Shapely load shifter brings new design ideas - but keeps a classic touch.

FUTURE forward in almost every respect - but not quite wholly: It still has umbrellas in the doors.

However, overall, historic references are stowed for the fully electric station wagon Skoda has displayed at a big motor show in Munich.

Similar in size to the current Octavia and likely to also carry that name when it comes into production within 24 months, the Vision O is a concept that introduces a new chapter in the company's 'Modern Solid' design language and previews how the Czech member of the VW Group clan will expand its electric vehicle offering.

The car displayed alongside the Epiq, a small crossover that will launch next year and is being considered by Skoda New Zealand as another choice beyond the Enyaq and soon to land Elroq.

The Skoda Vision O’s front end look delivers what Skoda’s designers are calling the 'Tech Loop' face. It has the illuminated look of the current Enyaq and Elroq models, but advances it with slender daytime running lights that look almost like eyebrows.

Additional lighting elements featuring the indicators extend separately into the leading edges of the front wings. Skoda calls these the 'Cyber Lights'. The Skoda wordmark on the bonnet is also illuminated. A further part of the Vision O's clean look is that the windscreen wipers are hidden under a movable cover when not active.

The distinctively shaped alloy wheels have been aerodynamically optimised for efficiency without sacrificing on looks, the pronounced wheelarches have a squarish look for similar influence.

The most outstanding feature of the car's side profile, however, is the body-coloured B-pillar element that creates a more defined separation between the front and rear doors. Those doors open from opposite sides in true concept car style to create a vast opening into the cabin.

Vision O measures 4850mm in length and is 1900mm wide and 1500mm tall. The boot can swallow 650 litres of cargo with all seats in place, and more than 1,00 litres when the back seats are folded down. There are battery charge ports on each side of the car, above the rear wheels where the back doors hinge from the body.

The cabin adopts a clean and reductionist design with light colours and uncluttered surfaces. Skoda says its designers wanted the interior to feel more like a comfortable living room than a car cabin.

The seats are upholstered in a recycled flat-knit material and feature headrests with a transparent effect coating that is 65 percent plant-based. The flooring is made from recycled leather called Nabore, which comes from post-production offcuts.

Besides the eco-friendly credentials of the interior, the Vision O has plenty of practical features. The doors contain large storage compartments that go beyond the typical door bin, including a lid that hinges upward.

The 'Horizon Display' is a 1.2-metre-long display that spans the full width of the dashboard beneath the windscreen and relays relevant information in a minimalist way. The infotainment system still operates through a touchscreen that sits on the centre console in a portrait orientation.

There's also Skoda's ever-present digital assistant called Laura, and route-planning for optimum efficiency can be done through the MySkoda app that is being updated now to version 8.5, incorporating Google Gemini for AI support with charging stops and improved points of interest tailored to the individual user.

Other novel features include a built-in fridge, two wireless charging pads on the centre console that are magnetic to prevent your phone from moving and a portable Bluetooth speaker. Plus umbrellas in the doors.