Just FYI the Skopda Octavia is more like the VW Bora and the Superb is more like Passat

Until I get my fiesta RS I am still a die hard VW fan but am slowly being turned to the way of the Ford!!!

I stand (well sit) corrected.

I have to agree with hugh on the Skoda Octavia RS it really is a cracking car. On my second visit to the show (yea I know) I spent ages looking and sitting in it and I was very impressed.

The Fiesta ST is definatley for me, its a quite a step up for me from a 1.25 Fiesta. The colours and option pack will apparently be simlar to what the ST170 gets so I will, if I have the money, enjoy spending that little bit extra to make it the little be more special.

OK guys, just got back from my first visit!! I'll be going again with Scotty and a few others on Thursday.

I spend a considerable amount of time looking over and sitting in LOADS of cars. The thing I was most struck by was how high quality all the cars are across the board - the gap between a Rover and an Audi is really not that big these days, certainly not in comparison to the difference in quality at the Motorshow back 10 years or so.

Ford's stand was OK - the Thunderbirds did detract from the cars with the new models such as the Mondeo ST TDCi and Fiesta Zetec S going almost unnoticed. The Fiesta RS was getting a lot of attention - certainly comparable to the Focus RS - perhaps even more so.

The Fiesta ST looked great. I totally love my Focus RS, and I really couldn't bring myself to swap it for the ST, but all the same, it looks like it's going to be a brilliant car. The styling is typical Ford - agressive, yet subtle and generally very tidy. I know that the handling will be something special, and I expect the ride quality will still be good. Very impressed with the C-Max's on show - build quality is first class and the interior would do me very nicely in the next Focus!

Another thing I realised is just how similar all of these cars are - a Golf / a Civic / a Focus are all much of the sameness in terms of showroom appeal, and manufacturers really need show-pieces like the Vauxhall Monaro, the Fiesta RS and the Mazda RX-8 to drum up some interest. I noted that Toyota had nothing of this kind, and their stand was looking VERY empty while the likes of Vauxhall were absolutely packed. Ford really need to push the Fiesta RS into forecourts urgently and get working on new performance models.

A good day out, but plenty left to check out later in the week. I definitely want more time to get a close look at the Fiesta RS.

I wanted to get near to the Fiesta RS so I could pop the bonnet!

Thanks Jim, glad I'm not going totally mad - it's just such a package for the money isn't it, it's incredible IMHO and definitely work a look in.

The ST looks as I'd expected and I look forward to getting one, but that is now looking unlikely as I cannot wait another 6months for it to come out.

Still WELL fooked off that they didn't show off the new Focus in some form, what a terrible missed opportunity, I felt short changed seeing as Noble let me sit in the N14 (they weren't letting people near it as it's the only one they've got!).

Lets hope the new Focus is the best hatch in the world when it arrives. It needs to be.

I was very luck to sit in the ST when I went on the 25th. Its a cracking car, I hope I get to own one next year. However they said no way when I asked to look inside the RS, shame, but I wasnt surprised!

Hugh, seriously if I decide not to get the ST and could stretch to £15K I really will consider the Octavia!

w8 for the Fiesta RS... it will be out... just be patient... Ford like to keep it quiet and then in the morning... bang it will be released and cars on the road before uv even thought about getting ur shoes on and going to he dealer!!!

Jim I went to the Skoda dealer yesterday and the only impression I got was of a disorganised and amateurish bunch. Maybe I am doing them a diss-service but I personally wasn't impressed, the place was gloomy, messy and the garages did not look like a place I'd want to leave my car. Made me chuckle also that there parts bloke was sat their in a Ford Racing polo shirt. The final straw was that they had lined me up a test drive in the wrong car (Fabia vRS). They had an abused, overpriced 2nd hand Octavia in the lot that they offered me a drive in so I had to ask how serious they were about actually selling me a car.

Anyway, they are lining up a new car for me to drive next week but I think the chances of my getting a significant discount on the car are unlikely, and as I could get a brand new ST220 for 16k (if I had the money!) I think I know which at least to be better value.

So, looks like I'm back to getting my 2nd hand diesel mondeo from www.greattradecentre.co.uk

That really is a big shame, you'd think of all the dealerships Skoda would be one of the better ones simply because they need to keep getting a better name for the brand, however perhaps that was a one off branch. I know when I was originally looking to get my Fiesta out of 5 Ford Places I went only one took me seriously!

I'm still waiting for my Octavia brochure to come though, which was supposed to have been Thursday.

Christ 16k is a great price for the ST220! I was very impressed by that car too, I'd start saving the pennies mate!

Test drove the Octavia yesterday Jim - nice car, I quite like it. Would prefer it to be RWD as it is a bit too jittery away from a junction in 1st gear, but pulls strongly and smoothly in each gear. Easy to go a lot faster that you realise, I was doing 85mph and thought I was only doing about 50.

The example I drove was over-priced though and I have been offered a VERY specced up Puma Racing for 11.5k. Just need to sell the KA now.

Puma Racing... OMG OMG OMG

Get one, and gimme a ride in it Hugh!

Thought you'd say that.

This ones got an LSD fitted (only done to 80 of them) and has a £1000 alarm with remote start fitted. I know the seller (guy I got my bike from) and that the car is a goo 'un.

Hmmmm...

I've been "planning" to get one since 2000... came very close before my first RS, but decided to wait for the RS. Also nearly got one instead of the ST220. My kind of car, for sure! The only thing I'm unsure about is the build and ride quality.

Apparently the LSD is good, but not essential with the FRP. The steering is apparently slightly better without it, but obviously you can carry more speed through the corners with it. The Focus RS really benefits from the diff.

The FRP is very light, perhaps slightly underpowered, but plenty to have fun and a great looking car. And probably the best handling FWD car ever.

Damn, that looks so good.