The Skoda Vision X which will be revealed next week at the Geneva Motor Show teases a vehicle offering CNG, petrol and EV all in one.
IT MIGHT SEEM a little confusing, as if Skoda can’t quite make up its mind about which technology to pick and run with, but the Czech car maker believes its clever hybrid package is a glimpse of the future. But, let’s address the elephant in the room…does anyone else see the hint of Hyundai Kona in the front-end of the Vision X concept.
Indeed, Vision X hints at the future design language for Skoda’s SUVs. This might be about to get embarrassing. Moving on.
Skoda has clearly dipped into Audi’s catalogue and thought it a good idea to combine a conventional powertrain running CNG (compressed natural gas), mated to two electric motors.
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) – it’s the engine out of an A3 CNG which we didn’t get here. The CNG drive produces a maximum output of 96kW and a maximum torque of 250Nm. 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 is activated as needed – to engage additional power when starting (boost effect) or to improve the traction on smooth surfaces and off-road. The capacity of the compact energy storage unit for the electric motor is sufficient to drive the concept study over a distance of up to two kilometres on electric power alone.
The idea is that the Vision X concept can run as a front-wheel drive only, all-wheel drive or a rear-drive only as the situation demands. While the vehicle is being driven, the battery for the electric motors is being recharged. The set-up is similar to a Toyota hybrid system, only the drivetrain in the Vision X is a million times more flexible.
Stay tuned for more information.
