2012 Skoda Joyster Gets the Green Light

Badged after a concept introduced back in 2006, the 2012 Skoda Joyster is on its way, as it has been approved by the Czech manufacturer. According to the Germans at Auto Bild, the vehicle, which is expected to be the cheapest Skoda model in the lineup, will be based on the Volkswagen Up!

The model, scheduled for launch in the first half of 2012 for under EUR 9,000, will most likely compete against the Toyota iQ and Peugeot 107.

As it is thought as a solution to current urban mobility problems, the 2012 Joyster will use a front engine, front wheel drive setup. Though powertrain details are yet to be confirmed, it is thought the new entry-level Skoda model will be offered in a choice of two engine variants, namely a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 1.2 three-cylinder diesel.

In terms of CO2 emissions, the 2012 Skoda Joyster is also expected to come with an under 80g/km output for the diesel and less than 100g/km for the petrol.

Late last week, German manufacturer Volkswagen was also announcing the revival of the Lupo name with a new small car based on the same Up! The new Lupo, which will become the new entry level vehicle in the German carmaker’s range, will enter the market in spring 2012, alongside Skoda’s Joyster.

There is no word on an electric Joyster so far, so we’ll have to settle with an electric version of the Lupo only, which could be based on the E-Up concept.