Skoda to Present New Logo, Joyster in Geneva

One of the smallest business in the Volkswagen group, Czech manufacturer Skoda is planning to reinvent itself at the Geneva Auto Show in the first week of March. There, alongside the models it will be presenting, Skoda will also announce its new image, centered around the company's new logo. The new design of the future Skoda badge (new logo to be used on the vehicles manufactured starting 2012) is simpler than the current one, although not at all that different. A few color changes and the dropping of the Skoda Auto words are the main elements of the new design. The new logo and the power Skoda hopes it will get over the years will be reinforced at the Swiss show by a whole range of models to be displayed there. The line-up is crowned by the Joyster, a model build on the Volkswagen Golf platform, but which uses the engines fitted onto the Scirocco. The model will be powered by two engines, a 1.4l TSI, developing 121 horsepower and 158 horsepower, as well as a 2.0l diesel developing 138 and 168 horsepower. All engines will be paired to either a six-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG transmission. When the Joyster is launched onto the market, it will cost around EUR19,000. A more powerful version, dubbed VRS, might also be launched in 2012. Aside for the Joyster, Skoda will be presenting the Fabia Monte Carlo special edition in Geneva. autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.