Speculation - Skoda Rapid could spawn a coupe model

05/10/2013 - 18:24 | ,   | Kaustubh Shinde

Volkswagen Group’s wonder-child brand Skoda has successfully transformed itself from being a bargain brand to a value for money proposition.

Leveraging on the parent's strengths, Skoda has charted an aggressive product plan until 2018.

Now Autoblog.nl reports that looking at the positive response the Rapid Spaceback received, the Czech automaker is planning to develop a coupe model of the European Skoda Rapid. The coupe would be inspired by the Skoda Rapid Sport Concept showcased at this year’s GTI Meeting in Wörthersee, Austria.

Skoda Rapid Sport Concept rear
Image of the five-door Skoda Rapid Sport Concept used for illustration purpose.

If plans are set in motion, Skoda will revive the ‘Rapid Coupe’ nameplate that it used in the 80s and 90s. Adding to that, year 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the 1984 Rapid Coupe making it a fitting occasion to revive and honour the name.

The Rapid coupe will share the PQ25 platform with the Rapid five-door. As a result, it could be offered in a wide variety of TDI and TSI engines with manual or DSG gearboxes. The guys at Autoblog predict that the new Skoda Rapid Coupe will hit the market with a 1.4 liter TSI engine, producing 122 HP, mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission.

The Skoda Rapid Coupe will compete against cars like the Renault Megane Coupe and the Honda CR-Z with an estimated price tag of 24,000 Euros (19.98 lakh rupees).

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