The production version of the Skoda MissionL sedan will be called the Rapid in Europe, the Czech automaker revealed today at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show where it is displaying a lightly modified version of the concept model for the Chinese market.
Even though they share the same name, the compact-sized notchback is a different model from the smaller India-market Rapid sedan that is based on the VW Polo saloon.
Positioned between the Fabia supermini and the mid-size Octavia, the new Rapid will reach European showrooms just before the end of the year. Skoda said that a Chinese version of the Rapid will be built and sold in China from 2013.
“As part of its growth strategy, Skoda has initiated the largest model offensive in its corporate history and will bring a new vehicle to market every six months on average in the years ahead,” said Skoda boss Winfried Vahland. “The Rapid is our next new model. It has a central importance for our growth and will provide us with a strong tailwind on international markets,” he added.
The MissionL was unveiled for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September last year.
The Volkswagen Group’s Seat brand will also produce its own version of the Rapid called the Toledo.
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