Skoda has announced it is to revive a name not seen since in Europe the early nineties. At a conference held prior to the Beijing Motor Show the Czech manufacturer confirmed that its new saloon will be called the Rapid, a name currently used in India for a small saloon but unseen in Ireland since the demise of the Rapid coupé.
Based on the Mission L concept, first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new hatchback will slot in between the Fabia and Octavia range and is expected to carry a price tag in the region of €20,000. It should arrive in Ireland by the end of the year.
The introduction of the Rapid will allow the next generation Octavia, due in 2013, to grow in size and luxury and bridge the divide between it and the flagship Superb model.