Paris Preview: ?koda Joyster Concept
The Paris Auto Show is around the corner, and automakers are steadily pumping out announcements in advance of the big event. Today, Škoda officially sent out word of the Joyster Concept vehicle it'll be unveiling in France.
The Joyster is a 3-door design study that hints at a future styling direction for the Czech automaker. Currently, most Škoda products clearly show their Volkswagen roots, but if the Joyster is any indication, that may be changing. Škoda appears to be developing a style all its own, much in the manner of another VW Group corporate cousin, SEAT, whose cars have a unique look even though they're based on VW mechanicals.
The sketch released shows the Joyster as having blacked-out A- and B-pillars, giving the front and side glass a wraparound look. The C-pillar is of the huge-blind-spot variety that seems to be very much in style nowadays. Slick, aggressive headlights and a bulging hood and fenders, and what appears to be a glass roof complete the package.
Inside, Škoda says that roominess, comfort and technology all combine to support the company's motto, "Simply Clever." We'll judge that for ourselves when we touch down in Paris next week.
(Press release after the jump)
[Source: Škoda]
PRESS RELEASE:
PREMIERE FOR THE INNOVATIVE STUDY, JOYSTER, A COMPACT CAR FROM ŠKODA, AT THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW
The latest Joyster design study materializes ideas of new forms and functions of a compact car for Škoda's future customers and outlines the future development of familiar design elements from Škoda Auto. The Joyster is a three-door car with compact exterior dimensions, yet surprisingly generous interior space. It is also a new combination of compact body design and a wide range of communication technologies and comfort equipment.
The design study primarily pursues the long-term goal of offering simple and at the same time clever solutions, which together with Škoda's motto "Simply Clever" have become a widely recognised term for friendly and sophisticated details of Škoda car design.
The new design study will be presented alongside other innovations from Škoda Auto at the Paris Motor Show.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CJ 1:58PM (9/18/2006)
Ever seen a Roomster? Clearly Skoda is starting to go its own in design theme. This looks to hint at the next Fabia? Note the similar A pillar and headlights to the Roomster concept.
Reply
Bill 2:08PM (9/18/2006)
Yes, this has some of the Roomster cues, but a little more down to earth. More car-like, whereas the Roomster tried to be airplane-like. It definately looks production do-able.
Reply
Alex Nunez 2:17PM (9/18/2006)
2. Good call, CJ. The Roomster is a cool-looking, practical ride. For those of you confused by what we're talking about, here you go:
Roomster Concept:
http://www.skoda-auto.com/global/model/concepts/roomster/
Roomster Production:
http://www.skoda-auto.com/global/model/roomster/homepage
Reply
Richard Warren 3:14PM (9/18/2006)
I like it.
Reply
Los 3:19PM (9/18/2006)
Looks like a VW IROC to me.
Reply
Franco 3:52PM (9/18/2006)
This is just a copy of this:
http://www.cww.at/cars/skoda_coupster.html
Reply
George 3:22PM (9/18/2006)
Any chance VW will bring the Skoda line to the US? I for some reason have a fascination with the Octavia after driving it over the summer...
Reply
Yaroukh 3:52PM (9/18/2006)
even being patriotic I don't like it
Reply
Leo 6:49PM (9/19/2006)
i like the front end of this car. it looks very nicely detailed and very appealign design to me. make a 4 door out of it with a good looking rear end and i'd grab one of these
Reply
tuning 4:30PM (9/18/2006)
Looks good. I hope it won't remain only a study and one day we can see it on the roads.
Reply
Bill 10:28PM (9/18/2006)
A friend of mine pointed out that he's sees Saab in the front end, and now that I look again, I agree.
#4, I doubt we'll see it, but I like the Octavia too! My car would be an Octavia Combi 4x4 with a diesel and a 6 speed manual. Or, the upcoming Octavia Scout. I want a good-looking AWD wagon with good MPG, and Subaru doesn't really deliver on the looks or the MPG.
Reply
Rory 7:02PM (9/22/2006)
I doubt VW would allow it to come to the USA. To much of a chance it would eat into VW sales. Same goes for SEAT. They have some cool cars too.
Reply