GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Skoda Vision X Concept unveiled

With a name like the Skoda Vision X Concept, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this prototype vehicle is Wolverine's latest weaponised superhero car. Rather, it's a preview of Skoda's first competitor for the Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi ASX.

Revealed ahead of the tonight’s Geneva motor show opening (Australian time), the Skoda Vision X Concept is an early look at the Volkswagen budget brand's new baby crossover.

Slotting in below the upcoming mid-size Karoq and the large Kodiaq SUVs, it won't reprise the Yeti name (odds on it'll start with a 'K') but it will be affordable -- potentially edging under $25,000 when the production version hits the scene as early as 2019.

"The exterior design provides a concrete view of the third member of the successful SUV family," said Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier at the car's premiere.

"With this model we will attract even more customers to the Skoda brand going forward," noted the Skoda supremo.

Roughly the same size as the Mazda CX-3 but slightly longer than the Skoda Fabia, the Skoda Vision X Concept boasts a new powertrain concept that allows it to run on petrol, compressed natural gas (CNG) or electricity.

The jazzy new SUV can also run in front, rear or all-wheel drive modes.

The Skoda Vision X Concept's motivation is provided by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (96kW/250), but when a rear-mounted electric motor is added to the mix, providing an extra kick (22kW/70Nm), the car should be zippy enough.

It runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain and also features two CNG tanks to run on compressed gas, which is different to LPG which is popular in Australia.

Skoda calls the new triple-threat engine G-TEC and it provides the plucky SUV with a top speed of 200km/h… which even Wolverine could appreciate.

Based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Polo and slotting in underneath the Skoda Karoq, which could be priced from $30,000 when it arrives in Australia mid-2018, the production version of the Skoda Vision X Concept would logically be priced below that. This could mean the trendy new tiddler is pegged at around $25,000.

Apart from its fancy new engine triad, the Skoda Vision X Concept features a pair of electric skateboards in the boot, should owners want to park their car away from expensive urban centres and save a few bucks by riding in. There's also a drone in the boot because that's what Wolverine would have wanted.

Whether any of these powertrain technologies – or the skateboards – make it to the production vehicle remain to be seen but the 4250mm long city-savvy SUV design shows potential.

Expect the 20-inch alloy wheels and concealed door-handles to be binned for production, but the new-look headlights and bold grille to make the transition to the showroom.

The black roof gives the baby SUV a sporty silhouette and the angular motif that permeates the overall design is eye-catching, particularly the frosted LED brake lights and rear-end styling.

The interior has a bright yellow and grey colour scheme that matches the retina-searing exterior paint work, making uses of faux leather, breathable fabrics and rubber surfaces to deliver a "robust and sporty" image.

Although the crazy bucket seats that look more like they belong in a Volkswagen Golf R are unlikely to be offered to customers, things like the digital instrument display should make the transition from fantasy car to reality.

Skoda says the concept car is always connected to the internet and will make money for owners while they're not using it by enabling car rental and car sharing opportunities.

There's a special phone jack/holster that rises up at the touch of a button then mirrors the phone's functions too.

Skoda will gauge responses to its new jacked-up baby SUV during the 2018 Geneva motor show, where it will also show updated versions of its Fabia, Octavia and Superb passenger vehicles.