The Skoda Rapid lineup was given a facelift last
year, but that only serves to keep the model relevant for a short while, as an
all-new generation model is tipped to arrive as early as next year. Here we have the first spy shots
of the next-generation Rapid, which will bring significant changes to Skoda’s
econobox. It might even drop the Rapid moniker to reflect the upcoming updates,
but until the name change becomes official, we will be referring to it as
Rapid.
We also hear that only the Spaceback body style will
survive, with the fastback version getting axed. The Rapid Spaceback undergoing dynamic testing on the Nürburgring
Nordschleife. It may not be so obvious in the photos, but the new generation
Rapid is both longer and wider than the current model, approaching VW Golf
dimensions.
Underpinned by the MQB A0 platform, which is already
used by other VW Group models such as the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo, the new Rapid
will try to steal sales from compact models like the Ford Focus, Opel Astra,
and Kia Ceed.
Increasing the size of the new Rapid will allow
Skoda to move the next-generation Octavia slightly upmarket, thus giving the
brand a significant presence in the C-segment. The use of the MQB architecture
means there should be no surprises in the engine department. Gasoline, diesel,
and mild-hybrid powertrains from the VW Group are on the table, and they will
be shared with the next-generation Fabia arriving in 2020.
The new Skoda Rapid Spaceback is expected to
debut in March 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show.
Cr : Carscoops
