Move over conservative Skoda, and make room for the Roomster! The concept car stunned onlookers at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, and its styling was expected to be toned down for the roadgoing version.

But as the pictures in this week’s mag – taken with a long lens – show, that’s clearly not the case. And while the show car’s glass roof panels and one-piece tailgate won’t make production, fans of the original design won’t be disappointed.

The tall proportions of the practical little car have been retained, as have the distinctively shaped front side windows. The high-set rear light clusters of the road car are also familiar. The concept had only one sliding rear door, but practicality will be boosted on the production version, with a door on each side. The large rear side windows also help to give the new model a striking profile, and should ensure the spacious cabin has an airy feel.

Prices have yet to be announced, but the Roomster will compete head-on with the likes of the Renault Modus. A Skoda spokeswoman said: “We always offer an extra bit of car for the money.”

The production Roomster is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and it should arrive in showrooms in the UK by September.

It’s got the class-leading Renault Clio and new Vauxhall Corsa in its sights – as well as the sales success of its predecessor. But let’s be clear. Meeting expectations in 2007 will require something very special. After all, the original Fabia accounts for half of all Skodas on the UK’s roads, and a total of 1.5 million have found homes around the world.

So the newcomer has its work cut out. Fortunately, first impressions are good. Longer and taller than the outgoing car, the Fabia shares its design with the Roomster compact MPV.

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Taking styling inspiration from the Roomster, the Fabia shuns the conservative looks of the current model in favour of a more youthful appearance. The nose is virtually identical to the supermini-MPV’s, while in profile the car is similar to Suzuki’s Swift, with an upswept window line at the C-pillar.

Set to become one of the largest superminis on sale, the Fabia is 22mm longer and 47mm taller than the outgoing model. That gives 40 litres more boot space with the rear seats in place, taking the total to 300 litres.

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