Car Trends Magazine

VOILÀ! This is Skoda’s proposition in the popular compact MPV category. Although the Roomster production model holds the same name as the concept unveiled in 2003, its styling is less attractive and adventurous, and reminding us the Mercedes A-Class based Viano. Among others, the production model has lost the Saab style roof line and gained one more door on the driver’s side compared to the Roomster Concept as you can see in the pictures above.
The model range will include among others, 1,4, 1,6 and 2,0 litre MPI & FSI engines. According to sources in the VW Group, the Roomster will give birth to a crossover model based once again on a concept, the Yeti previewed in 2005.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Škoda Auto presents the first official picture of the new Škoda Roomster that is going to become the fourth model family. Not only does the Škoda Roomster represent the Škoda brand’s step towards a new market segment, but also a step towards a new development stage.

The Roomster made its first appearance as a design study at the International Motor Show (IAA – Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) in Frankfurt in 2003. In the light of positive response of the specialist automotive media and many potential customers’ demand, a decision was taken to develop the relevant production car. After less than two and a half years, Škoda is now introducing its new Škoda Roomster to the public in Geneva.

The Roomster car concept is unique with its variable interior and a young, fresh design. As usual, the Škoda Roomster impresses with an excellent value for money, a vast luggage compartment, a lot of storage space, and a flexible Varioflex rear seat facility.

The side lines reflect dynamics while large glass panes underline ample interior spaciousness. The customers can choose their ideal option out of three petrol engines and three diesel engines combined with a manual or automatic gearbox.

The Daewoo Tosca was officially presented in Korea and I updated the photo album with new pictures. The Koreanj mid size sedan will be sold in Europe as Chevrolet Epica while it is also rumored that it will come to the US a 2007 Suzuki Verona. Although Korean is definitely not one of my strong points, with the help of web-translators I managed to come up with the engine specifications. There are two inline 6cylinder engines available:

2.0 liter with 144 hp / 6.300 rpm & 19,2 kgm torque / 4.600 rpm

2.5 liter with 157 hp / 5.800 rpm & 24,0 kgm torque / 4.000 rpm

The European edition will be previewed in the Geneva Motor Show

These uncovered photographs of the Alfa Romeo Brera Spider which is going to be officially presented in the Geneva Motor Show in March leaked today to the internet.

Like most of the competition, the new Spider follows the tradition and is equipped with a soft top. Two seats are provided, which allow for a respectable luggage volume of approximately 250 litres.

Two petrol engines will be offered on the new Alfa Romeo Spider; a 2.2 litre JTS direct injection four-cylinder and a 3.2 litre V6, with the units offering 185 hp and 260 hp respectively. In 2007, a GTA model is expected, which will feature a twin-turbo V6 engine with 408 hp and 680 Nm of torque

Six speed manual gearboxes are fitted as standard, whilst an automatic six speed transmission will become available for the V6 version in 2007. As with the 159 and Brera models, power from the V6 engine will be delivered through an all-wheel-drive traction system, with rear bias for sporty handling., coupled to a 6-speed gearbox completes the driveline while an automatic will be offered at a later date.

In terms of vehicle size, the Spider is 20 mm shorter than the Brera Coupé due to a shorter rear overhang, while the wheelbase remains at 2,528 mm. To fully exploit the four-wheel-drive abilities, the Spider makes use of front quadrilateral suspension at the front, with tri-link at the rear. ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) with sporty, non-intrusive calibration, is also fitted to control the Spider's dynamic behaviour. An electronic system called MSR is also fitted, which adjusts braking torque during down-changing

The Brera Spider will hit the market in Europe in July, while rumours have it that it will come to the US along with its coupe sibling during 2007. If that happens, it will be sold throughout Ferrari / Maserati dealerships.

Technorati Tags: Alfaromeo, Brera, Spider, official

FOR 2006, the Seat Ibiza has received a mild facelift which includes new “honeycomb” mesh style air intakes for all versions that follow the Cupra styling cues. The FR model with the 1.8 Turbo engine (150 hp) showed in the photos gets a more aggressive look thanks to the Cupra (180 hp) bodykit. Also, all versions get new light clusters, different bumpers & wheel styles and revised interior trims. The facelifted spanish supermini will be previewed in Geneva with sales following in April.

SKODA announced on its official website that is going to preview its all new compact MPV, Roomster, at the Geneva Motor Show that opens its gates to the crowd in March (2-12). Based on the VW Polo – Skoda Fabia platform, the Roomster will retain the controversial style of the prototype.