Yeah, Alfa and BMW are the 2 I noticed AWOL, from the guide. Seems strange, I'd have thought BMW could afford it? Well maybe there so confident, they don't need more customers. Or maybe they were scared Maggie Thatcher would turn up and cover their cars up with a tissue al la BA's livery!

Typical BMW arrogance maybe?

You decide.

As for Alfa, apparently they were unable to get a car on site before it fell apart

Typical BMW arrogance maybe?

As it's BMW I would say that is a pretty good guess. With the 3 series they have one of the UK's best selling saloons but they can't be arsed to show up. Shame.

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

Thanks Dave! I hope they manage to keep the prices just as low here - comparatively speaking, that is. A nice, fully equipped Golf can set you back for at least 35k euros here, and I reckon a new Octavia 2.0 FSI could go for 10k less!

* Anorak Alert *

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Anyone else spot the new fangled wiper blade/rubbers on the new Octavia - like a long strip of liquorice ?

The Octavia's designer was there the other day (apparently) and had been pointing out the design 'ethos' to the Skoda staffers:-

a) The bonnet lines that stem and flow backwards from the grille badge

The central 'C' pillar that is designed to be tree trunk like ..... (with doors open)

c) The C shape reversing light bits of the rear clusters - no-one has done this ....

Rob

Anyone else spot the new fangled wiper blade/rubbers on the new Octavia - like a long strip of liquorice ?

You mean the Aero wipers?

They are already on the Superb and all of the current VWs and most Audis apart from the VW Lupo. I'm trying to find a set that will fit perfect onto the Fabia without too much hassle.

They are much better than the current style in getting rid of rain as they hug the screen better.

hope the new car has a better sound system

but the car does look quite good. lookn fwd to seeing the new vRS

There were a couple of things that I didn't like about the new ones.

Firstly the big integrated stereo/screen looks like it won't be possible to replace. While I'm sure its better than the current units I doubt it will be as good as I would want.

Secondly the new 140bhp TDI had worse fuel consumption than the old 130bhp.

More Motorshow Pics online here..

http://gallery68693.fotopic.net/c193306.html

thats what i was thinking, that standard stereo looks like its there to stay

More Motorshow Pics online here..

http://gallery68693.fotopic.net/c193306.html

Some nice pics there No Superb though :(

Some nice pics there No Superb though :(

Look again

Didn't see that! :o :D

There should be more after friday, hopefully a bit lighter assuming my new flashgun arrives in time

More Motorshow Pics online here..

http://gallery68693.fotopic.net/c193306.html

lol just looking through the pics and you've got me in one of them!! well atleast my other half and the top on my head!! by the SLR stand

My thoughts on the new Octavia after seeing it at thr motorshow was a little disapointing - from all the excellent write ups in the press I though it was going to be really something out side and in. The inside to me was not up to the Superb Elegance trim that I was expecting - maybe this is to keep them apart. It looks like it has a lot of extra toys and I am sure it wil drive really well. The seat fabrics I didn'yt like except the base model (

Lets hope that if an Octavia RS apears it will have that Wow factor that seems missing with the standard replacement.

Above just on looks and the rather unflatering colour at the show - to get a true assesment a drive is needed.

John

My thoughts exactly.

* Anorak Alert *

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The central 'C' pillar that is designed to be tree trunk like ..... (with doors open)

Rob

I think you meant B pillar' date=' pillars are counted from front to rear i.e A (screen), B Door middle, C rear

and this is what the designer said.....

[i']Another important typical element of the new

I'll be saving my pennies for a future new RS.

If it doesn't appear, i'll keep what i have and spend the money on something useful...like food & clothes

Impressive specifications on the new model. Can't wait to see what toys the vRS will get.