Just returned from an enjoyable "Public Preview" day at the 2004 Motorshow.

Main port of call (naturally) was the Skoda stand where they had the full range on display, including the current & new Octavia, the Superb, the Fabia & Fabia WRC car, and the new Skoda Bike :rubchin:

Myself & Richard (Rich1068) had a good chat with a few of the Skoda staff on the stand who confirmed that the new Octavia vRS is not expected before late 2005 / early 2006, however the new Octavia estate will be available "next year". The current Octavia vRS & Estate (in 4x4 form) were also on show, confirming that these models will continue in the short to medium term.

The Stand..

Fabia WRC

New Octavia, which was on display in 1.9 TDi and Petrol MPi versions, in Ambiente and Elegance trim, with full leather & cloth interiors..

"Old" 4x4 Combi, with Skoda Bike..

Skoda Superb..

Looks like they have a good selection of cars there. Will it be worth the normal entry money Geoff? The preview day is very expensive did you get a freebie?

Looks better in the 'flesh' than on the Skoda Auto website...

nice...

Dazz

p.s. The Fabia WRC looks mean as well...

Looks like they have a good selection of cars there. Will it be worth the normal entry money Geoff? The preview day is very expensive did you get a freebie?

Colin, 1 ticket was very kindly donated by Rich1068 (Cheers Rich, drinks are on me when you finally drag yourself to a proper meet )

Well worth the normal entry fee i would say, i'm going again next friday to see the Live Action arena etc and grab any pics i missed today

Lots to see, and some very impressive cars on display.

Dazz,

The new Octavia is VERY nice, and as you say, a lot better in the flesh.

Main improvements that struck me are the even bigger boot :eek: and improved rear legroom

Even with the Driver's seat in a suitable position for Rich, there was sufficient rear legroom for me (6 foot 3) to be comfortable.

I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the range over the next 18 months or so.

Not that new, Thats an Audi Door styling and the good old twisty light selector is still there.

Other than that looking good...even if my car pc will be redundant..or maybe not if they make the space big enough

And that Superb...in Elegance trim on 16" alloys...they should be 17,s. I wonder if changes are afoot?

And that Superb...in Elegance trim on 16" alloys...they should be 17,s. I wonder if changes are afoot?

Well spotted sir

Perhaps 17's are going on the options list ?

Well they are a

Had my first sit in a Superb today...

Similar to sitting in a large cave with comfy seats

Had my first sit in a Superb today...

Similar to sitting in a large cave with comfy seats

Just dont start a fire or painting on the walls/glass.

It was a bit hard to move....bloody woolly mammoth wouldnt shift

It was a bit hard to move....bloody woolly mammoth wouldnt shift

Thats a bit harsh on Rich....

I have to complement you on your pics...both of you.

What do you use BTW?

Some dodgy Canon EOS 300D innit?

I was there today too. I couldn't resist saying to the salesman rather loudly whilst looking at the vRS they had, "They bloody chip well!".

We had a good chat and he took us all upstairs for a coffee

Steve

What do you use BTW?

A camera......

As Taxi Boy says, it's a Canon EOS 300D with the Canon 18-55 EFS lens today

Anything on prices, Geoff?

Colin' date=' 1 ticket was very kindly donated by Rich1068 (Cheers Rich, drinks are on me when you finally drag yourself to a proper meet )

Well worth the normal entry fee i would say, i'm going again next friday to see the Live Action arena etc and grab any pics i missed today

Lots to see, and some very impressive cars on display.[/quote']

Just to say; I thought your post (with the photo's) was absolute top quality stuff. Well done and thanks.

Will try to go to the show next week sometime.

Andrew

Was there any signs of prices / specs etc ????

I love that red colour - but apparently Black Magic is NOT available

Anything on prices, Geoff?

For the new Octy?

About

Just to say; I thought your post (with the photo's) was absolute top quality stuff. Well done and thanks.

Will try to go to the show next week sometime.

Andrew

Thanks

Word of advice, to yourself and anyone else going.

Get there early (0930 opening)

Follow the road to the furthest car-parks and you only have a 2 minute walk to the Halls. It means you don't need to bother with the shuttle bus service.

Anything on prices, Geoff?

Skoda web page has been updated with prices, see new octavia section.

As posted Skoda site updated with prices and specs - you can also download the PDF version of the Brochure

NEW Octavia Pricelist

NEW Octavia Specs

Skoda People on the stand at the show said 19th July as "Official" Launch date

G.

I was there today too. I couldn't resist saying to the salesman rather loudly whilst looking at the vRS they had' date=' "They bloody chip well!".

We had a good chat and he took us all upstairs for a coffee

Steve[/quote']

Ditto all that apart from the coffee bit.

In the flesh I thought the Octavia lacked the slightly 'aggressive' look of the outgoing model but who's to say that with a bit of kit it won't look just as good. Geoff is spot on about the roominess of the new model, even though the current Octavia is longer than a Golf the rear space is the same. The new model, while not quite 'Superb-ish', is certainly a vast improvement. Trim wise it's a mix of old and new from the VAG parts bin but that's good because it keeps prices down. Everything seems well screwed together and nicely 'damped' so no worries there.

A couple of other points. When you go, talk to the guys in jackets. They're from Skoda UK (or on other stands from Rover, Audi etc). The guys in shirts are obviously just hired for the day and are a bit ****e. Secondly, the motorshow is a shadow of it's former self. It didn't take us long to see the lot and some big players are missing. I enjoyed myself even though Mer don't set fire to the Mini bonnet anymore (Health and Safety you know ), but some may be disappointed. Plus they should all be wearing masks, from the car parking all the way to the salmonella-burger vendors.