Škoda revives Rapid name

Škoda has announced that its new compact hatch will be called the Rapid, a name that was last seen in Europe during the late 1980s on a widely acclaimed rear-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé.

Not to be confused with the recently introduced Indian-market Rapid saloon (which is essentially a rebadged version of the locally-produced Volkswagen Vento), the European Rapid will slot between the Fabia and Octavia in Škoda’s range.

Although it has yet to be revealed in production form, the new model’s looks are said to be strongly influenced by last year’s MissionL concept. If that’s the case, it’ll bear more than a passing resemblance to the next-generation Seat Toledo, which appears to have been based on the same design.

Skoda MissionL Concept (2011) Front
Skoda MissionL Concept (2011) Side

Sales of the European-spec Rapid are due to begin before the end of 2012. A separate version is being developed for China, and it is expected to be launched sometime during 2013.

Related posts:
Seat Toledo Concept
Škoda Vision D - more pics
Škoda MissionL concept
Škoda Vision D at Geneva

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