Skoda Rapid Spaceback debuts in Frankfurt

Czech car maker and subsidiary of Volkswagen, Skoda is on a path to launch eight new or face-lifted models by the end of the year 2013. As a part of this ambitious plan the company has showcased the new Rapid hatchback called the ‘Rapid Spaceback’ at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. 

Identical to the Rapid sedan in Europe, the Rapid Spaceback wears Skoda’s new family design language up front with those sleek and angular headlamps, wide vertical slat grille and large fog lamps. The side profile too remains identical to its sedan counterpart with clean and simple lines while the c-pillar is now pushed further back and a rear quarter glass has been included along the boot space. At the back, apart from the re-location of the rear windshield all of the styling on the tailgate remains identical to the Spaceback’s sedan sibling and so do the tail lights and the rear bumper which now gets reflectors. 

Inside, the interiors of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback are expected to remain much the same as that of the sedan which is a good thing considering its solid build quality and quality materials. Changes include a new steering wheel, new fabric upholstery and trim materials. The Rapid Spaceback has a boot space of 415 litres and 1,380 litres with the rear seats folded. 

Under the hood, the Rapid Spaceback is expected to be made available with a choice of four petrol options and two diesel options. 

Skoda has also taken the wraps off the face-lifted Yeti at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Prominent exterior changes include new head lamps that are no longer adjoined to the large circular fog lamps. The fog lamps have been relocated to the bumper which itself has been redesigned with larger air dams. Meanwhile the Skoda like in all its new models now is incorporated on the centre part of the bonnet that extends to the space of the grille. 

The refreshed Yeti will be made available in two different variants – Yeti and Yeti Outdoor. The Yeti will feature body coloured bumpers, side protective mouldings and rear panels to give it a more urban appeal while the Yeti outdoor features black plastic mouldings to resist minor scratches and dents when it goes off the tarmac.

Also read: New Skoda Octavia production begins in India