That picture of the Superb looks like it was taken in the factory.

They really shouldn't alllow people to have those camera phones

By the way it is a 5 door HATCH (a la Octavia) - a dealer I spoke to last weak speculated they may make an estate as well.

Here are some more:

Current PASSAT for comparison (note positions of major controls and airvents):

VERY SAAB 95 !! (note "tear" headlamp washers with chrome covers just below main light assembly)

A bit Renault Safrane?

Rear bumper design study?

The Hatch

PASSAT "lift" door handles

A hatch superb?

Are we sure it's not a facelift Octy? Looks Octy sized to me

It's a Superb for these reasons:

1) Superb due for replacement 2007/2008 (Octy is only just coming up to a facelift - possibly next year)

2) The car in the pics is based on a PASSAT, the Octy will be based on a Golf (VI) chassis - which hasn't been signed off yet.

3) The car in the pics is pretty plush - walnut dashboard etc

4) Skoda have been requested to make the Superb more "practical" and move it away from other VAG products - hence Hatch (and possibly estate).

5) Stylistically, both vehicles have the same "stance". They also share the chrome "Tear" washers - a Superb signature - and alloys!

-- STOP PRESS --

Look carefully here: Superb being developed as HATCH and SALOON

The first picture shows a FIXED rear screen and boot lid with visible hinge.

The second pic shows familar "Octy" style hatch.

Have Skoda seen the hole once filled by the Granada?scorpio is vacant, and a potential goldmine?

Good on Skoda for going Shooting Brake hunting......

Will we get both types here in the UK along with a possible estate?

Have Skoda seen the hole once filled by the Granada?scorpio is vacant, and a potential goldmine?

Good on Skoda for going Shooting Brake hunting......

You mean the "Mid-size Premium/Executive Hatch" like the:

Vauxhall Signum

Rover 800 series fastback ("Vitesse")

Renault Safrane

Citroen C5 V6 Exclusive Hatch (a frankly shocking 22% retained value at 3 years of its

MMMMMMMMM............Rover 800 fastback..............

Stick the Citroen XM V6 on there as well. Rocking horse ****.

MMMMMMMMM............Rover 800 fastback..............

Stick the Citroen XM V6 on there as well. Rocking horse ****.

Was that a hatch (or "fastback" if your paying big money)?

I don't remember the car that well - I'm not Googling it either, they keep a record of all the things you search for your know

When you say "Rocking horse ****" - that phrase usually means somethingis rare - I think you could be a little more concise (and accurate) by droping the "Rocking horse" .

... I could't resist

That IS what I call quality!

Now I remember - all those French ministers of state and presidents lolled around in one (well they probably had one each actually)

Kind of an update on the DS.

What a car salesman's trade-in dream - "Well we can probably look to part-ex it against a set of carpet mats if you like Sir?"

I love the way it looks like someone's nicked the rear suspension, or it's using a french street for the other use.

IIRC it was part of an outstanding car chase involving an Audi S8 in an earlier part of Ronin.

That's about it though

Beware, some floormats can be quite pricey so a full P/X might not be guaranteed :P

IIRC it was part of an outstanding car chase involving an Audi S8 in an earlier part of Ronin.

:P

Now the nitrous'd S8 was quality (except the Dragon Green metallic) - the suspension of disbelief was not Jonathan Pryce's naff Irish accent, but the fact that the XMs were in the same performance/handling ball-park as the S8 :rofl:

The rocket-launcher was well deserved

Yes OK there were a few technicalities in the chase but it's got to be the XM's finest hour

Two in one

Now that is sneaky

Will it be showing in the new Transformers movie?

Honestly, some companies will do anything for product placement :eek:

Same car in both pic.

That will confuse the motoring press: they wont know what section to file it under - is it a saloon or a hatch.

Or is it a Hatoon or a Salatch?

'Tis very clever though.

Hats off to Skoda for that one.

It's even got B6 Passat door handles.

'Tis very clever though.

Hats off to Skoda for that one.

It's even got B6 Passat door handles.

It's one thing to have pics of your development car leak out and spoil the reveal, but when one of the features is quite clever (how many will copy?) - then you must be really cheesed off.

As for PASSAT handles: see "Page 1" Dan

PASSAT "lift" door handles

I obviously missed the comment nicely hidden between the pics there. I looked at the pics on this page where the comments are missing :P

Ah Ronin, a must have movie for any car fan with good surround sound

I'm sure Skoda will be watching the staff working in the R&D area, and know the leaker. Many firms now leak on purpose, like so many 'shock' celeb pics these days which are clearly staged to boost status and improve sluggish careers.

Isn't it time for a Superb 2 forum ????

Looks small in factory pics - but don't worry about the new Superb accomodation:

Octy Test Mule for new chassis/platform.

Wonder what engine this is running (twin rear box)?

Superb 3.6 vRS :confused:

Could be a 2.5TD or something. I think Audi even do a 2.0 with twin pipes like that.

Could be a 2.5TD or something. I think Audi even do a 2.0 with twin pipes like that.

Oh thanks Stu - can't we dream

Obviously IF it was a Superb 3.6 vRS - then is would obviously need 4 wheel-drive and a 7-speed DSG to drive through.

Yes OK there were a few technicalities in the chase but it's got to be the XM's finest hour

What like the fact that an S8 would wipe the floor with an XM:rofl:

The finest car chase has got to be "Eleanor" in gone in 60 seconds:thumbup: