Next-gen Skoda Rapid to be sold only as a hatchback

Skoda will offer the next-gen Skoda Rapid exclusively in the hatchback version, though, as per a report from Auto Express.

The next-gen Skoda Rapid will arrive as the hatchback alternative to the next-gen Skoda Octavia. The all-new Skoda Rapid, as depicted in the speculative renderings, will have rather conventional styling. With the four-door saloon version about to get discontinued and the car set to sell exclusively as a five-door hatchback, Skoda may not use the 'Spaceback' suffix this time.

The redesigned Skoda Rapid, a compact car, will compete with the likes of VW Golf, Ford Focus, Seat Leon and Honda Civic. However, it will ride on a small car platform – MQB A0. Currently, this platform is utilised by the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza, VW Virtus and Seat Arona.

The MQB A0 platform will underpin the next-gen Skoda Fabia and the Skoda Vision X concept's production version as well. The MQB A0 platform's version Skoda will use for the next-gen Skoda Rapid and the B-SUV will measure longer than any other version used for all other MQB A0 platform-based models from the VW Group.

Skoda will offer the next-gen Skoda Rapid with 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with maximum power output ranging from 84 bhp to 109 bhp, a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a maximum power output of up to 148 bhp and maybe even a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Skoda could offer a mild-hybrid system that uses a 48-volt belt starter generator in the petrol engine models.

The next-gen Skoda Rapid, targeted mainly at the European markets, will arrive sometime in 2019.