Growth Driver: Skoda Rapid Starts In Autumn

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Skoda will launch its Rapid notchback sedan on the German market in autumn. The VW subsidiary wants to close the gap between Fabia and Octavia in the model range.

The Czech car manufacturer Skoda will launch its Rapid notchback sedan in Europe this autumn. As the company announced on Tuesday at the German headquarters in Weiterstadt, the Rapid will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, which will take place from September 29 to October 14.

Skoda Rapid important for growth course

The VW subsidiary plans to gradually introduce the Skoda Rapid in all European markets after the fair. With the 4.48 meter long and 1.70 meter wide Rapid, the Czechs close the gap between the small car Fabia (base price 11,480 euros) and the Octavia (15,690 euros). Even if Skoda has not yet given any prices, the basic Rapid model is likely to cost around 13,000 euros.

Skoda Rapid, which is based in the high-volume compact segment, is of great importance for the Czechs' growth path. This so-called A-segment currently accounts for 36 percent of all sales on the car market worldwide. The shape of the limousine body is particularly important here, and it has so far accounted for 42 percent of sales in this segment. By 2020, the proportion of this body shape should even increase to 50 percent.

For Skoda, the five-door Rapid is also the first vehicle that completely follows the manufacturer's new design language. The Rapid no longer shows any major differences to the Mission L study presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) last year. (AG / FM)