Unveiling its seven-seater VISION 7S study, SKODA AUTO provides the first specific outlook on the brand’s new design language, which combines robustness, functionality and authenticity. The SKODA VISION 7S is the first model to feature the Czech carmaker’s new, striking design language. Along with the Tech-Deck Face at the front end, it sports a solid underbody and aerodynamic roof lines, enhancing its efficiency. At first glance, the long passenger compartment hints at the generous interior space. The VISION 7S is also the first SKODA with a matt body colour. The interior ambience is characterised by sustainable materials and interactive surfaces. The front of the vehicle also incorporates familiar design elements, such as the signature SKODA line. The redesigned SKODA wordmark replaces the brand’s picturemark and is complemented by a new ambient light strip. This extends across the entire width of the vehicle at the upper edge of the front section and features illuminated graphics. The so-called Tech Deck Face embodies a modern reinterpretation of the familiar SKODA grille. Though it has similar lines, the Tech-Deck Face is significantly flatter and wider than the previous styling. The ribs have been replaced by dark glass that conceals the vehicle’s sensors.
For the VISION 7S, the SKODA Design team reconceptualised the car’s HMI from the ground up, emphasising the perfect harmony between the haptic (manual) and virtual (on-screen) controls. Everything was designed with the aim of simplifying the user experience. The control elements are intuitive, always enabling the driver to easily find and use the function they are looking for. The steering wheel has been completely redesigned, with two solid spokes at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. The new SKODA wordmark is positioned centrally. The steering wheel rim is flattened at the top and bottom, making the 8.8-inch digital instrument display easy to see. There are dedicated haptic scroll wheels for the most important functions during driving, highlighted by Flashy Orange accents for quick orientation. In Relax mode, the driver can control more sophisticated functions through the integrated touchpad on the lower spoke. In Drive mode, the driver benefits from an advanced AR head-up system displaying the most important driving data and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display for extra information. The centre of the interior is dominated by the large, rotating 14.6-inch screen, the largest ever installed in a SKODA car.
A high tornado line separates the solid underbody from the side windows and emphasises the powerful shoulder sections through its curve. The squared-off wheel arches beneath it are prominent and clearly recessed. The wheels have a diameter of 22 inches; the aerodynamically optimized rims are almost completely closed. Additional air outlets are positioned between the wheel arches and above the side skirts. These act as running boards for the portal doors that swing up in opposite directions and also have cover grilles. These grilles channel the warm air generated from cooling the high-voltage battery to the outside. The flat roofline gently slopes to the rear and merges with a pronounced roof spoiler for high aerodynamic efficiency. The triangular D-pillar extending to the rear features a bold design. At the bottom, it bears the new SKODA wordmark, which also appears on the tailgate and is lit up in the same way as at the front of the vehicle. The matt metallic paint finish in the bright colour Explorer Green underscores the minimalistic look of the VISION 7S. This is also the first SKODA with a matt body colour.The robust bumpers at the front and rear of the SKODA VISION 7S are particularly striking. They are made of durable, recycled tyres. This material is also used for the wheel arch linings and adds a rugged visual highlight. Seven vertical air intakes are integrated into the front, through which air is directed to the cooling systems and brakes. The VISION 7S has nine vertical air outlets in the rear bumper.
The redesigned centre console features six additional buttons that give the driver direct access to the infotainment, phone, vehicle settings, navigation and app menus; the sixth button can be user-assigned. Below are three large rotary controls; the two outer dials are dedicated to climate control, while the middle one controls the screen content. It can be used to zoom in and out on the map and scroll through lists. Beneath these are two buttons for switching between the Drive and Relax modes and a dedicated volume scroll wheel. Interactive surfaces with coloured lights shining through the fabric are integrated into the door panels; a bright light in Flashy Orange, for example, points to the door openers hidden in the lower part of the panel, while a blue or red light visualises air-conditioning temperature changes. You can also write on the fabric with your finger – to leave short notes or for children to create little drawings. Smartphones can be placed in the centre console. These are the main sources of information and customisation for the entire system and can be used as a remote trackpad. They are held in place by magnets and partially covered by the central armrest for protection. In this position, the armrest can be used to support the arm for perfect ergonomics in conjunction with the hand support under the screen.
The entire interior is trimmed in a mix of sustainable, durable materials. The upper part of the dashboard and doors are finished in a dark artificial leather and bordered by indirect ambient lighting that emphasises the protective wrap-around design. In the area where the B-pillar would be and the counter-hinged doors meet, the lower part of the door trim is drawn upwards at an angle, culminating in a crystal on both the front and rear doors. These crystals illuminate the entry into the vehicle with a running white light, for example, or warn of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist with a red light when the door is open. The floor and boot, which are made entirely of recycled-tyre veneer, also follow the VISION 7S’ sustainable ethos. This special material is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, underlining the car’s suitability for exploring the great outdoors as well as its practicality and family friendliness. This is the first time SKODA has replaced the traditional chrome accents with a unique matt paint. All functional elements, including the controls, seatbelts and first-aid kit, are highlighted in the eye catching Flashy Orange colour.
