In April 2005 BMW announced that the new 3 series E91 Touring (estate) would be launched and in the showrooms in 5 months time on 17 September. It was, with two 'preview' days on the weekend before. Months before that every detail was on the internet where you could configure your new car and brochures available.

Couple of months back the local Skoda dealer told me the Octavia vRS estate would arrive "somtime in December". Called Skoda for a more precise date and they didn't know any more.

We're now into the second week of December with two weeks to Christmas so have they a clue when the car will arrive now? No they don't, but they have sent me scrappy A4 photocopied pricelist. (It's now

Your not alone, I've been looking and waiting - I'm sick of seeing the coming soon box for the vRS on the Skoda UK website.

My dealer also is unaware when there car is to arrive - they did tell me that all launch vehicles had been ordered by Skoda and so were not showing on the system that tells them were cars are in the production stages.

As some of you know I've tried to order a mega spec car -- but I still don't know wether thats what I'll get - Skoda CC were almost useless in there response.

I've also sent a request for the insurance group - as yet they have not even acknowledged my request.

If Skoda are trying to up there prestige level -- they are going to have to get a grip of themselves first, any car maker worth there salt has full details and specs available months before launch = most people these days start looking for a new car about 6 months before they actually walk into a showroom - they expect all the info too be availble before they do.

And even if they don't want to make the info public they really should be keeping there dealers better informed.

Skoda is owned by VW

VW = arrogant attitude + overpriced.

They appear to now have fully integrated it into the group.

BMW aren't without a touch of arrogance either, thought it was just a teutonic thing, but at least they know what a @*#!#@!* calendar is.

Skoda are plain incompetent beyond belief. I fancied the vRS but now pretty much talked myself well out of it. Think it's called frustration. I just want to see the thing and get it off my list if need be so I can get delivery of a 3 series in March - even if it costs 25% more. Feel sorry for the dealers who are made to look like prats but, on this form, Skoda aren't a company I especially want to do business with.