Unfortunately it got worse when that Greek head of design guy was in charge. The low point would have been the bizarre styling cues of the frontal areas of the previous Tribeca and Impreza. (Short lived production cycle)

Despite that it would appear that the current line-up is sorted. Current Forester, Tribeca and the conservatively styled Impreza certainly does not offend and appeals to a more mainstream audience. (Agree with you again about Liberty/Outback looking good from day one)

It would also appear that buyers agree both locally and abroad. (Australian sales in 2008 will finish higher again than previous year on year the 16th consecutive year of local growth (Forester will take out No 1 spot in the compact SUV segment), and record sales for the USA and Canada achieved during 08. I suspect that they will round off with sales gains in Europe as they finally have a Diesel. (From what I’ve read it’s a ripper of a Turbo Diesel boxer engine with record levels of smoothness and quitness). I can see another award coming “International Engine of the year”….will sit nicely alongside the award they received for the 2.5 Boxer Turbo.

As for Seat they do have some hot looking models but from what I’ve read the brand is underperforming across Europe in sales targets so a return to Oz is very unlikely given that VW Aust has recently launched Skoda.

A safe and festive season to all!!!!

I’m still waiting for the Brumby Ute to make a return – but not if it will look like any of Subarus current models

So yes, it’ll start from base zero. The Roomster’s ingenuity is, sadly, probably too advanced for the Oz market. Renault found that out with the Scenic.

One step forwards and two steps backwards will turn to the opposite in time.

I dont have a bone to pick with Skoda. I know that it has VW R&D underpinnings and the brand is rated well in Europe for customer satisfaction.

But if you look at what I have said objectively without any emotional connection to the brand (Wether you have recently purchased a Skoda or are associated with the brand)there are certainly tought times ahead for established car brands in Aust, let alone an unknown newie.

It may be one of the oldest car brands around but that means nothing to the Aussie consumer.

With the exeption of the German Brands & Peugeot who are growing their marketshare, most of the already established european brands in Oz have lost ground in recent years Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Volvo, Saab, Renault, Citroen etc many of these brands are also over 100 years old. They also suffer from poor resale value.

Securing stock availability, forward forecasting and stymid sales as a result in the interim tends to affect most of the Euro brands due to right hand drive production.

You do have to question the strategy behind the launch. Yes Skoda is positioned about 10% cheaper than VW, but you can be assured that cannibalisation of sales within the VW Group from Skoda sales showrooms telling customers that …well they are basically the same unpinnings, engine, gearbox etc only cheaper than a VW will be common practice.

Your right that all car brands are new to the market at some point but their seems to be mixed messages from the marketing of Skoda. The Octavia has been advertised by Skoda as a Sporty model in recent motoring advertising publications. Yet VAG in Europe position Seat as the Sporty division within the group, Audi as Luxury, VW Middle ground Prestige whilst Skoda is the sensible choice for Disconcerning buyers.

Whilst I’m sure the dealer network in Aust has been well scrutinised I have to say that the appointment of a certain dealer is questionable as far as reputation and customer satisfaction is concerned.

Actually I did see my first Octavia Wagon in Balmoral yesterday (Sydney)…conservatively styled and unnofensive probably best describes the design.

As for them not selling, my understanding is Skoda Australia has problems even securing stock for import to Australia.
Apparently the factory stock has been allocated 13 months ahead. And this is no BS excuse, this was an issue even before the launch. That is one of the reasons behind the fabia is still not being available for sale here.

As for “Eastern European commodity brand with no prestige”, actually it’s built in central Europe, and it is one the world’s oldest automobile manufactures. Off course, when the company was communist run, the brand suffered! But that was a over relatively short period in it’s 110+ years life.
By the way, my understanding is that the skodas Australia received in the 80′s were actually built in New Zealand!!

If Skoda only managed to sell 1200 cars a year after heavily investing in media coverage and VW support with a backdrop of approx 1 million new vehicle sales in Australia during the same period then this is a PATHETIC result.

This reinforces my view that the brand will have tough times ahead establishing itself and gaining acceptance in Aust.

I am yet to see any Skodas on the road. As for the Roomster the reality is that the average Aussie will steer away from it because it is QUIRKY and the Skoda brand has no market recognition.

Sure some people who wont spend the $$$$$ on a real European premium brand will consider a Skoda but it will always be that Eastern European commodity brand with no prestige.

Happy motoring to all….or should I say Happy DEPRECIATION for those few Skoda drivers out their!!!