Currently reading: Paris show Q&A: Skoda Joyster
Paris show Q&A: Skoda Joyster

Skoda hopes that the funky Joyster concept will attract a new type of customer – youth. It certainly looks good, and with a predicted starting price of around £7000 this sub-Fabia three-door would be great value. It's just a concept, for the moment, but if big brother Roomster's anything to go by, it will be on sale within three years.We spoke to Karl Neuhold, part of the design team that created the Joyster.

What was the design brief for the Joyster?To create an emotional car for young people. We wanted something affordable, but that would still fit in with their lifestyles. It could have a small engine, but also be adapted for whatever comes up.

How do you think you've achieved this?Our new design echoes elements of Skoda's design. The black A-pillars give a visor-effect to the windscreen, while there is a C-shape to the rear lights and front grille [both becoming Skoda trademarks]. Apart from that we incorporated features just for the youth market – the car has the latest portable computer. The computer is ultra-mobile and works in and out of the car, plus it controls some of the car's functions, such as the LED lighting inside.Then at the rear we put a foldable seat in the hatch to make a bench. It's a place to make friends.

The roofline is particularly distinctive…Yes, it helps with the visor effect, as does the large sunroof. And we also know we can do these in production.

How long did it take to design?It was quite a quick process. It took less than half a year for the evolution of the whole car.

Is it destined for production?We will do like we did for the Roomster. We show the car, then listen to what the public say. They will decide.

More stories from the Paris showBaby Rolls on the wayLancia's British returnAlfa's super-sexy supercarThe new AvengerThe Corolla's successorWe check out the JoysterThe next TwingoChevy's diesel WTCC carFord crosses overRenault's small 4x4Volvo C30 in detailFastest hybrid in the worldAudi unveils the R8

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