The Skoda Vision RS concept will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in October, strongly hinting at the replacement for the current Rapid hatchback.
Skoda describes design sketches released of the Vision RS as ‘a first glimpse of a future compact car while ringing in the next design phase for its sporting RS model range.’ The brand is more heavily pushing its competition history, which stretches back 117 years, and promoting the RS range of sporting models.
However, industry sources believe the concept also points towards a mainstream model line. The production car evolved from it, predicted to launch in 2019, is expected to replace the current Rapid, but not directly, and to not continue the Rapid name. It would compete squarely against big-selling rivals such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.
The Vision RS measures up at a bit over 4.3m long, but with a low height of only 1.4m. This makes it longer and lower than the current Rapid, and the use of the RS description on the concept also suggests a more performance-pitched production model is planned – possibly a Skoda rival to the Golf GTI. Skoda says that the concept incorporates ‘clear motor racing references.’
The replacement for the Rapid is expected to use the Volkswagen Group’s platform for smaller cars already employed on the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Arona and Ibiza models.
Skoda is yet to release any mechanical details of the Vision RS concept ahead of the Paris show.
