Skoda Launches Sportier-Looking Rapid StylePLUS Special Edition

Skoda fans may not get to see the Rapid Sport Concept produced, but at least they can now console themselves with a new version of the Rapid. The Rapid StylePLUS is a special edition model that adopts a sportier look thanks to standard black design elements on the body and rear spoiler, two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels and a new decorative trim on the inside.

Based on the “Ambition” trim level, the new special edition adds a series of design, comfort and functional elements. Styling enhancements include a black gloss boot-lid spoiler, black gloss covers on the exterior rear-view mirrors and the bars on the front bumper and side doors. The new Rapid also comes with dedicated two-tone 17-inch “Ray” alloy wheels (black and silver) and is offered with five body colors: Candy White, Sprint Yellow, Corrida Red, Rally Green and Denim Blue.

Although not yet shown by Skoda, the Satin Black interior includes sporty seat fittings with distinctively-shaped seats, stainless steel pedal covers and non-slip rubber surfaces. The dashboard comes with Piano Black inserts, while the steering wheel, gear stick and handbrake lever are covered in leather.

Equipment-wise, the Rapid StylePLUS is available with new xenon headlights and front fog lights with cornering light function. The sportier look isn’t backed by more powerful engines, as the special edition is offered with the same engines as the standard model. There are six units to choose from, including a 1.2 MPI with 74 hp, two 1.2 TSIs with 84 hp or 103 hp, a 1.4 TSI with 121 hp and two diesels – the 1.6 TDI with 88 hp and the 1.6 TDI with 103 hp. 

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New Skoda Rapid Spaceback Allegedly Appears on Configurator

Earlier today, we shared the first photos ofSkoda's new Octavia RS performance model that will be offered in Europe with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines, but it's not the only car we're expecting to launch this year from the VW Group's Czech subsidiary.

The estate version of the Rapid compact, rumored to carry the Spaceback or Combi moniker (perhaps even both, depending on the region), is the next new model waiting in line for its premiere, though, if we are to believe the crew over at Autoforum, the station wagon may have had an early reveal on Skoda's official website.

These pictures were reportedly found on the Rapid's configurator. For the record, we did visit Skoda's site but did not find a section for the Spaceback.

On a side note, if they are real, then this means that the photos of a small Skoda estate nabbed last month in Europe could be showing us the new Fabia Combi (unless the company's engineers cunningly applied faux decals on the third side window corners and lights) and not the Rapid Sportback.

Hat tip to Roman S.!

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Skoda Confirms Five-Door Hatchback Version of New Rapid

The freshly launched in Europe Skoda Rapid sedan will soon be joined by a conventional looking five-door hatchback, previewed by theVision D concept car displayed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The Czech automaker's sales and marketing boss, Jürgen Stackmann, broke the news to Autocarmagazine. He said that the hatchback would be shorter than the Rapid, which itself is a notchback-style sedan with a tailgate that lifts together with the rear window, featuring a "Golf–like rear end".

Stackmann was quick to point out that the Rapid hatch will not be an exact copy of the Vision D stating, "It's not that car".

He also added that there won't be a three-door model because only a small percentage of European buyers choose this body style.

2011 SKODA VISION D CONCEPT

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New Skoda Rapid Saloon gets its First Commercial

Even though Skoda's new offering in the highly competitive compact sedan market will not be arriving in showrooms across Europe before the fourth quarter of the year, a TV spot on the Rapid has already hit the interwebs providing us a first look at the car on the move.

You can read more about it in our detailed post here, but if you want a basic outline, the five-seater Rapid is 4.48m long and 1.7m wide, and will launch in Europe with a choice of five petrol and two diesel engines, all of which are shared with the VW Polo that also supplied its underpinnings to the Czech model.

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