Looks real to me? I'm still maintaining the view its an Estate though however Skoda brand it! Will probably be longer than the A3 Sportback people seem to be comparing it to.

These images broke cover in early May, they are a photoshop even though they look to be quite accurate. The length looks about right but I think the finished product will be different in a few key areas and should look better. Here is another one from the same person on that forum as an example, it looks different but also plausible!

If the luggage capacity is smaller than the hatchback then I don't really see the point of it if I'm honest :-

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If the luggage capacity is smaller than the hatchback then I don't really see the point of it if I'm honest :-

Agreed but presumably if its the same length it should retain the same luggage capacity

No, it's shorter.

I think it's just to appeal to someone who won't want a car which is so big. Despite all the new models there is still quite a big gap in the range between the Fabia and Rapid to fill, and this might do the job.

It will still have a bigger boot than a Golf for example, but won't be quite as long as "our" Rapids.

So, presumably it would offer a good chunk more more boot space than the Fabia estate? Have any figures been released for the boot capacity?

I reckon it'll give you as much space as a fabia estate, but will be aimed at people who don't want it to look like they're driving an estate.

Seats up 505 and down 1485 litres.

Rapid hatch seats up 550 and down 1490 litres.

New Rapid space back will probably be similar to Fabia, if not a bit smaller.

Boot will be wider but not as deep I reckon.

Not a fan of the hatch, but the estate looks good.

It'll be around 20cm or so longer than the Fabia Estate so practical without being too big.

Not sure it'll suit yellow though, so I think the my current order is safe!

Those are both photoshops, the pure estate is not happening!

Based on what we do know/can see I reckon:

- It will be shorter than the Rapid liftback (by around 15-20cm)

- It will have a bigger boot than the Fabia hatch but smaller than the estate (400-450 litres)

Here is what a Skoda spokesman said today:

"It will not be a typical automobile body type hatchback variant, this version will be more dynamic while retaining the quality of estate. Rapid Spaceback model is designed especially for western European markets."

Interesting, looking forward to seeing the final look and details.

Interesting, looking forward to seeing the final look and details.

Won't be long now!

Seems like Skoda's take on the Audi A3 Sportback to me. But not as good-looking.

Seems like Skoda's take on the Audi A3 Sportback to me. But not as good-looking.

I love it how people have decided not to like it yet despite no official photos.

Wonder whether I should ask people's opinions on the Fabia3 yet?

People are already complaining about the Fabia 3 in the sense that they don't like the new 'corporate look' at the front end/grille :-)

I think it's actually the case that they've backed themselves in to a corner and now can't find a way out.

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People are already complaining about the Fabia 3 in the sense that they don't like the new 'corporate look' at the front end/grille :-)

I think it's actually the case that they've backed themselves in to a corner and now can't find a way out.

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Agree with you here... BMW had this cookie cutter problem in the late 90s when all their cars (3, 5 and 7 at the time) looked the same... Now Audi has fallen into this trap well and true - and have even publicly said this was a mistake and their future cars will have more differentiation in terms of design.

But alas... Škoda have had some Audi designers move in and the cookie cutter school of design is now with us with everything starting to look the same. Very sad.

Agree with you here... BMW had this cookie cutter problem in the late 90s when all their cars (3, 5 and 7 at the time) looked the same... Now Audi has fallen into this trap well and true - and have even publicly said this was a mistake and their future cars will have more differentiation in terms of design.

But alas... Škoda have had some Audi designers move in and the cookie cutter school of design is now with us with everything starting to look the same. Very sad.

I agree with you.

maybe on the other hand, the project is to enhance the Skoda image and awareness by launching a brand identity expressed through the front end. when they believe that they have accomplished that, then they can move towards diversification of the cars.

i don't think that it is random that VW and Audi are quitting this and Seat-Skoda are adopting this at the same time.

I agree with you.

maybe on the other hand, the project is to enhance the Skoda image and awareness by launching a brand identity expressed through the front end. when they believe that they have accomplished that, then they can move towards diversification of the cars.

i don't think that it is random that VW and Audi are quitting this and Seat-Skoda are adopting this at the same time.

Maybe it is just a way to prove that Škoda does and will always, lag VW and Audi by a few years! Hence they are only now going to fall into the Audi Russian Doll trap.

yeap, i think the group plan is that Skoda and Seat will always lag VW and Audi. and it makes sense from a marketing point of view.

Maybe it is just a way to prove that Škoda does and will always, lag VW and Audi by a few years! Hence they are only now going to fall into the Audi Russian Doll trap.

Maybe that would explain why we have only recently got the chrome and black badges, like all the other sections of the VAG empire have.

It all reinforces to everyone that Skoda is VAG, but cheaper.

Thing is I quite like the look of the Rapid/Mk3 Octavia, I think it suits the size of the car. I'm not 100% sure it would work on the Fabia though, but we'll all just have to wait and see when they officially unveil it.

I still don't get this criticsm of the new design language to be honest. All manufacturers have a brand identity to an extent, and pre the current batch of new Skodas so did they, all having a grille with chrome bar, c-style rear lights e.t.c.

I think this has been exaggerated by the Rapid and new Octavia being similar in size and body style, but there are still differences in the grille and lights area between the Rapid, Octavia and Superb to differentiate them.

What I do like is the cleaner, sharper design. Was never a fan of the blobby Octavia 2 facelift apart from in RS and Scout guise. And I can't see how the Fabia3 could fail to be an improvement over the current car to be honest!

I always thought the Fabia II looked too similar to the Suzuki Swift if I'm honest, mainly due to the slightly downward angle of the roof. It's grown on me over the years but when the Fabia II first came out I really did think it was an ugly duckling. Bottom line is I think people just don't like change

I don't think the Fabia is totally ugly per se, it's mostly just the proportions which are wrong. The S2000 rally car looks ace, as it is wider and lower. Still like the Monte too.

Maybe that would explain why we have only recently got the chrome and black badges, like all the other sections of the VAG empire have.

It all reinforces to everyone that Skoda is VAG, but cheaper.

Exactly. The Fabia is just too narrow and too tall looking. The details are fine, and the Monte especially looks great. But from dead behind, yikes, it looks like a baby London Routemaster double decker bus. That is where the Suzuki Swift looks much better as it is appreciably wider than the Fabia (or lower - which ever, the proportions are just more pleasing to my eyes).