Skoda is being aggressive at releasing new models and is introducing the Skoda Rapid, its latest compact saloon, only a few months after the Skoda Citigo subcompact was presented. The Skoda Rapid, which has a key role in the automaker’s expansion strategy, will begin to arrive in European markets during autumn this year. The highlights of the Skoda Rapid include its generous space, expressive design, outstanding price-value ratio, ample safety features, and frugal engines. Skoda CEO Winfried Vahland said that this model sets benchmarks in the compact saloon segment.
He described the Skoda Rapid as a spacious, stylish, and affordable car for the entire family that offers smart solutions, advanced technologies, and improved economy. He referred to it as: “The right car at the right time.” The Rapid is the perfect addition to the model lineup. It is positioned between the Skoda Fabia and the Skoda Octavia, placing it right at the segment of large-volume compact cars.
This segment, dubbed the A segment, makes up around 36% of the world’s automobile market. Saloons account for 42% of vehicles in this class. According to experts in the auto industry, this type of car will increase global sales by about 50% by 2020. The Rapid is the first Skoda series car to be equipped with the full features of the newly formulated design language of this brand. Eckhard Scholz, Skoda board member for technical development, said that the first impression for this car is that it is “clear, precise, fresh and emotional.”
