I have just returned from a holiday in the Czech Republic. While chatting to a couple of Americans in Prague they asked me about these cars that look like BMWs but don

But what do Americans know about cars anyway. They get confused when they see a corner.

But at least makes people think about the quality nowadays as it happens a fair bit over here too.

I myself think the rear of the Octavia II Combi (or Estate, I think you call it) looks a bit (A BIT!) like the Volvo V50.

It certainly looks good.The rear of the last Octy always reminded me of Mercedes estates with the light cluster.Still do a bit!

It looks a classy car though certainly.It might have been called bland,but thats a bit unfair.Tell me a current family/exec car that isn't bland (except the PT Cruiser thanks but no thanks!)

@Roo.True about the handling bit but you have to give them credit for some of their latest incarnations.Appreciate they have gone or are going through a retro phase but the new mustang,the gt40 to name two seem great to me.I'm sure they would be sunny side up at the first corner but I love them!

Having said that having been brought up on Hawaii 5 O,Dukes of Hazzard,Kojac,Smokey and the Bandit I used to love American junk I used to think a Cadillac was the ultimate luxury car in the 70's.Not a Rolls! Would have looked like a twonker driving one over here though

tobe honest i think it looks like a volvo! the bonnet is simular.

tobe honest i think it looks like a volvo! the bonnet is simular.

My neighbour says the grill looks a Rover. What a cheek!!

@Roo.True about the handling bit but you have to give them credit for some of their latest incarnations.Appreciate they have gone or are going through a retro phase but the new mustang,the gt40 to name two seem great to me.I'm sure they would be sunny side up at the first corner but I love them!

Mustang, yes I would have one if I could afford it. The Ford GT is just a subtle update on the Euro original (but aparently they have done a marvelous job with the handling and aerodynamics on it).

they are excellent muscle cars, but not many are near european handling yet (although they are learning, a Cadillac with a manual gearbox :eek: )

, a Cadillac with a manual gearbox :eek: )

I thought Americans all had a limp left leg from no clutch use.How will they cope

I thought there was a renowned picture of BMW/Octavia vRS photchop that pops up when people mention the similarity.Front end of an octavia with a BMW grill IIRC

Must have a delve into old threads and have a look

I think the new Octy lookslike a Volvo S60, which is good. Just got back from Canada. American cars deeply crap. Rented a Chevy Malibu, was rubbish. Every extra you can think of, big engine, slow as hell and a what looked like a 'Daewoo' dashboard!

(except the PT Cruiser thanks but no thanks!)

Test drove a PT Cruiser. What an experience. Gearbox was the notchiest I have ever driven, even worse than the loose box of cogs in my wife's clapped out Renault Dauphin.

Engine power! What power? performed as though it had a 1000 cc mini engline.