We've come down pretty hard on Skoda->ke82 over the past years for its rather lack in creativity as far as the designs of the cars it has built in the past. But to its credit, Skoda has made some strides on that end, culminating in the debut of the VisionC Concept.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228, the VisionC Concept->ke169 offers the kind of distinctive design that Skoda has lacked in recent years. It still has some ways to go, but we see where the effort is being made as far as developing a new language that will be adopted for future Skoda models down the road.

So there should be a lot of props Skoda's way, not only because it's finally thinking more out-of-the-box, but because it has tangibly created a concept that shows it's ready to give its models the design language they deserve. Props also have to head Volkswagen->ke94's way, as it is finally allowing Skoda the opportunity to move forward.

Click past the jump to read more about Skoda Vision C

2014 Skoda VisionC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Skoda VisionC
  • Engine/Motor: 1.4 TSI turbo engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Design

As a a prototype built to demonstrate the future of Skoda's design and visual aesthetic, the VisionC Concept answers a lot of our skepticism about the current state of design in Skoda. The VisionC was designed as a sleek four-door sedan with coupe-like dynamics, some obvious Audi styling cues and a front end that finally has some attitude to it.

We especially found the sharp headlight detail as a refreshing new look for Skoda. In addition, body lines on the sides of the concept gives a more pronounced look, exuding the kind of broad confidence we haven't seen from the company in quite some time.

While not clearly visible from the photos, Skoda also says that the VisionC Concept comes with a large trunk and excellent loading capacity, calling cards of the company for many years.

As for the rear, the design is pretty minimalistic but very effective nonetheless. The sharp curves make a dramatic turn just above the rear bumper and the integrated taillights just underneath the bumper are perfectly suited for its location, not giving too much of its presence, but still working to full effectivity.

Drivetrain

According to Skoda, the VisionC Concept will be powered by a relatively small, 1.4-liter TSI engine that's been specifically tuned to be more of a fuel efficient powertrain than a performance-oriented one. Complete power numbers have not been announced yet, but it looks like the concept's engine will allow it to produce 110 horsepower and somewhere around 100 pound-feet of torque, presumably allowing it to hit 60 mph in over 10 seconds to go with a top speed of somewhere around 110 mph.

Competitors

2014 Honda Accord

It's too early to tell what kind of competitors the VisionC Concept will have but for the purposes of comparison, you can point to a Honda Accord is an ideal measuring stick for the vehicle since the Japanese model is considered a vital competitor in this segment of the market. The new Accord is now being offered with improvements for both the exterior and interior, as well as a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and a 3.5 liter, V-6 engine with an output of 271 horsepower.

Those numbers are a lot more than what Skoda reportedly has on the VisionC, giving credence to the thought that just because the concept isn't fully ready yet, it doesn't mean that Skoda is done working on it.

Conclusion

While its unlikely that Skoda will green light the VisionC Concept in the near future, we can at lest look forward to knowing that from here, Skoda will have a new-look for a lot of its models based on the VisionC. We don't want to say better late than never, but in this instance, adage holds true.