|
Production of the new Skoda Rapid has commenced
in Mladá Boleslav
(Czech Republic).
European release: from October 2012.
Australian release: H1 2013.
|
|
|
Skoda Rapid here in 2013
Home >
News >
Skoda
Recent new car releases ..... here
Upcoming new car releases ..... here
21st September, 2012
Skoda is resolutely pursuing its model offensive, presenting its new
compact saloon, the Skoda Rapid, across Europe shortly and next year in Australia. The brand’s most recent addition
is to play a central role in the company’s growth strategy and will be phased in on European markets from the northern
autumn of 2012.
The Skoda Rapid impresses with lots of room, an expressive design, an excellent price-value ratio, a comprehensive
safety offering and efficient engines. “This is a model which sets benchmarks in the compact saloon segment: The
Skoda Rapid is a roomy, elegant and at the same time an affordable car for the whole family, impressing with clever
solutions, cutting-edge technology and high economy. In short, it is a car permitting mobility in a comfortable,
reasonably priced and environmentally friendly package. The right car at the right time,” says Skoda CEO Winfried
Vahland.
The Rapid is a perfect complement of the model palette, sits between the Fabia and the Octavia, making it at home in
the large-volume compact segment. This so-called A segment currently accounts for about 36 per cent of the world’s
automobile market. Within this class, saloons have a share of around 42 per cent. Industry experts estimate the number
of cars of this type sold worldwide will rise by about 50 per cent by the year 2020.
Skoda’s Rapid first to show complete new design
The Rapid is the first Skoda production model to fully feature the brand’s newly formulated design language. “This
is a car that gives out a clear statement at first glance: clear, precise, fresh and emotional,” says Eckhard Scholz,
Skoda board member for technical development.
Perfect proportions, clear and cleanly modelled surfaces and sharply drawn lines combine to provide an attractive
overall appearance. The front end displays a new take on Skoda-typical design elements. The new brand logo confidently
stands out on the harmonically rounded front edge of the bonnet. The grille shows a finely drawn chrome frame and is
formed by vertical slats. The headlight ensemble is grouped at the front of the Skoda Rapid to form a cloverleaf
shape.
The body’s side also conveys pure emotion though a long wheelbase and a coupé-like silhouette, but also thanks to a
precise and sharp tornado line making a clear division of light and shadow. At the rear, the car’s large tailgate is not
merely functional, but also acts as a design element. In addition, distinctly shaped taillights in the brand’s typical C
shape and the new brand logo all combine to make the Skoda Rapid unmistakable.
Skoda’s latest model impresses with a surprising amount of space despite compact exterior dimensions (4.48 metres in
length, 1.7 metres in width). This clever compact saloon provides room for five occupants and their luggage and, being a
Skoda, the brand’s signature clever solutions and excellent price-value ratio as well as comprehensive safety equipment.
Five petrol and two diesel engines are on offer as powerplants for the European market. Skoda’s newest model will be on
public display for the first time at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Skoda is aiming the Rapid especially at families looking
for a roomy first car at an affordable price.
Stay tuned for Australian specifications and pricing details (in due course).
| 
