As I was wandering through the centre of Manchester a few months ago, I was stopped by a person wearing a Skoda jacket. They were doing a promotion which included an exhibition trailer and the ability to win a prize by changing the wheel of a rally vrs fabia, all of which had obviously cost Skoda a few quid.

It went something like this "Excuse me sir, can I interest you in a brochure on a Skoda" Yes. "Er" taken by complete surprise. "Would you like to enter a competition to win something or other to do with Skodas" Aye, go on then. Even more surprise. "Would you be interested in a test drive?" Yes, in a new Rs I would. Gulp. Don't quite know what to say here. Says to colleague Er, we've got somebody interested in an Rs or something. Does any body know anything about them. Man wanders over, thinks they may be out in December. Other bloke admits knows b***** all about Skodas.Takes details. I stress only interested in new Rs cos I've had the previous model and loved it. General brochure on Octy turns up (no mention of RS) with letter saying dealer will be in touch. Sod all contact so far, but just what I expected.

Are the general public so apathetic towards the Skoda brand that anybody expressing a real interest must be taking the p***?

no its just a well kept secret