A very interesting story on AutoExpress website.

The article is dated from last year, so I'm not sure if it was simply overlooked, or if this is news to anyone:

Engineers at Skoda are looking 'back to the future' - as plans to build an estate version of the Superb have been sensationally revived.

Earlier this year the secret stationwagon was reported to have been axed by new VW Group boss Bernd Pischetsrieder. But now the car is back on track. Journalists on our sister magazine Auto Tip, based in the Czech Republic, have gathered inside information from Skoda, and told us the Volvo V70 rival will be unveiled within 12 months. It was originally canned because German bosses were concerned about the damaging effect the marque's continued resurgence could have on VW, Audi and SEAT.

The newcomer here will be the same length as the Superb saloon, but will feature a steep rear screen and elongated roofline. Top models could also get a split tailgate. The car is expected to debut at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, and will go on sale in spring 2004, priced from

The predicted 30K pricetag seems steep, considering that would put it directly in the same bracket as the Passat W8. Skoda aren't dense. I think we'd be looking at maybe the thick end of 25 or 26K, but 30K won't wash - people would just buy a Passat instead.

Anyway, it's an appealing thought - a very powerful Superb estate/ Be interesting to see what the tuning potential is!

Found an interesting picture of a Superb combi at http://digilander.libero.it/cuoccimix/superbcombi.jpg

The site http://digilander.libero.it/cuoccimix/index3.htm has a lot of interesting pics and history of Iron Curtain car makers and cars - including the fabulous Tatra T-87.

Yes, that's a good site.

And must agree with you there, Mike - an absolute work of work, the T87. There's a restored one very near where I live. I don't see it often but when I do, I'm absolutely drooling over it. That car was so ahead of its time!

And it was a prize asset in the Cartier Style & Luxe competition at last year's Festival of Speed too - and deservedly so.

Who said Czechs can't make stylish cars?