Photo: Skoda
Czech carmaker Skoda has just announced that production of the Rapid models has exceeded 500,000 units in just 4 years. It's a success story, not only in Europe, but also in China and India.
If you have responsible friends who spend their money wisely, chances are you know somebody who bought the Rapid in the past few years. After the sedan model was launched, and Skoda saw it was well received, the hatchback was also introduced. It's this version that mark the half millionth milestone in bright red paint.
The Rapid came to the European market in 2012, but Skoda had a slightly different Indian-spec model as early as 2011. This car is what we call a segment straddler because it has characteristics of both the B-segment and C-segment vehicles. Its platform is based on the Fabia, but the overall size is similar to a VW Golf.
At the moment, the Rapid is Skoda's best selling car and since the beginning of 2015 it registered a further 12.3% growth over last year's numbers.
The Rapid also has implications for Skoda's sister brands. For example, the saloon version build in the Czech Republic is also sold as the SEAT Toledo. We're also convinced that the VW hatchback sold in China as the Gran Santana is actually just the Rapid Spaceback in disguise.
There are now new infotainment systems available based on the latest generation of the modular infotainment kit from Volkswagen (MIB II). SmartLink is now available to link the Rapid to a smartphone or tablet, just like in the Fabia.
We've also seen a Scout version of the 5-door undergoing testing on a Czech highway and expect it to be launched this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Production figures by site:
The Rapid came to the European market in 2012, but Skoda had a slightly different Indian-spec model as early as 2011. This car is what we call a segment straddler because it has characteristics of both the B-segment and C-segment vehicles. Its platform is based on the Fabia, but the overall size is similar to a VW Golf.
At the moment, the Rapid is Skoda's best selling car and since the beginning of 2015 it registered a further 12.3% growth over last year's numbers.
The Rapid also has implications for Skoda's sister brands. For example, the saloon version build in the Czech Republic is also sold as the SEAT Toledo. We're also convinced that the VW hatchback sold in China as the Gran Santana is actually just the Rapid Spaceback in disguise.
Skoda Rapid updates
Since the introduction of the new model year, the Rapid has been equipped with new features. For example, since May 2015, all models meet the Euro 6 emissions regulations.There are now new infotainment systems available based on the latest generation of the modular infotainment kit from Volkswagen (MIB II). SmartLink is now available to link the Rapid to a smartphone or tablet, just like in the Fabia.
We've also seen a Scout version of the 5-door undergoing testing on a Czech highway and expect it to be launched this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Production figures by model:
- Rapid: 116,500
- Rapid Spaceback: 103,100
- Rapid India: 57,900
- Rapid Russia: 35,200
- Rapid China: 158,100
- Rapid Spaceback China: 29,900
Production figures by site:
- Mladá Boleslav: 219,600
- Yizheng/China: 188,000
- Kaluga/Russia: 35,200
- Pune/India: 57,900
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