVs and crossovers, the Vision O model unveiled by the Czech car maker suggests they are still very much part of its plans
Advanced technologies include autonomous driving capability, allowing the car to manage all driving tasks independently 'except in challenging conditions like heavy rain and reduced visibility.'
Animated indicators in the main headlamps, fenders and the wing mirrors, act as signal lights to other motorists while the car is in autonomous drive mode.
The new Vision O car not only uses recycled materials but is also designed itself to be recycled – a process known as 'circularity'.
Skoda says: 'It stands for designing, producing, using, and ultimately recycling the car in a sustainable way to minimise the environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle.'
This includes using in the first place materials that are easier to recycle and process.
It also means waste-free methods in which by-products of the production process are also recycled and repurposed.
Skoda notes: 'Recycled materials come from various sources, including post-production waste and recycled components.
'Plastic bottles are collected, cleaned, shredded into small pieces, melted down, and spun into yarns, which are then woven into fabric. This process helps reduce waste and the need for new raw materials, ensuring that nothing is wasted and every material finds its purpose.'
Skoda this week has also unveiled a near production-ready version of its forthcoming new ‘most affordable’ all-electric budget urban SUV – with prices expected to start from under £25,000 when it goes on sale from next year.
With a range of up to 264 miles, a decent-sized 475-litre boot, and stretching to 4.1 metres in length, the new 5-seater Skoda Epiq city sports utility vehicle is designed to sit below the existing larger Elroq and Enyaq models in the Skoda SUV line-up.
Skoda describes it as a ‘bold vision’ of the final showroom ready car which blends digital touchscreen tech with physical dashboard buttons and knobs and is designed to be a ‘practical everyday companion’.
Combining a bold, minimalist exterior with a functional interior, it is the first Skoda model to fully adopt what the Czech car firm describes as its ‘modern solid’ design style which makes the Epiq ‘an ideal companion for everyday use’.
Skoda said expected starting prices for the new Epiq will be ‘comparable’ to its petrol and diesel counterpart, the Kamiq, which costs from £24,975.
It said the car shown in Munich – featuring a bold, minimalist design, innovative and practical elements - offers ‘a clear preview of its forthcoming all-electric city SUV crossover’.
The car giant added: ‘It represents an important step in Skoda’s electrification strategy and reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering appealing, innovative, and affordable electric vehicles.’
It seats five passengers comfortably, offers an impressive 475-litre boot and a range of up to 264 miles. This makes it practical for everyday use while also suitable for longer journeys.
