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SKODA SUPERB: SOMETHING BIG...

SIMPLY SUPERB: Taxi drivers rejoice - Skoda is readying a new version of its Superb saloon and estate, which has built a loyal following for its limousine-spec lounging room, van-sized boot and solid build quality.

Beneath the black-and-white disguise of the prototype in this photograph lies what the company says will be "the best Skoda ever". The production car will be unveiled in February and Skoda promises a new design language and a shed-load of the latest technology. Skoda will be hoping that this third generation Superb will have broader appeal than the current car, which is unfairly pigeonholed as a taxi driver special.

Meanwhile, those taxi drivers and other professional drivers who already love the Superb will be glad to hear that the new car will have an even bigger boot and more passenger space. "The new Skoda Superb is the best Skoda ever," said the company's boss Winfried Vahland. "This latest generation of our flagship will appeal to new groups of customers in the business and private sector. "The qualities of the Superb emphasise the brand's values and point to the future of Skoda."

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE: SOMETHING UGLY...

OH DEAR...: Another weird-looking Mercedes-Benz, complete with a beached whale silhouette, has been inflicted upon us.

Called the GLE, it is a sort of coupe-bodied SUV, in the mould of the BMW X6.

That particular BMW is also an aberration, though at least it has a swagger - or arrogance, perhaps - about it that the Mercedes lacks.

We shall say no more about it for now.