Skoda UK Releases Two New Limited Edition Versions of Rapid with Added Content

For a short period of time, UK consumers interested in Skoda's Rapid (liftback) saloon will have two more choices when it comes to trims with the launch of two limited production versions, each of which adds extra equipment "worth thousands of pounds", according to the brand's press blurb.

The first one is the Rapid SE Connect based on the Rapid 1.2-litre TSI 86PS SE that is offered in a choice of two exterior metallic paints, Brilliant Silver or Denim Blue, and gains 16-inch ‘Antia’ aluminum wheels, rear parking sensors and an Amundsen satellite navigation with DAB digital radio.

Production is limited to 800 units with pricing set at £12,990 on the road.

The other model is the Rapid Sport that builds on the 1.2-litre TSI 105PS SE model adding extra equipment worth £1,250, including 17-inch ‘Ray’ black alloy wheels, sunset glass, front fog lights, sports seats, steel pedals, black door mirrors and a rear spoiler.

Skoda said that only 200 examples of the Sport will be offered in the UK, each priced at £15,630 on the road.

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Skoda Looking Set to Sell 1 Million Cars in 2014, 1.5 Million by 2018

VW’s Czech subsidiary Skoda Auto is on track to sell 1 million cars worldwide for the first time in 2014 thanks to the addition of the new models and increased production of existing ones.

Skoda spokesman Jozef Balaz said sales exceeded 900,000 vehicles in 2013, although final figures are not yet available. Skoda aims to reach annual sales of 1.5 million by 2018 as part of VW Group’s plan to become the world’s largest carmaker.

“The trend of a build-up of orders should continue, at least in the next months, so the preconditions are there that we could reach this step (of selling 1 million cars in 2014),” Balaz was quoted as saying by Reuters. “We view that million as a logical step to meeting the (longer-term) target,” he added.

Skoda has yet to announce 2013 revenues, which were affected in the first half by the switch to a new generation of the Octavia model. However, an increase in sales in the second half has put it back on track, with Octavia making up about half of Skoda’s total 2013 sales.

The Czech carmaker is focusing on eastern markets like Russia and China to meet its 1.5 million annual target.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Skoda Reportedly Preparing VW Crossblue-Based SUV for 2016

Skoda will launch a large SUV in 2016 based on the VW Crossblue, itself based on VW Group’s MQB platform. The Czech carmaker’s boss Winfried Vahland told Autocar magazine that the SUV will arrive in 2016, a year after VW will have introduced the Crossblue in Europe.

The upcoming Skoda SUV is said to be around 4.6 meters (181.1 in) in length, which means it could be based on the shorter Crossblue concept, the one carrying the Coupe moniker. The report says Skoda will offer the SUV in five-seat and seven-seat configurations, as well as with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Skoda aims to position its large SUV as a rival to the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. According to Skoda technical chief Frank Welsch, the new SUV is “the right concept for Skoda, it works perfectly with our brand values”.

The project is said to be in its early stages, with designers working on a full-size clay model and engineering work only beginning. According to Welsch, the Skoda SUV won’t get engines larger than 2.0-liter four-cylinder units, with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel to be the base engine. Diesel-electric hybrid technology is also being considered.

As for styling, Skoda’s take on the Crossblue concept may be bolder and more provocative, “slightly different from the mainstream,” in Skoda design chief Josef Kaban’s words.

By Dan Mihalascu

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