- Skoda Rapid, 2013
Škoda is resolutely pursuing its model offensive, presenting its new compact saloon, the Škoda Rapid, just a few months after the introduction of the Škoda Citigo subcompact. The brand's most recent addition is to play a central role in the company's 2018 growth strategy and will be phased in on European markets from the autumn of 2012.
The Škoda Rapid impresses with lots of room, an expressive design, an excellent price-value ratio, a comprehensive safety offering and efficient engines. "This is a model which sets benchmarks in the compact saloon segment. The Škoda Rapid is a roomy, elegant and at the same time an affordable car for the whole family, impressing with clever solutions, cutting-edge technology and high economy. In short, it is a car permitting mobility in a comfortable, reasonably priced and environmentally friendly package. The right car at the right time," says Škoda CEO Winfried Vahland.
Lots of space and room at an affordable price
The driver and the passengers should have no reason to complain about a lack of room. "In its class, the Rapid is the new benchmark for roominess," says Škoda CEO Vahland. Though exterior dimensions, at (4.48 m in length, 1.71 m in length, 1.46 m in height), may be compact, the car will comfortably seat up to five persons. The Rapid's figures for knee and head room are best in class, as is the boot at 550 litres - truly family-size.
Cleverly done
Škoda's roomy latest offspring is a "simply clever" car through and through, offering no less than 19 of Škoda's typical "simply clever" solutions. Four of them are available for the first time in the Škoda Rapid, including a practical holder for the warning vest underneath the driver's seat. Storage for the ice scraper is ingenious: it simply slides into the inside of the tank filler flap. A refuse bin in the side door keeps the car's inside tidy. Another first for Škoda is a double-sided covering for the boot floor. In addition to these "premieres", the Rapid has a lot of other tried and true clever solutions on board such as a multimedia holder, a ticket holder, various cup holders, nettings on the inner sides of the front seats and an optional netting programme for the car's huge boot.
Škoda's new design: clear, precise, fresh, timeless and elegant
The Rapid is the first Škoda series car ever to fully feature the brand's newly formulated design language. "This is a car that gives out a clear statement at first glance: clear, precise, fresh and emotional," says Eckhard Scholz, Škoda board member for technical development.
Perfect proportions, clear and cleanly modelled surfaces and sharply drawn lines combine to create an attractive overall appearance. The front end displays a new take on Škoda-typical design elements. The new brand logo confidently stands out on the harmonically rounded front edge of the bonnet. The grille shows a finely drawn chrome frame and is formed by vertical slats. The headlight ensemble is grouped at the front of the Škoda Rapid to form a cloverleaf shape.
The body'sside also conveys pure emotion though a long wheelbase and a coupé-like silhouette, but also thanks to a precise and sharp tornado line creating a clear division of light and shadow. At the rear, the car's large tailgate is not merely functional, but also acts as a design element. In addition, distinctly shaped taillights in the brand's typical C shape and the new brand logo all combine to make the Škoda Rapid unmistakable.
A perfect family car
Škoda is aiming the Rapid especially at families. "Families will love the Rapid," says Jürgen Stackmann, Škoda board member for sales and marketing. "Here is a perfect first car at an affordable price in Škoda's familiar quality." Škoda has customers especially in mind who are successful in their professional and private life. At the same time, the Škoda Rapid is a response to changed customer needs. Says Stackmann: "People value mobility, but they may be unwilling or unable to spend too much money on their mobility. The Rapid stands for 'best value for money' and caters to exactly this sort of need."
The Rapid is a perfect complement of the model palette between the Škoda Fabia and the Škoda Octavia, making it at home in the large-volume compact segment. This so-called A segment currently accounts for 36 per cent of the world's automobile market. Within this class, saloons have a share of 42.3 per cent. Industry experts estimate the number of cars of this type sold worldwide will rise by about 50 per cent by the year 2020.
Comprehensive active and passive safety package
The Škoda Rapid is also big on active and passive safety. ABS and ESP systems are standard in EU countries. The car's long wheelbase, a precise chassis and a stiff body structure form the basis for stable handling. Functions such as the tyre pressure monitoring, fog lamps with so-called 'corner function' or the 'hill-hold control' assistant for starting up steep terrain, enhance the car's active safety level. As for passive safety, a comprehensive package will protect the car's occupants in case of a collision. It includes front, side and head airbags, adjustable-height 3-point safety belts with tighteners as well as headrests. The stiff body ensures excellent deformation behaviour of the car in a collision.
Efficient petrol and diesel engines
In Europe, the Škoda Rapid will be available with a total of four petrol and two diesel engines, all of them conforming to EU 5 standards. The petrol entry-level engine is the 1.2 l MPI three-cylinder producing 55 kW (75 hp). The other petrol engines are the 1.2 l 63 kW (86 hp) TSI, the 1.2 l 77 kW (105 hp) TSI and the 1.4 l 90 kW (122 hp) TSI.
The 1.6 litre diesel engine comes with direct common rail injection and a particulate matter filter and is available in two power variants, the basic diesel putting out 66 kW (90 hp) and scheduled for marketing in the second half of 2013. It may be combined with the optional seven-speed DSG (double-clutch transmission). The 1.6 l TDI CR version is more powerful, putting out 77 kW (105 hp).
CLEAR, PRECISE AND ELEGANT
The new Rapid is the first Škoda model to feature the brand's completely revised vehicle design. This design had been hinted in the "VisionD" and "MissionL" Škoda show cars. It now takes to the road for the first time in the Škoda Rapid. Its clear, precise, fresh and timeless design sets more than a creative accent in the compact saloon segment. The team around Škoda designer-in-chief Jozef Kaban have also shown that they definitely know how to marry functionality and an emotional stylistic vocabulary in this vehicle class.
The brand's new design language embodies precision, clear lines and a concept with a maximum of functionality. "The Rapid is an emotional car," says designer-in-chief Jozef Kaban. "Its design is precise and timeless, its modern look fills its elegant, pure shapes with fresh attractiveness. This involves perfect proportions, clearly formed surfaces and sharp lines and radii. The Rapid is an expression of the Škoda's confidence," says Kaban.
At 4.50 m in length, this compact saloon impresses with precise design down to the last detail. Cleanly modelled surfaces and sharply drawn lines effectively bring out the car's perfect proportions. The front end of the Škoda Rapid is a marked example of a reinterpreted Škoda design. A classy grille formed from 19 vertically positioned slats shows a finely drawn chrome frame. Modelled with much love for detail, the grille combines with the car's expressive headlights to form a unified graphic. This conveys optical width to the car's front and is echoed in the unit made from the fog lamps and the air intake in the front bumper. The redesigned Škoda logo is confidently positioned on the harmoniously rounded front edge of the bonnet. The chrome winged arrow clearly and precisely stands out on the matte black ground.
The cloverleaf shape made up by the headlight ensemble also takes its cue from the uniform design vocabulary. Below the headlights, fog lamps almost equal in size flank the lower air intake. The crystalline structure of their transparent covers is marked by sharp lines, a theme reminiscent of the high craftsmanship of Czech glass grinders.
The Škoda Rapid stands confident and solid. Its coupé-like silhouette and its long wheelbase especially underscore the elegance of the vehicle's overall shape. Stretched grooves highlight the car's longitudinal dynamics and harmoniously divide the lateral surfaces. A sharp tornado line creates a clean division of light and shadow. Every single line ends with an expressive conclusion.
The rear end of the Škoda Rapid also conveys the design's precision and freshness. It is as clearly shaped as it is distinctive. The taillights display Škoda's typical C design, yet in a new shape with a soft, crystalline grinding. Between the taillights, three lines in the sheet steel form fine triangles providing the car's rear with a special character element. The gaps between the fenders and the bumpers become an effective design element.
A large tailgate opens all the way to the edge of the rear window, giving access to a wide loading bay. This makes the tailgate as much a functional as a design element. The boot, at a capacity of 550 litres, is best in class among compact saloons. Folding down the rear seat backs will increase the volume to as much as 1,490 litres. Forcefully formed fenders house wheels up to 17 inches in size. The basic version comes with 14-inch rims. As with the exterior, so the Škoda Rapid's rich choice of wheels impresses with a wholly new stylistic vocabulary and a wide variety.
The interior of the Škoda Rapid extends the exterior's clear creative language, beaming with a tidy elegance and impressing with perfect ergonomics and high functionality. Four doors open wide to provide easy access for all occupants. The entire interior is generously laid out to provide space in comfort for five persons. With 65 mm of knee space rear the Škoda Rapid sets benchmark in its class. The cockpit with its horizontal structure exudes spaciousness. Finely drawn chrome elements on the control units in higher trim lines set radiant highlights. The easy-to-grip four-spoke steering wheel sporting the new Škoda logo sits in the driver's focus, as does the finely drawn combination display.
The control unit for the air conditioning, the radio and navigation unit and various controls in the central console have also been positioned with special regard for ergonomics. The newly designed seats impress with their contours and classy cloth covers, guaranteeing a pleasant driving experience. A host of storage compartments in the doors and on the central console provide lots of space, as do the seat pockets.
The Škoda Rapid is available in three trim lines: "Active", "Ambition" and "Elegance." There are also three interesting interior colour combinations for the dashboard and the door panels, namely Satin Black and Satin Black, Satin Black and Telluride Grey and Satin Black and Stone Beige.
Škoda's new design language is the result of intensive and long-term oriented work by an internationally staffed designer team. More than 70 specialists are involved in the drafting and designing of Škoda's models to come. The team is divided into five groups, each group being responsible for a specific area: exterior, interior, colours, digital models and technologies and finally clay models. Each new car is thus the result of teamwork in the best sense of the word. The design department is housed in the "Design Villa" on the premises of Škoda's Technical Development. The Design Villa is not just one of the most tradition-rich Škoda buildings, it may also be the best-guarded structure at Škoda's Mladá Boleslav plant.
TECHNOLOGY TO SERVE PEOPLE
The Škoda Rapid proves it: cars sporting the winged arrow offer technology, safety, efficiency and comfort at the highest level as well as for the best price. The new Czech compact saloon is a case in point.
"In the Škoda Rapid, we have achieved a optimal combination of special qualities," says Eckhard Scholz, Škoda board member for technical development. "Namely supreme functionality and safety standards coupled with light weight, and reliable technology in connection with the most modern and environmentfriendly engines. In short: simple, practical, dependable technology that simply makes sense."
Active and passive safety writ large
The Škoda Rapid is big on safety. As befits a good European, this compact saloon comes with a comprehensive safety package in all EU countries.
In terms of active safety, the ABS and ESP systems are the central elements. ESP including ABS is standard equipment for the Škoda Rapid in EU countries. While the ABS anti-lock braking system prevents wheels locking up in heavy braking, the ESP electronic stability programme will keep the car from swerving in extreme situations through focussed intervention in the braking process and in the engine's management.
The Škoda Rapid's stable handling greatly contributes to active safety. Its long wheelbase, precise chassis and its stiff body structure form the basis for good driving dynamics and setup. The Škoda Rapid's chassis has been precisely laid out to the demands of the A segment and will provide high agility in curves while preserving ample ride comfort. The combination of optimally-distributed vehicle's low weight, and modern, powerful TSI and TDI engines results in extremely agile handling. The car's excellent aerodynamics is also noteworthy.
The front wheels are suspended by wishbones and McPherson struts. A robust cross stabiliser with a diameter of 20 mm provides load balancing and limits body inclination. Rear suspension is a compound-link crank axle, the tubular stabiliser has a dimension of 18×3 mm. As an option, the Škoda Rapid is available with a rough-roads package. This will raise the chassis by 15 mm at the front and by 12 mm at the rear. A skid plate protects the engine and the transmission from damage on ground contact when driving in rutted terrain. Also, all versions feature a "cW package' which prevents vortices underneath the car liable to increase drag, but also provides protection to the underbody.
Active safety is enhanced by additional systems available optionally. For instance, the Škoda Rapid can be fitted with "corner function" fog lamps. Here, turning the steering wheel will automatically switch on the left or right fog lamp, improving the driver's sight and the car's visibility. The tyre pressure monitor will recognise loss of air, triggering a warning sound and a warning light to alert the driver. "Hill-Hold-Control" (HHC), another option, also increases active safety. The system permits starting up a slope without danger of rolling back. No operation of the hand brake is necessary as HHC will automatically activate it for about two seconds when switched on in case of a slope of more than three per cent.
The Rapid also features a rich passive safety package. In the event of a collision, different systems cooperate to minimise the risk of injury to driver and passengers. All occupants are protected by adjustable-height three-point safety belts with tighteners. Within just a few milliseconds, these tighteners will eliminate any slack in the belts. Force limiters then prevent excessive strain in occupants' chest areas. Front and side airbags will cushion their torsos. The front passenger seat airbag can be deactivated in case a baby carrier is being transported. Large head airbags will protect front seat and lateral rear seat passengers' heads in case of a side impact. In such events, the airbags inflate from out of the roof covering in front of the side window. Isofix child seats can be anchored by apposite fasteners, as can be TopTether protectors. Both of these firmly fasten child seats to the car.
In an accident and on inflation of airbags, the fuel supply will be automatically cut off, as will be selected electrical circuits, reducing the risk of seeping fuel catching fire. The central locking systems will release the door locks, easing passengers' way out of the car. The car's interior lights will switch on automatically, helping occupants find their way in the dark, while hazard flashers will also automatically activate to warn oncoming traffic. As a matter of course, the Škoda Rapid is also very well equipped to reduce pedestrian injuries to a minimum given that it meets the European Union's demanding Phase 2 pedestrian protection requirements.
In a collision, the Rapid's extraordinarily stiff body provides excellent deformation behaviour in the front end. The result is that the passenger cabin will remain largely intact and stable. Impacting forces will be deflected and thus neutralised via defined load paths.
Broad engine offering: powerful and efficient
Six different EU-5 engines will be available for the Škoda Rapid, including four petrol and two diesel versions. The Rapid comes with engines putting out between 55 kW and 90 kW - from a three-cylinder MPI via a fourcylinder TSI to a four-cylinder common-rail diesel, manual transmissions being available as is a DSG doubleclutch transmission.
From market launch in autumn of 2012, selected Green tec variants will be part of the offering. In the 1.6 l 77 kW diesel, the Green tec package will result in an excellent CO2 emission figure of only 104 g/km. For the four-cylinder TSI, the figure is 124 g/km.
The entry-level petrol engine is the three-cylinder 55 kW (75 hp) 1.2 l MPI with a combined mileage of 6.1 l/100 km and emissions of 137 g CO2 per km. Optimised engine setup and modifications to the intake manifold and exhaust have permitted raising the engine's power compared to the one available in other Škoda models.
The next level in petrol engines is the 1.2 l 63 kW (86 hp) TSI with a mileage of 5.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. These two 1.2 l engines come with a manual transmission.
A more powerful variant is the 1.2 l 77 kW (105 hp) TSI, emitting 125 g CO2 per km and consuming 5.4 l/100 km. This engine comes with a manual six-speed transmission.
The top-of-the-line petrol engine is the 1.4 l 90 kW (122 hp) TSI, consuming 5.8 l/100 km and producing CO2 emissions of 134 g/km. This engine comes with the automatic seven-speed DSG double-clutch transmission.
The 1.6 litre diesel engine operates with common-rail injection, is fitted with a particulate-matter filter and will be available in two performance variants: the basic diesel version puts out 66 kW (90 hp) and will be available in the second half of 2013, with the seven-speed DSG on offer as an option. The more powerful 1.6 TDI will put out 77 kW (105 hp) (114 g CO2-emissions per km, fuel consumption 4.4 l/100 km) and will be available from market launch.
The Škoda Rapid's five Green tec versions (three petrol, two diesel) are extremely efficient. Four variants will come to market in 2012. Green tec will be available for the 1.2 TSI/63 kW, 1.2 TSI/77 kW and 1.4 TSI/90 kW petrol engines as well as for the two diesel variants. A combination of start-stop automation, kinetic energy recuperation and tyres optimised for low rolling resistance results in a fuel savings potential of between five and eight per cent. This makes the Škoda Rapid one of the most economical and fuel-efficient compact saloons on the market. The Green tec models' CO2 emission is between 104 g/km and 124 g/km, mileage is between 3.9 and 5.3 litres of fuel.
The most important technological step in reducing fuel consumption significantly is the start-stop system. This is especially effective in pure urban driving. In idle phases as when the car is stopped at a red light, the engine will switch itself off automatically and thus not consume any fuel. All the driver needs to do to achieve this is to slow down to a halt, shift into neutral and take the foot off the clutch (or step on the brake in case of an automatic transmission). As soon as the driver presses the clutch (or releases the brake), the engine will restart automatically.
Recuperation is another intelligent function. Here, energy employed to drive the car is used as efficiently as possible. Whenever the driver decelerates or brakes - during coasting and braking phases - the generator's voltage is raised and used to reload the car's battery. On later acceleration or when driving at constant speed, the generator's voltage can be lowered again, easing the load on the engine and reducing fuel consumption. In addition, a fully charged battery will power the car's network during the engine's stopped phases. Recuperation involves special energy management software and modified software for the engine's management.
A CENTRAL PILLAR OF THE 2018 GROWTH STRATEGY
The Škoda Rapid is a central pillar of Škoda's growth strategy. The new compact saloon will play an important role in generating the growth forecast by the company from the present through the year 2018, by which time the brand intends to sell more than 1.5 million cars worldwide. Autumn 2012 will see the market launch of the brand's seventh model line in Central and Western Europe. At the same time, the new model is also a global project: in China, the Rapid will be sold from the year 2013 in a locally adapted version. The Indian version of Škoda Rapid was launched at the end of 2011.
Market
Today, Škoda is one of the strongest suppliers of compact cars, the so-called A segment, in important markets. In the new Škoda Rapid, the company will now be offering another attractive automobile to fit between the Škoda Fabia and Octavia models. "The Rapid will perfectly complement our model line-up and target customers looking for an attractive and roomy car in between the Fabia and the Octavia," says Škoda CEO Winfried Vahland. "As an additional offering in the compact car segment and thus in one the largestvolume vehicle class of all, our model is a central pillar of our growth strategy and will provide lasting strength to our good position on international markets," says Vahland.
In 2011, around 18.5 million compact cars were sold. In Eastern Central Europe alone, their share, split up into hatchback, notchback, fastback and estate, currently is 43 per cent of the total market, in Western Europe, it is about 37 per cent. By the year 2020, experts estimate the market for compact cars in Western Europe to grow by almost 15 per cent in volume, with growth reaching as much as 75 per cent in Eastern Europe. Within this class, saloons have a share of around 42 per cent. Industry experts estimate the number of cars of this type sold worldwide will rise by about 50 per cent by the year 2020.
The car will be launched successively on European markets from autumn of this year. First will be customers in the Czech Republic, where the car will be available from early October 2012. Next will be Germany from mid-October 2012 and other European markets from late 2012. Market launch of the Škoda Rapid will continue in Europe in early 2013. The Škoda Rapid will be produced at Škoda's main plant in Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic).
The Škoda Rapid will also play an outstanding role in securing Škoda's further growth in China. From 2013, a Chinese variant built by Shanghai Volkswagen will be available, making the Rapid the fifth Škoda model line to be sold in China after the Fabia, Octavia, Superb and Yeti (Škoda's SUV will also launch in China in 2013), further bolstering the brand's growth in China.
Customers
In marketing the Rapid, Škoda is mainly targeting families wanting a practical, roomy and safe car at an affordable price. "The Rapid is a car for the whole family in Škoda's accustomed quality and with a large boot," says marketing chief Jürgen Stackmann.
Largest model in company's history
The new Rapid is another model that is a part of the largest worldwide model offensive in the history of Škoda. In the years to come, the company will be introducing a new model every six months on average, the aim being to raise worldwide sales to 1.5 million units by 2018. In pursuing this aim, the company is betting even more strongly on international growth markets such as Russia, India and China. "Today, we are selling 60 per cent of our cars in Europe and 40 per cent in the growth markets. We expect this proportion to reverse by 2018," says Winfried Vahland.
