Škoda Rapid (2012)

Škoda Rapid
Overview
Production	2012–present
Assembly	Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic Yizheng, China (SVW)
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car
Body style	5-door liftback 5-door hatchback
Platform	Volkswagen Group A05+ platform
Related	SEAT Toledo Mk4 Volkswagen Santana (2013) Volkswagen Jetta Night
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L I3 MPI (petrol) 1.2 L I4 TSI (petrol) 1.4 L I4 TSI (petrol) 1.6 L I4 TDI CR (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,602 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,483 mm (176.5 in)
Width	1,706 mm (67.2 in)
Height	1,461 mm (57.5 in)
Kerb weight	1,140 kg (2,513 lb)

The Škoda Rapid is a small family car produced by the Czech manufacturer by Škoda. It was first shown to the public in April 2012 at Chinese Motor Show in Beijing, appearing very similar to the 2011 MissionL concept car.^[1] In September it was officially shown at the Paris Motor Show.^[2] Sales started in Czech Republic from 20 October 2012 and commenced at the end of 2012 in other parts of central and western Europe,^[3] with sales in markets further to the east scheduled to start in 2013 in China and early 2014 in Russia.^[4]

The Rapid is sized to sit between Fabia and Octavia models and shares some elements with the Roomster and Fabia.^[5] The 1.6 diesel version has a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cw.^{[citation needed]}

Its design gives an appearance of a saloon, but it is a five-door hatchback providing a luggage capacity of 550 litres (19 cu ft).^[6] It shares main body elements, drivetrain and the interior design with the new Seat Toledo,^[7] both of which are assembled in the same Škoda factory in Mladá Boleslav.^[8]

Name

Škoda Rapid sedan

Despite sharing the name with the Indian-manufactured Rapid, launched in 2011, the international version is a different car, being slightly larger, with a new exterior, new interior and different engine options. The name was previously used in the 1930s for the Rapid (Type 901) and in the 1980s for the rear engined Rapid coupé.

Trim levels

Three levels of trim will be available: Active, fitted with 14-inch steel wheels with 175/70 R14 tyres; Ambition, with 15-inch steel wheels with 185/60 R15 tyres; and Elegance, with 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 R15 tyres. Larger wheels and tyres up to 215/40 R17 will be available as options.

Engines

The Rapid range features three petrol engines and one diesel with various power outputs, all compliant to Euro 5 standards. All engines are four-cylinder, except the base 1.2 petrol which is a three-cylinder unit.^[9]

Concept car

MissionL concept

Škoda unveiled the concept car called MissionL at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show which pre-empted the launch of the production version which was subsequently called Rapid.^[10]

Rapid Spaceback

In 2013, press reports appeared concerning the Skoda Rapid Spaceback, scheduled for launch at the September 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and expected to arrive in Skoda showrooms at the same time.^[11] The Spaceback shares the wheelbase and front panels of the existing Rapid, and uses a station wagon body, but with a shortened rear over-hang and a correspondingly shortened rear section, following the formula pioneered in the 1970s by Opel/Vauxhall with their Opel Kadett City/Vauxhall Chevette hatchback.^[11] Despite the "sporty" fastback shape of the rear, luggage capacity is rated at between 415 and 1380 litres according to whether or how the rear seat is folded.^[11] Showroom appeal will be enhanced by the option of a glass "panorama" roof covering virtually the whole roof area.^[11] A range of four petrol/gasoline and two diesel engines will offer maximum power outputs ranging from 75–122 PS (55–90 kW; 74–120 bhp).^[11]

References

• Auto Motor und Sport Heft 16, 2013 "Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Der Spaceback ist kürzer als die Limousine, bietet aber viele Variations- und Individualisierungs-Möglichkeiten" (in German). Motorbuch Verlag. 25 July 1977. pp. Seite 10. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Škoda Rapid (2012).

• Škoda Rapid – Škoda Auto Official Website
• Škoda Rapid – Škoda UK Website
• Škoda Rapid – Škoda Australia Website