Discussion
CoolC said:
The actual one doesn't look as good as that concept though.
I disagree. I don't think the picture is as good as the reality. Saw two 5-door ones over the weekend and was really impressed.Not that PH-tastic, but a very smart design and should do quite well for Skoda, IMO.
Are they a soft-4x4 or just four-wheel drive 'themed'?
Why does going from concept to reality always make such a mess of cars, I know its a production cost thing, but seriously how much more would it cost to make the car at the top of the page than the one in the second photo.
It would have to be a lot to make it worthwhile sacrificing the additional sales that would be achieved with the better looking car.
It would have to be a lot to make it worthwhile sacrificing the additional sales that would be achieved with the better looking car.
It's quite interesting that although the changes made to the producton model are fairly subtle the overall effect is quite alarming when they are all packaged as one. The photography might be resposible for the production model looking harder/sharper though...
The concept looks refreshing - the production thing pretty bland. And that's what the general public want?
The designers love cars I guess, the accountants and marketing guys n girls like sales...
The concept looks refreshing - the production thing pretty bland. And that's what the general public want?
The designers love cars I guess, the accountants and marketing guys n girls like sales...
I sat in one this weekend and I must say it is great for a small family with lots of clever storage bins, loads of airbags and suprise suprise: a lovely interior and dashboard. I also sat in the VW Tiguan version and the interior was good but somehow not as nice as the Skoda. Also in the flesh the Skoda looked pretty good. They both have the panoramic opening glass sunroof option too. The boot was a bit small but most of these small SUV's lose out in that dept. It had a split floor which is handy though and lots of option for hooks and nets etc.
An interesting model is 1,2 TSI version with 105bhp and a DSG box. It comes in FWD only and not too slow with 0-100 in 12 secs and should be quite torquey. It's also about 300kg's lighter than the 180bhp 4wd version.
Now before you all start bleating about diesel and big BHP an engine like that in a car this is great for Athens where auto is a very good idea, diesel is banned for private use, tax is based on the engine cc, roads are cr@p and parking is tight.
An interesting model is 1,2 TSI version with 105bhp and a DSG box. It comes in FWD only and not too slow with 0-100 in 12 secs and should be quite torquey. It's also about 300kg's lighter than the 180bhp 4wd version.
Now before you all start bleating about diesel and big BHP an engine like that in a car this is great for Athens where auto is a very good idea, diesel is banned for private use, tax is based on the engine cc, roads are cr@p and parking is tight.
I've got to admit, I also quite like it.
I will also admit that I have spent the past few weeks driving around in a new Skoda Fabia 1.2 HTP, at first I baulked at the idea of a 60bhp 3 cylinder 1.2 litre powered car, but I've actually grown quite attached to the little blighter.
It makes quite a cool noise when pressed on, goes round corners well and is very well screwed together. I also like the fact I have to plan ahead on conserve momentum rather than just tickling the throttle as I normally do in my BMW, especially when overtaking.
So there we have it, I like Skodas.
I will also admit that I have spent the past few weeks driving around in a new Skoda Fabia 1.2 HTP, at first I baulked at the idea of a 60bhp 3 cylinder 1.2 litre powered car, but I've actually grown quite attached to the little blighter.
It makes quite a cool noise when pressed on, goes round corners well and is very well screwed together. I also like the fact I have to plan ahead on conserve momentum rather than just tickling the throttle as I normally do in my BMW, especially when overtaking.
So there we have it, I like Skodas.
Skodas are actually pretty good cars and I was really impressed with the Octavia and Superb (dodgy names though). If this one is in the same vane as the others then it will be pretty good. Interesting, if slightly odd-ball, but no reason to dislike it. I think they do 2 and 4 wheel drive with a variety of engines - never going to set the world alight, but good honest motoring for a company that has a good reputation for reliability and quality of service.
No need to submit yourself to the bin for that.
No need to submit yourself to the bin for that.
When the concept was at the Melbourne Motor show a few years back I managed to pull the door handle off when i attempted to open the door to look inside, it was made of balsa wood and rattle pack sprayed silver. I managed to stick it back on long enough to depart the scene sharpishly.
It must be devastating for a vehicle designer to be given a brief, present a good looking concept - then have it diluted to the point of blanditude. I applaud the team who created the concept, if only because they've proved that they've got the creativity and intelligence to try to present an alternative to the traditional Skoda 'theme'.
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