Today in Spain I saw a brand sparkling new Octavia. Not just a well cared for one. I mean straight out of the box. The name on the boot lid was "Tour".

It was parked next to a previous model Octavia so I was able to check carefully that apart from tiny differences like the shape of the keyhole in the bootlid it had the bodyshell of the previous model.

I know I'm ready for the home for the bewildered but what the heck is going on ???

I've obviously missed something but what?:confused:

The Octavia 1 was still produced up until last year iirc.

A few 'classic' models which come with some bizzare spec (like climatronic but winding windows).

It's quite common for manufacturers to keep previous shape models on sale as an "economy" version.

It's quite common for manufacturers to keep previous shape models on sale as an "economy" version.

Yeah, portuguese police got like 200 Octy's Mk1 just 4 months ago. I've heard they got them as "Stock vehicles". So, the got (+/-) 200 Mk2 and 200 Mk1. That way Mk1 was almost 35% cheaper.

The portuguese import Co. for VW, Audi & Skoda has had many of them in the stock and after Mk2 showed up on the market (2004) they just couldn't get rid of Mk1 vehicles. So, they kept them and now sold the all at once, with enormous disscount, but with 2 years warranty as new. With all those police colours the still look nice.

The mk1 is a very reliable car, what taxi owner wouldnt do for a cheap reliable new car......

I am in Madrid, there are lots of these about and they are mainly taxis, was in one the other day, old shape but with 3,000kms on the clock. I have only ever seen them as cabs though, as you said reliable , bullet proof and solid. Cabbies here love them.

If only the Mk 1 Octy L&K was still available

Mk1s are available in Ireland too. Come with alloys, aircon etc for 2,500 euro cheaper than the mk2 Ambiente.

In reality if you were to buy one you would get a very good deal on one....... Reslae would be poor though.

Yup. They're still advertising it on the Irish website here

Yup. They're still advertising it on the Irish website here

apparently also available in Scotland too, dealer said it was aimed 100% at the taxi market.