Octavia concept will showcase latest Skoda design

A new Skoda concept car that previews the next-generation Octavia estate will “create a lot of buzz and controversial discussion” according to brand CEO, Klaus Zellmer.

He sees it as the next step in the evolution of Skoda’s Modern Solid design philosophy, as seen with Elroq. There’s an enhanced Tech Deck face, and a marked lateral ‘tornado line’ gouge, along with a coupe-style sloping roofline.  

The estate concept will air at the Munich motor show in September. It uses the Volkswagen Group’s new SSP platform, designed for the next generation of EVs after MEB.

Skoda waited for this new architecture to become available for its electric Octavia. It offers next-generation automated driving features, extended battery range and faster charging capability.

The new Octavia concept will help “develop the brand and the aspiration” without it trying to push out of the mainstream. Electric Octavia becomes a production reality in a couple of years.

Expect the EV to sell alongside facelifted versions of the combustion-engined model so the brand continues to offer a full range of powertrain options.

Read our review of Skoda Superb TSi 195kW 4×4 here.

Zellmer said “It all depends on customer sentiment, especially in the fleet market. We’ll keep all avenues open” he said.

A PHEV Octavia will also become available as popularity of such models is on the rise.

Zellmer reckons there is now “price parity” for electric cars and combustion-engined ones. However, not cost (to produce) parity. The VW Group is working hard to bring down costs of EV development.

Also coming from Skoda is a three-row production version of the seven-seat Vision 7S concept vehicle. This will be the new “flagship” for Skoda and is due for release next year. It has no official name as yet. There will be no other new models for a while after a flurry of Skoda releases; Zellmer is fully focused on “the big footprint” of the market.

There have been calls for the Yeti to return but Zellmer says there are no plans for such a model. Nor is any commercial vehicle on the horizon, he added.

Meantime, Skoda continues to lead the development of combustion engines and the MQB architecture for the VW Group. 

No end date has been set on this, though for the former it depends on how CO2 legislation evolves.