Skoda Rapid Will Be Brand's New Compact Hatch

Skoda is reviving the Rapid name in the form of its new compact hatchback, and it will be out in Europe before the end of the year. Skoda also plans to build a version of the Rapid in China specifically for the country. While Skoda is saying that the car at the show is a concept, the car that you see here is actually incredibly close to the production version. 

“As part of its growth strategy, ŠKODA has initiated the largest model offensive in its corporate history and will bring a new vehicle to market every six months on average in the years ahead. The Rapid is our next new model. It has a central importance for our growth and will provide us with a strong tailwind on international markets,” said Škoda CEO Winfried Vahland.

The MissionL concept was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011. It says that it will go on sale in Europe later this year. 

The Rapid will sit between the Fabia and Octavia in the Skoda lineup. It already builds a vehicle called the Rapid for India that is a redbadged Volkswagen Vento. It also built a three-door coupe from 1984 to 1990 also called the Rapid.