Skoda is offering a glimpse of the future by unveiling a design concept car called the Skoda Vision D at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. The economic goals set by the carmaker require a new focus drawing on the inspiration of a tradition stretching back for more than 110 years. The use of modern stylistic elements and the latest technology is a logical step. The design concept gives fleshes out the contours of the growth strategy with clearly defined features, maximum care and attention to detail.
Tradition with vision: evolving towards success
The concept singles out characteristic design elements of the SKODA brand and guides them forwards towards the future. The long wheelbase and short overhangs are a prerequisite for successful automotive architecture as they both allow for above-average interior space and, coupled with the dynamic roof line, lend the car a high degree of visual majesty. The fluent integration of the tailgate underscores the entire car’s sophisticated practicality. The high everyday utility value and distinctive interior modular design are traditional brand values which are freshly interpreted in a more modern form here. The grille with its unobtrusively shiny finish symbolizes the brand’s aesthetic blueprint, its fine slats resembling taut harp strings.
Sending out a clear signal: a new logo and distinctive lighting elements
The newly arranged and clearly structured logo stands out in the middle of the car as the starting point for all the contours. It intersects the horizontal line of the bonnet, highlighting its special status as a symbol of quality and success.
The SKODA logo is bordered on the sides by four headlights reminiscent of a symbolic four-leaf clover. They endow with the concept with a pleasant yet pragmatic countenance expressing warmth and chemistry. The C-shaped rear lights have become a characteristic of each SKODA vehicle unmistakable both in the daytime and at night. In this design concept, this precisely rendered lighting architecture has become the rear section’s defining element.
The silhouette of spirit: light and shadow play with balanced window design
The design concept’s athletically sleek silhouette emphasizes the starkly defined light and shadow play created by the sharp wedge-shaped line, allowing the balanced proportions to come to the fore. The side profile is equally well rendered. For example, the rear edge of the door is complemented by the bottom front area of the side mirror, delivering an entirely new aesthetic impression.
The concept epitomizes high design value to the finest detail. Above rear bumper, small grooves connecting the rear lights to the license plate holder; the resulting triangular elements represent precision reminiscent of the cut crystal and lend the car character and individuality.
Generous interior: choice materials and crystal glass
In this concept, the exterior precision is mirrored in the interior. Values typical of the SKODA brand, such as the generous space and sophisticated practicality, have been composed very sensitively in terms of the materials and elegant shapes employed. The lighting creates a pleasant environment, friendly ambience.
The use of crystal glass is a completely new, attractive idea reflecting a special link with Czech culture, art and craftsmanship.
The design concept marks another big step into the future for SKODA. Its forms shapes are dynamic, stimulating the imagination of observers without provoking them, and offering an undistorted view of the outlook for cars made in Mladá Boleslav. It is here in this Czech town that designers and engineers have paved the way for future success. This traditional Czech brand is now best placed to achieve its ambitious goals: economic growth coupled with new design full of potential, while preserving established traditional strengths such as great performance, value and precision.
