Electric Skoda Octavia wagon previewed by radical Vision O concept

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Skoda’s striking Vision O concept vehicle previews a future electric Octavia wagon years before the model is expected in showrooms.

Described by Skoda as “the future of estate vehicles” (that’s a station wagon for the Aussies in the room), the Vision O adorns an aerodynamic, minimalistic body with a two-tone roof, aero-wheels with an embossed triangle design, and illuminated badging.

Additional exterior features include T-shaped tail lights, a wrap-around grille with sleek integrated headlights (known as ‘tech-loop’), two charging ports, illuminated front and rear Skoda badging, and a glasshouse effect natural lighting design separated by a thick B-pillar. 

The Vision O features dramatic ‘suicide’ rear doors that shouldn’t be expected for the production Octavia, as well as an electrochromatic (auto-dimming) sunroof.

Inside, Skoda’s trend of modern solid minimalism continues, with a mono-material presentation of 100-percent recycled polyester. Front passengers get a vertical infotainment touchscreen, and a unique ‘Škoda Horizon Display’ that spans two-thirds of the dashboard.

Other creature comforts include a dual device charger, tactile buttons on the steering wheel and centre console, a multi-function dial lifted from several other Volkswagen Group models, a portable bluetooth speaker, and adjustable cabin lighting. 

The Vision O is 4850mm long, stretching noticeably beyond the 4.7 metres of today’s Octavia wagon and closer to the 4.9 metres of the current Superb large car.

The concept’s 650-litre boot provides 10 litres of additional storage over the current Octavia wagon, as well as storage bins above the wheel wells for charging cables and other awkward luggage. 

No technical details have been revealed in association with the concept’s debut, though Skoda has told European media that all powertrain options are on the table for the next-generation Octavia, so it could continue to offer combustion engines as well as pure battery power.

The next Octavia is set to sit on the VW Group’s new SSP platform, and may not go on sale before 2030.

Skoda said the O in the concept’s name represents both the electric wagon’s circularity as well as Octavia.