Skoda presents its new compact saloon, the Skoda Rapid, just a few months after the introduction of the Skoda Citigo subcompact. The brand’s most recent addition is to play a central role in the company’s growth strategy and will be phased in on European markets from the autumn of 2012.

“This is a model which sets benchmarks in the compact saloon segment: The Skoda Rapid is a roomy, elegant and at the same time an affordable car for the whole family, impressing with clever solutions, cutting-edge technology and high economy. In short, it is a car permitting mobility in a comfortable, reasonably priced and environmentally friendly package. The right car at the right time,” says Skoda ceo Winfried Vahland.

The Rapid sits between the Skoda Fabia and the Skoda Octavia, making it at home in the large-volume compact segment. This so-called A segment currently accounts for about 36 per cent of the world’s automobile market. Within this class, saloons have a share of around 42 per cent. Industry experts estimate the number of cars of this type sold worldwide will rise by about 50 per cent by the year 2020.