Euro spec Skoda Rapid revealed

Skoda has revealed the European spec Rapid. The new compact saloon will set benchmark for roominess in the compact class. The car is positioned between the Octavia and Fabia hatchback.

The Euro Spec Rapid is the first Skoda series car ever to fully feature the brand’s newly formulated design language Inspired by the Mission L concept.

The Rapid will share the underpinnings with Seat Toledo which are essentially the same cars with different exteriors. On the exterior front the car boasts clean and sharp lines with the sleek design headlights, trapezoidal fog lights and the new Skoda badge which seats on the bonnet.

The European Rapid is a lift back which is a typical Skoda USP unlike the Indian version which is a sedan. This means we can open the entire rear boot like a hatch which gives more access to the rear. The Euro Rapid is 4.48m long and 1.7m wide compared to the Indian Rapid’s 4.38m x 1.69m dimension. This clever compact saloon provides room for five occupants and their baggage and, this being a Skoda, the brand’s signature clever solutions and excellent price-value ratio as well as comprehensive safety equipment.

The car will be powered by five petrol and two diesel engines are on offer as powerplants.

The Rapid will be officially launched at the Paris Motor Show and the car will be launched in Europe by end 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 ŠKODA 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.

Could Skoda launch the Euro Spec Rapid in India as a replacement for the Octavia which was discontinued in 2011?