A more conventional hatchback version of the Skoda Rapid will be launched in the "near future", according to a senior official at the Czech firm.
The boss of Skoda's Chinese operation, Andreas Hafemann, speaking on the eve of the Shanghai motor show revealed that a "new derivative of the Rapid" was in the works.
And a slide accompanying his presentation revealed that model to be a conventional five-door hatchback in the mould of the Ford Focus.
The Rapid is already a five-door hatchback, but like the bigger Skoda Octavia it looks more like a saloon car.
Skoda previewed how the more conventional Rapid hatchbck model could look with the Vision D concept at the 2011 Geneva motor show.
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Right-sizing?
Maybe this is the Rapid replacement? Seems like Skoda are exploring what bodystyle this stretched Fabia needs to be to have appeal. I think they should jump straight to a van and Dacia-style budget estate...
Hmmm ...
I think a replacement for the rapidly-ageing Fabia is needed more than a bit more tinkering in this sector of the market ...
Confused
How do Skoda benefit from making this car? Which cars do they expect to pinch sales off, other than their own? Whatever they do, just don't build it a long as the existing car unless you widen it by six inches. The current proportions are not appealing.