Skoda's designers must have been chuffed with themselves when it was announced that the stylish Roomster concept car was given the green light for production following a rapturous reception at the
2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, and despite adamant public claims that it would not be made. No such statements are being made about the Skoda Joyster, a new concept car Skoda is displaying at this year's
Paris Motor Show.
Though the initial designer sketch shown here indicates that the Joyster takes some of its design language from the Roomster, it is clear that Skoda is moving in a bold new style direction of its own. The distinctive new lights and sculpted bonnet surround a larger version of the corporate Skoda grille. The lights blend into noticeably chunky wheelarches, with the same shape echoed at the rear. The glasshouse appears to be of one piece with the roof 'floating' above (in the same way the Roomster's did), while the kicked up side window disguises the upright rear.
In concept form, the Joyster is just a three-door model, but we believe that it will heavily influence the replacement for the
Skoda Fabia and if that car is half as stylish, then
Fiat's Grande Punto could have a serious rival on its hands for title of best-looking supermini.
Shane O' Donoghue - 22 Sep 2006