VISION X breaks cover before Geneva show

ŠKODA Auto has released images and technical details of the VISION X it will unveil at the Geneva International Motor Show in March. The concept crossover is the brand’s first to be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and electricity offering low CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km. The VISION X has front, rear or four-wheel drive as required.

"At ŠKODA AUTO, the developments and preparations for the mobility of tomorrow are in full swing," says Christian Strube, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Technical Development. "With the ŠKODA VISION X hybrid study, we offer an outlook on the further development of our model range. CNG vehicles are clean and inexpensive. Moreover, with the hybrid, our customers can experience zero-emission driving.”

The internal combustion engine is a 1.5-litre TSI G-TEC four-cylinder turbocharged engine specifically designed for use with CNG (compressed natural gas). This CNG drive produces a maximum output of 96 kW (130PS) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. One CNG tank is located under the rear seat; the second behind the rear axle. The CNG unit drives the front axle; an electric motor drives the rear axle. This electric motor is activated where necessary – to engage additional power when starting (boost effect) or to improve the traction on smooth surfaces and off-road. The compact energy storage unit for the electric motor means the concept study can cover a distance of up to two kilometres on electric power alone.

The VISION X is ŠKODA’s first all-wheel-drive vehicle without a cardan shaft which reduces weight and emissions while increasing fuel economy. Two electric motors support the CNG drive, only providing power when it’s needed. The four-wheel drive consists of the combustion engine equipped with one of the two electric motors – a belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) and the second electric motor on the rear axle, powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery system. Brake recuperation helps the lithium-ion battery recharge while driving.

The VISION X can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 9.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 124 mph.