Skoda VisionD - new compact power
The Czech brand has prepared a completely new prototype for the Geneva Motor Show, and is now preparing the plant to start production of its serial version. It will probably be very different from the prototype, but the similarity should remain, because according to the VisionD announcement, it indicates the style of future Skoda models.
According to press reports, preparations are under way in Mladá Boleslav for the start of production of the new car, which is expected to hit the market next year. So far, it is only said that this should be a model positioned between Fabia and Octavia. It will probably be a compact hatchback, which is not in the brand's lineup. The Octavia, although built on the Volkswagen Golf platform, is only available as a liftback or station wagon.
It is possible that outwardly the car will remain fairly faithful to the prototype. So, let's take a look at the new mask template with space for the new logo. It's still an arrow in the train, but it's bigger, more visible from afar. One way to draw attention to it is to place it on the end of the hood that cuts into the grille. The shade of green traditionally used for this badge has also been changed slightly.
The silhouette of the car is dynamic and harmonious. The long wheelbase and short overhangs offer a spacious interior and good road handling. Lights with a rich use of LEDs look very interesting. The C-shaped taillights are a new interpretation of the lamps currently in use.
The proportions of the silhouette, its line and main stylistic elements are likely to remain unchanged. In the interior, the chances of this are much less. An interesting procedure is to take out crystal glass, with which Czech crafts and art are quite clearly associated, and place it in unexpected places. Inserts made of such material (or similar to plastic) are placed on the door upholstery and lining of the lower part of the center console. This element strongly resembles the solution used in the Audi A1, which probably significantly reduces the chances of its use in a production budget car after the brand. The center console looks very nice. In its upper part there is a large screen under a wide single air intake. Probably tactile, because there are no controls around. It is possible that they are hidden in a flap under the screen. Even lower are three cylindrical knobs for controlling air conditioning and air flow. Each has two movable rings, which increases the range of supported functions.
The dashboard, hidden under a neat roof, looks extremely attractive. Here, too, the depth of glass was used, complemented by metal, as in jewelry. Between the dials of the tachometer and speedometer slightly facing each other there is a “belt” color display. Each of the dials has a small round display also in the middle. The interior of the car is very beautiful. The Czechs probably wanted to show what they can. They succeeded, but I do not think that such a stylistically rich car will appear in the range of the brand, which occupies a budgetary position in the concern. What a pity.
