Skoda today (September 5) released a first image of the new MissionL concept car that is set to have its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The concept is said to reveal the look of Skoda's upcoming model line-up and a planned offensive that will see the Czech carmaker presenting a new vehicle every six months over the next two or three years.
But if this is not the first indication of what the next generation Octavia will look like then I will eat my hat. The current Octavia has been with us since 2004 with a midlife facelift in 2009 fitting into the usual VW Group lifespan of eight years.
The MissionL's design has been heavily influenced by the VisionD concept that was shown at Geneva earlier this year but is much closer to a production ready model. Details are scarce but the large C-pillar of the concept would appear to suggest the 'Octavia' will gain the innovative Twin-Door boot of the Skoda Superb allowing the five-door 'liftback' to operate as both a saloon and hatchback.
The new car will be launched in Europe, Russian and China in 'liftback' specification while the Indian market will receive a conventional four-door saloon version of the car. This, Skoda hopes, will see the brand increase its worldwide sales to 1.5 million vehicles by 2018.
"Revealing the look of our new compact model, the MissionL shows exactly the direction our brand is going to take, " says Skoda Board Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. "The world premiere in Frankfurt gives a clear signal that Skoda is going full steam ahead now. We are going to present a new vehicle every six months over the next two or three years. "
Further details on the Octavia... sorry MissionL... will be announced at the press conference next Tuesday.
Frankfurt Motor Show
Paul Healy - 5 Sep 2011