Skoda Vision iV pure-electric concept SUV previewed

Skoda has released the first images of its Skoda Vision iV concept ahead of a planned public unveiling at next month's Geneva motor show.

Thought to preview a close-to-production version of the 2017 Vision E concept, the latest sketches suggest the 'real' battery-powered SUV will retain its futuristic looks.

Bearing close resemblance to the Vision E, the Skoda Vision iV differs slightly with a traditional slatted grille grafted on its nose from the front.

The design renderings also reveal the Vision iV will get a new full-length LED daytime running strip lighting that cuts through that new grille to link the two head lamps.

At the rear of the car, the Vision iV gets a prominent diffuser, an updated pair of C-shaped tail lamps and Skoda lettering that appear to act as a third brake, or tail light.

Beneath its stylish body, the latest Skoda SUV is based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform that has been specifically designed for pure-electric vehicles.

Sharing its electric motors, lithium-ion battery packs and associated control modules, the production Vision iV will be heavily related to the forthcoming Volkswagen I.D. models.

That means it could come with both two- and all-wheel drive and have a range of up to 500km.

Last year Skoda confirmed it would also introduce a more practical standard-bodied SUV.

On sale in 2021, it's not yet been confirmed which will arrive first.

Following a multi-billion-dollar investment, Skoda has pledged it will introduce more than 10 electrified models into its range before the end of 2022.