Skoda has released preliminary details and images of the new Rapid compact saloon before it makes its world début a the Paris Auto Salon on September 29.
Due to hit showrooms this Autumn, the Rapid is largely unchanged from last year’s sharply-styled MissionL concept, but does lose those flush door handles, sadly. Designed to sit between the Fabia and the Octavia, the five-seater Rapid, which has over 500 litres of boot space, is 4.48 metres in length and 1.7 metres in width. This puts it in direct competition with other cars in the A segment, which accounts for around 36 per cent of the world’s auto market. Within this class, saloons have a share of about 42 per cent.
Powerplants on offer at launch, will include five petrol and two diesel engines mated to five-speed manual and DSG transmissions, including a super-frugal 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel GreenLine version.
[Source: Skoda]