Skoda has unveiled the Rapid at the Paris motor show – a family hatch aimed at the VW Golf and Ford Focus and starting with a budget price of £12,900 at launch on 12 November this year.
The Skoda Rapid introduces the brand's new design language, initiated by the Vision D concept and characterised by a four-lamp headlight, trapezoidal fog lights and monochrome Skoda badge mounted on the bonnet.
Included in the model's engine line-up are seven units. From launch there will be four petrol engines, ranging in power output from 74 to 121bhp. Initially, only a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel will be available, although this will be joined by an 88bhp variant after a year. Skoda's usual three trim levels (S, SE and Elegance) will be applied to the new car.
The Rapid’s long wheelbase and torsion beam rear axle are said to create cabin and boot space larger than the Octavia, as the latter is expected to move further upmarket in its next generation.
Production of the Rapid began last month at the Skoda's Czech Republic plant. Pricing starts from £12,900 for the 74bhp 1.2-litre model in base S trim, ranging to £17,850 for the Rapid 1.6 TDI CR in Elegance trim.
Read our Skoda Rapid first drive for more insight.
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wardotron
Doesn't look too bad, does
Doesn't look too bad, does it?
Lee23404
Nice looking car. The rear
Nice looking car. The rear reminds me of the mk2 Audi A4.
Audi_A5
Good spot Lee!
You're right, it does - but that's certainly no bad thing. I agree with you, it's a nice looking car. I really like this Skoda.
If they keep the prices to the 12-16k mark this car will give yet another sales boost to Skoda, I reckon. But yes, they do need a fastback/estate variant.
catnip
Looks good. I like the chunky
Looks good. I like the chunky proportions of this car.
Johnny English
Kia
Not too bad, but it has a touch of Kia about the grill, and I'm not sure this is what Skoda is aspiring to.
sirwiggum
I definitely prefer the
I definitely prefer the fastback/saloon shape of this to the tortoise-like / breadvan shape of the Focus and Golf respectively.
RSkoda
Looks nice, still Skodarey
Looks nice, still Skodarey but a lot sharper than recent offerings. Some nice details on the bodywork and lights for what is supposed to be a budget car.
More photos and info here: http://new.skoda-auto.com/en/experience/events/Pages/rapid.aspx
TS7
As "new design languages" go
As "new design languages" go it isn't taxing the translators.
artill
Skoda are very clever
Skoda are very clever pitching this as a Golf and Focus rival when its a Polo underneath. Seen as a big Polo it isnt anywhere near as good value, but will still sell well as i suspect most punters wont twig.
RSkoda
artill wrote: Skoda are very
I think we have to move away from the "it's a whatever underneath" mentality now, especially with the new VAG platform architecture. This may share some Polo mechanicals but it's wider, longer wheelbase, I think different rear axle, so it's not exactly a Polo with a different body plonked on the top. If it means they can give us more car for less money and it still handles decently then it's a win-win surely?
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