PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Skoda VISION RS hot hatch concept busts out

Volkswagen's Czech-based budget brand appears to have found its visual groove after showing off this edgy new concept car, the Skoda VISION RS, alongside the its new hero SUV, the Kodiaq RS, at the 2018 Paris motor show today.

Previewing a fresh and futuristic Skoda design language with more angles than a refracted parallelogram, and the first RS to feature a plug-in hybrid system, the Skoda VISION RS is a 180kW compact hot hatch widely expected to inspire the next Skoda Rapid hatch.

There's plenty of exterior eye candy on this Skoda, starting with an assertive front-end design with a low front spoiler and Audi-esque air-dams. The rear-end has even more visual drama with a bold roof spoiler and rear diffuser, tied together with large 20-inch alloy wheels.

"With the Skoda VISION RS, we are taking the next step in the design evolution of our RS models," said Oliver Stefani, head of design at Skoda.

"With its precise lines and edges, it exudes an aura of power and dynamism, which is supported by a visibly aerodynamic body style and carbon-fibre components."

Powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (110kW) assisted by an electric motor (75kW) driving through an automatic dual-clutch gearbox, the 180kW scorcher could well become a reality sooner rather than later as emissions regulations, particularly in the EU and US, begin to dictate what car-makers can and can't sell.

This is Skoda's first direct rival for the new Toyota Corolla and if a high-performance RS model eventuates it would be the first ever Rapid RS.

Previewing Skoda's first small-sized C-segment hot hatch to rival the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Czech pocket rocket can accelerate to 100km/h in 7.1sec and has a top speed of 210km/h. Thanks to a 13kWh battery, it has a pure EV range of 70km and super-low CO2 emissions of 33g/km.

Charging time for such a vehicle will be less than three hours via a regular household power point, claims Skoda.

That said, a production version would likely get the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four from the Golf GTI, not an expensive hybrid set-up.

Skoda has crafted a tantalisingly sporty interior for its new concept car with lots of carbon-fibre elements, funky sports seats with floating seat-backs and motorsport-inspired door-pull straps instead of door-handles, plus a flat-bottom suede-rimmed steering wheel.

There's even illuminated crystal glass trim along the dashboard that pulses in rhythm to the infotainment system, and the Skoda VISION RS has one of the smallest gearshifters ever.

A large infotainment screen and digital dashboard round out the minimalistic interior fit-out.

There's also an Amazon Echo system that pairs with Alexa to provide more connectivity in and out of the car, enabling owners to remotely see how much fuel is in the tank for example, or if the doors or windows are open.

Measuring 4356mm long and 1810mm wide, with a 2650mm wheelbase, the Skoda concept car has a decent 430 litres of boot space and its exterior dimensions are close to those of the current Skoda Rapid hatch, which is currently sold in Australia in just the one high-spec model grade for $23,990.

"With the VISION RS, we are offering a sneak preview of how Skoda's new compact car looks," said Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier.

"At the same time, the VISION RS demonstrates how we are rigorously further developing the RS concept … We are combining sportiness and sustainability, and are transforming the RS concept into the future," he said.