New Delhi, 12 February, 2020 : SKODA is presenting its VISION IN concept study at the Auto Expo 2020 from 5 to 12 February. The study gives a concrete preview of a new mid-size family SUV and is the first model ever to use the MQB-A0-IN variant of the MQB car platform, which has been specially adapted for the Indian market. As part of the INDIA 2.0 project, SKODA has been responsible for heading Volkswagen Group’s model campaign on the Indian market since June 2018. The consolidation of the three Volkswagen Group passenger-car companies previously represented in India to form the new SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) in October 2019 marked an important milestone for the project. It enables coordinated, faster decision-making and increases efficiency by exploiting existing synergies. In terms of models, SKODA will also be showcasing the KAROQ as a newcomer to the Indian market, the updated SUPERB flagship, the MONTE CARLO and Matte Concept of the RAPID 1.0 TSI, as well as the KODIAQ and the sporty OCTAVIA RS 245.

SKODA CEO Bernhard Maier pointed out that, “India is one of the most exciting and most promising growth markets for Volkswagen Group. A year and a half ago, we set the course to help write this story of growth with our INDIA 2.0 project. Together with the Volkswagen brand, we are seeking a combined market share of five per cent by 2025, depending on market and segment development. For SKODA, India would thus become one of the five largest markets in the world. The first models being developed as part of the INDIA 2.0 project are on the home stretch, and – by unveiling the SKODA VISION IN – we are giving a concrete preview of the first production car.”

Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, added, “For us, localisation is the key to success and by opening our Technology Centre in Pune we have created the necessary conditions for this. In the localised MQB-A0-IN variant of the MQB, we now also have the technical prerequisite to offer state-of-the-art, attractive vehicles: they fulfil the latest safety and emission requirements for the Indian market, are in line with our customers’ tastes and are tailored to their needs.”

SKODA has continued to evolve its brand-typical design for the VISION IN and, by showcasing it in New Delhi, is giving a concrete preview of the design language for a new, mid-size family model. The Czech car manufacturer will proceed with its SUV campaign in the rapidly growing Indian market by launching the production version of the VISION IN in early 2021. It will be the first production model to use the new, localised MQB-A0-IN platform. The VISION IN offers an optimum amount of space, perfectly combined with the highest degree of versatility and state-of-the-art technologies. The 4,256-mm-long concept study has a wheelbase of 2,671 mm and is powered by a 1.5 TSI petrol engine that delivers 110 kW (150 PS).

Its elongated lines and long wheelbase make the mid-size SUV concept study appear larger and, alongside the large bonnet and 19-inch (48.26-cm) alloy wheels, bring out the extroverted and incredibly rugged exterior design of the SKODA VISION IN.

The VISION IN is clearly identifiable as a member of the SKODA SUV family thanks to the partially illuminated crystalline elements in the LED headlights and tail lights as well as on the grille and the striking light strip at the rear. Its bright orange metallic exterior colour conveys a zest for life and creativity.

Modern technologies, Indian heritage and vegan materials

In the interior of the VISION IN, SKODA has combined state-of-the-art technologies and innovative vegan materials with traditional Indian design and Bohemian crystal glass art. The decorative trim on the dashboard has drawn inspiration from Kalamkari, an Indian textile printing technique that uses hand-carved wooden stamps to print traditional fabric patterns. The interior also makes use of rhubarb leather, an innovative organic leather, as well as oak leather and the leather alternative made from waste pineapple leaves, Piñatex, for the seat covers, for example. The roof lining is made of recycled plastic fibres, whilst the decorative strips are made of genuine crystal. A crystalline assistant in the centre of the dashboard acts as a bridge to the digital world, as do the free-standing central display with a 12.3-inch (31.24-cm) screen, the individually customisable Virtual Cockpit and shift-by-wire technology for the 7-speed DSG.

Other new SKODA models for the Indian market

Alongside the KAROQ featuring a 1.5 TSI engine with a power output of 110 kW (150 PS) as a newcomer to the Indian market, SKODA is also showcasing a SUPERB L&K and a KODIAQ L&K, each fitted with a 2.0 TSI delivering 140 kW (190 PS), at the Auto Expo 2020 in New Delhi. The sporty OCTAVIA RS 245 producing 180 kW (245 PS), the RAPID 1.0 TSI in the MONTE CARLO trim level and Matte Concept, as well as a 2.0 TDI SUPERB SPORTLINE outputting 140 kW (190 PS) round off the SKODA models on display at the exhibition. In addition to current models, SKODA will also exhibit a 1948 SKODA SUPERB OHV at its stand. The vehicle equipped with bodywork manufactured in the Kvasiny plant has been lovingly restored over the last three years.

SKODA AUTO is responsible for leading Volkswagen Group’s model campaign in India

Since mid-2018, SKODA has been heading the INDIA 2.0 project and has thereby also been responsible for Volkswagen Group’s model campaign in India. In order to strengthen its position in this important growth market for the long term, Volkswagen Group is investing a total of one billion euros in the project, 250 million euros of which will go into research and development. SKODA and Volkswagen are seeking to achieve a combined market share of five per cent by 2025, depending on market and segment development. SKODA and Volkswagen’s upcoming volume models for the Indian market are based on the locally developed and produced MQB-A0-IN platform.