Skoda Vision O | Driven (sort of)
Sleek four-seater previews Skoda's future design DNA - but the most interesting bit might be on the inside...
Skoda’s next-generation interior architecture has been shown in the cold light of day for the first time via a Vision O concept car that actually works and drives. PH attended the reveal event in Spain before taking it for a spin, giving us a chance to not only examine the new design and layout, but also how it works on the move - and whether those futuristic seats and extended glasshouse improve or reduce rear space. If you’ve not seen the concept before, don’t fret. The pictures here offer a first chance to see it away from studio lighting. Handsome, isn’t it?
Of course, it's well known that nothing gets sensible shoe wearers hotter under the collar than a nicely finished Skoda wagon, but when it comes to the Vision O concept, you probably don't need to be a member of the established fan club. It looks both bold and futuristic, and yet somehow still very on-brand. Perhaps it has something to do with its proportions, because at 4.85 metres in length, it’s only a tad longer than the estate version of the Octavia and a bit shorter than the Superb equivalent, meaning there’s more than just a few lighting details and aero pieces to inspire future versions of those cars.
Up front, the concept sports a wraparound black bar, which at the top, includes movable ‘Cyberlight’ strips (which tuck under the bonnet line when the car’s switched off) and smaller illuminated stripes, hinting at a completely grille-free styling for Skoda EVs of the future. It evolves the simpler bar design of the Enyaq, which also sports a central bonnet indentation, but here it’s much wider and wears an illuminated Skoda badge (how very 2025) at the front. Overall, it’s a sleek, albeit slightly emotionless nose. Inoffensive, if you will.
I’d argue that the side and rear are much more interesting. Your eyes are initially drawn to flat-faced 21-inch alloy wheels and flush handles on the doors, which are all there to improve aerodynamic efficiency. But most interesting is the curved bodywork and the invisible C-pillar, which is hidden behind tinted glass, so the back of the car almost looks like a pick-up truck, with a glass section bolted onto it. The tail itself has a shooting brake vibe, with C-shaped taillights that spill out onto the rear arches. Again, it’s all a bit emotionless, but that roof spoiler adds purpose, and also reminds one of PH’s former Superb Estate 280.
That much-missed wagon (from almost eight years ago!) was a perfect illustration of Skoda at its best, with a well-built interior sporting buttons and dials, and just the right amount of digitisation. This is where the Vision O will likely come into conflict with existing Skoda owners, who’ve long valued the brand's dedication to ease-of-use. Naturally, it has to integrate the latest in VW Group technology, and, as you might expect, the concept gets its fair share of artificial intelligence, previewing both autonomous driving and interior functionality changes. But no less important to existing Skoda customers will be the retention of buttons, knobs and levers. Tesla, take note.
Beneath the new vertical screen, there’s a volume knob that can also change music tracks, and behind that, there are further physical dials to adjust other features. But perhaps most useful is the retention of buttons on the steering wheel, which control driving assistance tech like adaptive cruise, as well as media stuff like the radio or Bluetooth calls. It’s a simplified version of what currently exists, but the fact they exist at all is likely confirmation that buttons will remain in place on future Skodas. The drive selector (to change from drive to park and reverse) also stays in a conventional place behind the wheel, as does the indicator stalk. Rejoice.
Still, it won’t have escaped your attention that there is also a ramping up of visual tech in the Vision O, although key among things to note for those of us who appreciate functionality is that the climate control buttons on the vertical touchscreen remain visible at the bottom at all times, which is the least bad solution when it comes to digitisation. Plus, the dashboard-wide Horizon Band screen that sits just below your eye line is actually a useful tool in displaying essential information in an easy-to-read position. It does away with the need for both an instrument cluster and also head-up display, and this being a Skoda, the information is neat, tidy and clear. Passengers can also stream video on their side.
As you might expect, the Vision O demonstrates next-gen, AI-powered voice control tech, and the wireless charging mat for two phones is a nod to the car’s high level of smartphone integration. In fact, the Horizon Band can actually be customised directly from a wirelessly connected phone, meaning no more diving into complicated menus in the car itself. It’s simply a drag and drop operation to re-order the screen’s layout to your preferences, which is something everyone can appreciate. Oh, and I can confirm from a quick low-speed spin in the concept, that the screen is ideally placed on the dash. Not too high, not too low.
The seats are comfortable when on the move too, and demonstrate Skoda’s desire to save production costs by using more sustainable materials. These include 3D printed headrests made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and fabrics made from plants and zero-waste materials. This ethos is carried across the interior, and does no harm to the Vision O’s practicality. Indeed, there are still umbrella storage compartments in the doors, rear legroom is very generous, even for a near six-footer, and the boot itself is Superb-big. That extended rear glasshouse effect created by the panoramic roof, by the way, means the rear of the Vision O is very open and airy. Obviously you wouldn’t expect a four-seat layout to make it to production, though.
You could argue that Skoda's emphasis on practicality and functionality, even in an electric design concept, is a win in itself. If we needed a signal from the manufacturer that its next step into zero-emission motoring won't sacrifice its reputation for commonsense solutions, then this is it - not least because the Vision O reflects the decision to design the concept from the inside out. Best of all, this cabin-first focus isn’t just a preview of future Octavia and Superb estate variants, it’s said to be a preview of all Skoda's incoming interior architectures.
As ever, the proof will be in the production pudding. And it's fair to say that in 2025 even the most welcoming interior can be sabotaged by a misplaced ADAS button - or indeed, none at all. Ultimately, the Vision O shows that Skoda is conceptualising the right sort of broad stroke solutions. Let's hope it does an equally good job of sweating the details.
Aside from that, a forward looking Skoda that totally represents it's wins of the past, aesthetically and practically....nicely done.
Also.... make those rear doors production ready. please....for the love baby Jesus...
(Just bought myself a 2014 L&K 170hp 4x4 Yeti....It might be my new favourite thing, so wonderfully and thoughtfully designed, its my "new" daily swiss army knife to accompany the silly car.... but in SO many ways, is FAR better!)
They should get that into production. In a world of bland derivative SUVs, the Chinese are stealing the market with low priced options. Legacy manufacturers need to differentiate themselves and this could definitely work.
Slightly longer than I was hoping for, but I think this would be a great all rounder.
Avoid anything with rear hinged rear doors unless you never need to use those doors in a car park.
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