Set to be unveiled at the Paris motor show on 2nd October is the Skoda Vision RS, a concept that previews a plug-in hybrid performance version of the next Rapid hatch.
For now, Skoda will only say that the Vision RS ‘offers first insights into the design evolution of Skoda RS models and the design of a future compact model.’
In fact, the car is a direct pointer to the forthcoming new Rapid range, expected in 2019.
A vRS performance version is expected to eventually join the Rapid line-up, and the concept provides a firm indicator to the potential of the petrol-electric powertrain.
The Vision RS combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine of 50hp with an electric motor producing 102hp. Combined system output is 245hp which in the concept produces a 0-62mph time of 7.1 seconds.
This potency comes alongside a 33g/km CO2 emissions figure, and an ability to cover 43 miles on electric power alone. Skoda adds that the 13kWh lithium-ion battery can be cable charged at a public station in 2.5 hours.
Some aspects of the concept are less likely to find their way into the Rapid production range. Vegan materials include a carbon textile made from 100% recycled polyester thread on the upper part of the floating Alcantara covered seats which bear signature Czech flags on their side bolsters celebrating Czechoslovakia’s foundation 100 years ago.
The floor mats, meanwhile, use a textile known as Pinatex in a carbon weave; the high performance material extracts its fibres from the leaves of a pineapple tree.
Previously the Skoda vRS badge (the v added in the UK due to Ford owning the RS badge) has been restricted to the larger Octavia hatch though the brand is set to unveil a vRS version of its Kodiaq SUV at the Paris show.
