The Skoda Vision IN Concept is a big deal for the Czech automaker. Not only does it serve as the precursor to a production model that’ll largely be offered in India and other international markets, but it’s also being prepared to challenge several established models in those markets, including the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

The Vision IN Concept is the first step to doing that, and for what it’s worth, the Czech automaker is making a good first impression with its new crossover. The Vision IN Concept will eventually translate into a production model, called Kushaq.

Exterior

A few things stand out from the Vision IN Concept. The first is the illuminated front grille. It’s an uncharacteristic feature on a Skoda crossover, but a more than welcome one. Illuminated grilles are usually found on more premium SUVs — hello, BMW X6! — so to see it on a Skoda is a refreshing touch. The second stand-out feature is the pop-out door handles that are uncommon from Skodas of yesteryear.

The other notable features of the Vision IN’s exterior validate our opinion that this is a well-rounded design for a concept SUV. The model is a bit upright, but that’s to be expected. The front and rear under guards are huge, and you have to wonder if those will also make their way to the production version. Everything else, though, looks slick and stylish.

Interior

As impressive as the exterior looks, the Vision IN Concept’s interior might be better. Granted, all the surfaces that are dressed or finished in orange are a tad too excessive. The minimalist look works on the Vision IN Concept and the elements that are visually aggressive — the layered dashboard draws plenty of attention — don’t necessarily drown out the look that Skoda was going for. It’s not just the dashboard, too.

The thin chrome bar separates the two layers of the dash and it also makes the cabin look wider than it probably is. The large 12.3-inch infotainment system comes with all sorts of tech and safety features, while the floating center console unit houses the gear lever. Look closely and you might notice what appears to be wooden elements scattered throughout the cabin. We thought it was wood at first, too, but apparently, that’s rhubarb and oak leather.

The big treat in the cabin is the crystalline element — that’s what Skoda calls it — that’s sitting atop the dashboard like some kind of ornament. Skoda describes it as a “bridge to the digital world.” We’re not entirely certain what that means, but we do know that there’s a less-than-likely chance that we’ll see that in the production version.

Drivetrain

Mated to the turbo-four engine is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the two front wheels. This allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.7 seconds before maxing out at a top speed of 121 mph.

Considering that the Vision IN Concept is going to translate into a production model for Skoda under the Kushaq name, the 1.5-liter turbo-four unit should also be available for the latter. The output will also be the same as will the use of the same VW-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

This engine won’t be the only one that’ll be available in Kushaq. A 1.0-liter three-cylinder TFSI engine will also be used. This is the same unit you’ll find under the hood of the Skoda Rapid, and it produces 108 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque.

Skoda Vision IN Concept specifications

Final Thoughts

The minimalist interior is also a huge upgrade, and the crystalline piece on top of the dashboard is the kind of new-age novelty that you never saw from a company like Skoda before. Sure, not all the cool pieces in the concept will make it to the production Kushaq SUV, but the important thing is that Skoda’s trending in the right direction with its improving crossover and SUV lineup.