Skoda, the Czech auto major to name christen an upcoming sedan from its stable, “Rapid”.. Confused? Yes, the car with that nameplate already exists in the Indian market, as a C-segment car based on Volkswagen Vento platform and the new sedan that Skoda is planning to roll out is meant for the European car market where it is going to replace the current Skoda Laura/Octavia. Skoda’s new Rapid meant for the European market will be positioned above the Indian Skoda Rapid and is based on the Skoda’s MissionL concept that the brand unveiled a while ago.
While the new design language has the bells and whistles of Skoda, the company still managed to introduce a fresh breathe into the design. With the new Rapid replacing the likes of Laura/Octavia, Skoda mulls to enlarge the next gen Laura which is going to become a big car overall. What remains to be seen is that whether the high end variant of Superb saloon sees any more increase in size. Skoda MissionL concept car is likely to be based on Volkswagen MQB platform, whose range begins from the hatch Volkswagen UP! to the Audi A3. The MQB platform enables Volkswagen group to place the price of the car competitively as the components and production facilities used are shared.
The platform also enables both wheel drive as well as Quattro, the all wheel drive car models to be built, giving the companies under the Volkswagen group a wide array of options to choose from. Skoda is not just amplifying its foothold in the sedan segment, but the company is eyeing an overall growth. Skoda is going to bring in SUVs and crossovers and the first in line amongst the segment is Skoda Yeti 4X4 . The company is also going to bring in smaller SUVs to go against the likes of Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster in the thriving markets where the demand for SUV is surging.
