The European version of the Skoda Rapid would give birth to a conventional hatchback.
The current Rapid, though has an appearance of a regular sedan, is technically a hatchback in the way the boot door opens. The new derivative is expected to be a more conventional and a compact hatchback.
In his presentation to the media gathering at the Auto Shanghai 2013, Mr. Andreas Hafemann, head of Skoda's China operations hinted that the company is working on a "new derivative of the Rapid" which will be launched in the "near future".
Skoda has showcased a hatchback concept based on the Rapid back in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show, called the VisionD. We expect the upcoming car to derive its inspiration from the concept. The powertrains could come from the European Rapid.
There are no further details about the hatchback except its market positioning. The car in question is expected to be positioned in line with cars like the Ford Focus, implying that it would be sandwiched between the Skoda Fabia and the Skoda Rapid.
That gives the Fabia enough breathing space to continue but the aging hatchback needs to graduate to the next generation in order to stay in contention.
[Source: Autocar.co.uk]
