Brand symposium unveils family-sized electric, confirms smaller EV in works and signals the PHEV programme is ongoing – with Kodiaq involved. Oh, and there’s a branding change.

UNVEILED today at a big Skoda function at head office, also disclosing a change of brandmark, is the 7S – a name that is presumably shorthand for seven-seater – that previews an type of car Kiwis are increasingly clamouring, an electric for full-sized family use.

Don’t expect to see a 7S here as quickly as the new branding (which basically puts the Skoda name, in a new typeface, ahead of the historic winged arrow emblem on current fare). The concept won’t become production reality until 2026.

However, the 7S does more than just give a preview to one specific model coming off the drawing board and onto the street. It also signals an entirely new design language for future models and a repositioning of the brand.

What we see is big news, literally. This is a model capable of 600kms’ driving that is longer than the largest SUV Skoda presently has, the Kodiaq, but it’s also sleeker.

The roofline is lower than that of the make’s first electric car cited for New Zealand, the chunky Enyaq iV that is now under trial ahead of on-sale in early 2023.

The models are linked in that Vision 7S also uses the Volkswagen Group's modular MEB platform, with an 89kWh battery said to be cited for production models in the near future. There’s talk, already, that’s a hint of a long-range Enyaq iV, which presently has four battery choices, the largest in 82kWh. The maximum ranged cited for Enyaq is 544km.

The Vision 7S styling clearly departs from current ethos. Check out the fresh frontal look, which designers refer to as the 'Tech-Deck Face'. A feature is a polycarbonate black panel that takes the place of the traditional grille – no needed for electric, obviously, though Enyaq kinda has one - behind which are discreetly includes an array of driver assistance systems: Short and long-range scanners and radar. The car is enabled to progressively upgrade on autonomous driving tech without altering the exterior appearance.

The lower section of the front bumper uses material produced from recycling car tyres; the texture is speckled with assorted colours - something that is likely to reach future production models. Vertical intakes provide cooling for the battery while the bright orange centre section folds out to become a towing hook. It’s also a styling signature,  repeated on the wheels and seat belts.

Distinctive T-shaped light clusters introduce an evolution of the current lighting design used on production models. Thanks to the latest LED technology, there's a thin daytime running light on the top that extends across the top of the Tech Deck.

Vision 7S uses small cameras in place of exterior door mirrors, and their feed is projected onto screens on either side of the digital instrument display. These have proven to be controversial items on VW Group cars that already have them – mainly because they provide no depth of field - so conceivably it’ll also deliver with standard wing mirrors as well.

At the rear of the Vision 7S the T-shaped light cluster is repeated with the top section wrapping around the sculpted rear quarter. An elongated roof spoiler splits in two and helps the car achieve a more aerodynamic profile. If the third row of seats isn't needed, then it can fold flat into the boot floor to increase cargo capacity.

Counter-hinged doors open to reveal one single and large aperture to enter the cabin. The front and rear seats are covered in a green recycled upholstery and feature hard backs that have a carbon-fibre-like weave and incorporate magnetic sections. The idea is occupants sitting behind can attach their iPads or mobile phones to watch media. Small backpacks magnetically install within the seat backs for use on a day trip.

The steering wheel – yup, it still has one of those -  has scroll wheels to work an 8.8-inch instrument display, with additional information being projected onto the windscreen through an augmented reality head-up display.

The 7S also achieves a mega 14.6-inch central touchscreen, oriented vertically. Below this are three rotary controllers; two for the climate control, the other to scroll through menu functions. Running through the centre of the car is a spine that also serves as the mounting point for the child seat; the the safest possible place, Skoda says, and also a location that enables those in the rear to access the baby more easily. Front seat occupants can keep an eye on the bay via a roof-mounted camera providing a live feed to the central display.

Skoda hasn’t gone too technical about the drivetrain yet, but it says the battery can top at up to 200kW (well above Enyaq, which has just updated to 120kW in UK market spec).

While it’s hooked up occupants can select a 'Relax' mode. Upon activation, the front seats begin to electrically recline while the dashboard and steering wheel retract to create more cabin space. The central display rotates through 90 degrees into a landscape mode to function as a viewing screen for films or games. Occupants can use their smartphone to act as a remote control.

Skoda is accelerating its rollout of electric models, and besides a production version of the Vision 7S, the company intends to release a mid-size electric SUV similar in size to the Karoq. Having previously signalled that its plug-in hybrid programme was set to be short-term, Skoda is now saying it will in fact develop new generations of the Superb iV and add PHEV to the Kodiaq.

It also aims to enhance the use of recycled and environmentally friendly ingredients in its cars. This 'greener' approac will be reflected in the brand's updated corporate identity. Complementing the new company wordmark will be the use of two different shades of green - Emerald and Electric Green - that will feature across all company websites, literature and communication to represent ecology, sustainability and electromobility.

No word yet from Skoda New Zealand as to when this will impact here.