Paris Motor Show 2018: Skoda Vision RS Concept previews future hot hatch

-    The Vision RS Concept previews a future Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus rival. 

-    The production version of the concept could spawn the new-gen Fabia/Rapid.

-    The powertrain is a combination of 1.5-litre TSI engine and electric motor with a total output of 180kW (245bhp).

Skoda is capitalising on its 117-year motorsport history with the RS-badged vehicles at the Paris Motor Show this year. The Czech carmaker revealed the Vision RS Concept as “how Skoda envisages its sporty RS models in future”. The plug-in hybrid showcar previews a future hot hatch that will rival the likes of Golf and Focus.

Measuring 4,356x1,431x1,810mm, the Vision RS Concept is powered by a combination of  153bhp 1.5-litre TSI engine and 75kW electric motor with a total output of 245bhp. The design study can accelerate from a standstill to 100kmph in 7.1seconds and has a top speed of 210kmph. The transmission is a six-speed DSG. The battery is lithium-ion of 13kWh capacity. The battery can be charged in 2.5hours at any household power socket. The hatchback has a pure-electric range of 70kilomtres. 

Appearance wise, the Vision RS Concept looks like a modern iteration of the Rapid hatchback. The sleek headlights and the characteristic moustache grille will be the trademark of future Skodas. It takes its design cues from the illustrious motorsport inspiration, claims the carmaker, but it’s hard to find. Instead, the rear appears to be a welcome change over the boring looking Skoda design. Instead, the Spaceback-like rear has interesting elements like boomerang-shaped tail lights, a roof-mounted spoiler, and contrasting diffusers. The sharp creases and contrasting black roof adds character to the concept car. The wheels are large and will be limited to the concept.

The inside, however, looks production ready. In fact, all the elements from the futuristic cabin will be used in upcoming Skoda products pretty soon. The elements look like they are straight out of the Octavia RS. The floating touchscreen grabs the attention but the use of exotic materials make the cabin look modern and upmarket. We’d like to see the sporty steering wheel in production vehicle soon and without any changes. Meanwhile, the show car was also laden with futuristic connectivity features.

The production version of the Vision RS Concept is likely to be revealed in a few years’ time. We guess the production version could spawn the new-gen Fabia/Rapid.