Skoda has lifted the veils off its Vision RS concept
at the Paris Auto Show. The compact study previews both the styling language of future RS
models as well as one of those models from the compact class. The five-door hatchback concept is
4,356-mm long, 1,431-mm high, 1,810-mm wide, and has a 2,650-mm wheelbase. It’s a practical car with a 430-liter boot and space
for four passengers, although the production model will likely accommodate
five occupants.
Viewed from the side, the Vision RS looks sporty and
practical at the same time. It features frameless side windows, a third lateral
window, recessed door handles, small Czech flags on the carbon fiber side
sills, and carbon fiber side mirrors with crystal-glass indicators. Finally,
the lightweight 20-inch alloys have been optimized to reduce drag and feature
carbon fiber detailing and a glass Skoda logo.
The rear end is dominated by the massive diffuser
and roof spoiler, both made of carbon fiber. The rear air vents are from the
same material, while the L-shaped taillights are made of Bohemian crystal
glass. There’s also the identification mark of Skoda RS models, a light strip
that spans the entire width of the car. Another interesting detail is the
illuminated Skoda lettering on the rear screen.
Moving inside, it looks quite
production-ready and features a large central display, sports seats, colorful
touches, as well as carbon fiber and crystal glass details — most of them
illuminated. The center console is made entirely of carbon fiber and integrates
a minimalistic gearstick that uses shift by wire to operate the DSG
transmission. While the door pull straps are a nod to motorsport, the elastic
bands securing the door cards are a Simply Clever feature.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 150 PS 1.5-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline engine with a 102 PS electric motor for a total output of 245 PS. This translates
into a 0-100 km/h sprint of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. The 80-120 km/h acceleration takes 8.9 seconds. To do
that, drivers need to use the Sport mode, with the Vision RS also offering
Normal and EV driving modes.
Skoda claims the compact hot hatch emits only 33 g
of CO2 per km and is able to drive up to 70 km in EV mode thanks
to a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13 kWh (of which 9.9 kWh can be
used). Charging the battery takes 2.5 hours at a household power socket or
charging station at home. Obviously, the battery can also be charged on the
move using energy recovery.