First drawing of the new Škoda Rapid 2020
In the Western European markets, the Rapid was replaced by Scala. Elsewhere in the world, however, the model named Rapid will live on. Maybe in Russia.
This year, Škoda Auto replaced the liftback and hatchback Rapid on the Czech market with a five-door Scala. However, the discontinuation of Rapid’s production did not mean its final end. Maybe on the Chinese market Rapid continues, only in a modernized form that its design approached Scale. But Rapid will also live on the Russian market.
And apparently not in the modernized version, but in the new generation. This is at least indicated by the published drawing, which the Mladá Boleslav car manufacturer claims to be the first example of a “new” Rapida.
The sketch shows that the new “Russian” Rapid with its design approach Scale. It uses a similar bow, with triangular headlamps attached to the characteristic radiator grille. But there is one major change, the body. In this case it is three-room, but at this point it is difficult to guess whether it will continue to be a liftback or whether the Rapid will turn into a sedan. This type of bodywork is very popular on the Russian market.
So far, it is difficult to estimate the technique used. Scala has upgraded to the modern MQB platform, while the upgraded Rapid in China has retained its existing PQ25 architecture. This simpler technique is also expected for the Russian model.
Preparations for a compact model hitherto known as the “Scala sedan” for the Russian market have been carefully speculated since the end of last year. Skoda was instructed by the management of the group to develop available models for Russia (similar task also in Europe), and just a compact sedan should be one of them. Although the Russian market has experienced a weak period in recent years, it is expected to grow again in the future, which the VW Group, or Skoda, wants to use.
Moreover, the continuation of Rapid on the Russian market is a logical choice, as this model is doing well there. It is even the most wanted model of the Škoda brand. Adapting to local preferences and replacing the liftback with a sedan could thus attract even more customers than ever before. So let’s be surprised, we will learn more this year. The new Škoda Rapid will be introduced at the end of this year.
