Wolf.17 Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 (edited) Skoda’s forthcoming range of electric vehicles will retain a front grille but be distinguished from internal combustion-engined models by a bold, full-width lighting strip, according to company boss Bernhard Maier. The design was previewed by the Vision iV SUV shown at the Geneva motor show in March and will be retained for the production version due next year. That car will be Skoda’s first model built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric platform. Maier said the production design will feature a single LED light strip that links the headlights and splits the grille into upper and lower sections. “This is the new expressive crystalline design language,” said Maier. “Glass working has been a Czech specialism for centuries, so this is something that is authentic.” The lighting strip will be made of Plexiglass to save weight. Another changed styling feature of the Vision iV production car will be the adoption of a conventional grille. The concept featured a ‘phantom’ grille but, despite no longer being needed for engine cooling, the slatted grille will remain, with Maier citing feedback from customers who said they liked the design. OUR VERDICT Skoda Kodiaq Skoda Kodiaq Skoda jumps into the SUV market with both feet — and seven seats, but can the Kodiaq win the people's hearts in an already congested SUV market? Find an Autocar car review Driven this week Toyota Camry 2019 UK first drive review - hero front 8 MAY 2019 FIRST DRIVE Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid Design 2019 UK review Model returns to UK for the first time in 14 years with all-new design and... BMW 3 Series 330i 2019 UK review - hero front 6 MAY 2019 FIRST DRIVE BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport 2019 UK review Brilliant handling smarts allied to greater sophistication and completeness... Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé 2019 road test review - hero front 3 MAY 2019 CAR REVIEW Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé AMG refreshes its archetypal model in anticipation of the next-gen BMW M4 The production Vision iV will also be sold with a choice of three battery packs and two motor configurations. This is in line with other VW Group electric cars being built on MEB, such as the forthcoming Volkswagen ID hatch. Battery packs of 49, 60 and 82kWh will be introduced over the vehicle’s life, with the biggest battery offering a 300-mile WLTP range. The model will launch with the 49kWh battery and one other, but which has yet to be decided. As standard, the Vision iV will be rear-wheel drive with a single motor, but higher-spec models will be offered with a front-mounted motor providing all-wheel drive. Maier says the two-motor version is “more agile” than the single-motor model. To keep costs down, the Vision iV won’t feature a reduction gearbox, which could increase top speed. “That’s why we limit it to 112mph. Not having a separate gearbox will be very good for the vehicle cost,” said Maier. Edited May 9, 2019 by - Dark Closed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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