A ?kodA year in review - Skoda Auto

ŠKODA RapidŠKODA Rapid –a new class of ŠKODANew goals call for a new approach – and the new ŠKODA Rapid is just such an approach.With this car, ŠKODA is redefining the compact sedan – offering generous space in an extremely compact package,a totally new ŠKODA design language and many detail solutions presented for the first time.Positioned between the ŠKODA Fabia and the new ŠKODA Octavia, the ŠKODA Rapid is consistent in designand ‘Simply Clever’ at the same time.The new class of ŠKODA makes its world debut at the 2012 ParisMotor Show: Two ŠKODA Rapid cars drive onto the stage – one metallic-blue,the other white – and into the gleaming stage-lights amida rain of camera flashes and thunderous applause. It is immediatelyapparent that this car will set a new benchmark: First, there is thefresh design language that will define all future ŠKODA models: modern,elegant and powerful – with a clear tornado line and a new logo.And then there is the obvious commitment to redefining spaciousnessin the compact class: impressive interior dimensions inside acompact body just 4.48 m long, 1.71 m wide and 1.46 m high. In thewords of ŠKODA Chairman of the Board of Management Prof. Dr.Winfried Vahland: “The ŠKODA Rapid is a compact sedan with thequalities of an estate car.”Between ŠKODA Fabia and ŠKODA OctaviaThe ŠKODA Rapid is positioned between the ŠKODA Fabia and theŠKODA Octavia – visibly larger than the ŠKODA Fabia, but more compactthan the ŠKODA Octavia. The new ŠKODA offers a huge amountof space for a compact-class vehicle, with legroom and headroomthat are best-in-class. It also boasts the largest luggage compartmentin its segment with a volume of 550 litres and a maximum loadof up to 580 kg. This makes the ŠKODA Rapid the ideal car for modernfamilies – a goal which ŠKODA engineers and designers consistentlypursued from the start. The ŠKODA Rapid can easily and comfortablyaccommodate up to five occupants, and with the largest tailgate inits class, there is still plenty of room for shopping bags and a stroller.It also guarantees typical ŠKODA value for money – both from a purchaseand maintenance perspective.Variants for local marketsReasonable pricing and everyday drivability are important considerationsfor a new car purchase in growth markets, too – and that isexactly where the new ŠKODA Rapid comes in: The new model isdesigned not only for success in Europe, where deliveries began inOctober 2012, but also to appeal to new buyers worldwide. Customisedvariants specially adapted to local needs are offered in marketswith the strongest growth potential, such as China, Russia and India.An Indian variant is already on the market, with a Chinese version tofollow in 2013 and a Russian ŠKODA Rapid in 2014. The ŠKODA Rapidmust quickly gain a foothold in these major markets. The signs look2012 – A Škoda year in review27