Two world premieres for SKODA at Frankfurt

[ColinD]

• New ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and redesigned ŠKODA Yeti make world debut
• Rapid Spaceback: striking new ŠKODA hatchback with dramatic looks
• Revised ŠKODA SUV available in two versions – Yeti and Yeti Outdoor
• Press conference 10.15am, 10 September 2013 in Hall 3

 

The world premiere of the Rapid Spaceback and facelifted Yeti represents another milestone in ŠKODA’s ambitious product plan – a strategy that will see eight new or facelifted models arrive before the end of 2013. With the arrival of these important models, ŠKODA remains on target to achieve its sales target of at least 1.5 million cars by 2018.

 

“At Frankfurt, we are going to demonstrate the power of our brand – both with brand new Rapid Spaceback and Yeti – and with our refreshed and expanded model line as a whole,” says ŠKODA chairman of the board Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “We are carrying on with our growth strategy even when the market is going through rough times. In following years, we are going to further strengthen the position of the ŠKODA brand as an important global player in automotive markets.”

 

ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback

 

The new Rapid Spaceback applies fresh and original thinking to an established and typically conservative area of the compact family hatchback market.

 

 

“ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback is the first compact family hatchback in the history of ŠKODA, and another milestone in the brand’s history,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA head of development. “For the first time, we are present in the strongest segment of the European car market.”

 

The Rapid Spaceback’s fresh and dynamic design combines established ŠKODA qualities with unique styling and exceptional functionality. With its bold design language and individual character, the Rapid Spaceback brings something genuinely new to the sector, and further confirms ŠKODA as a forward-thinking brand.

 

In addition to its striking design, the Rapid Spaceback offers a vast array of personalisation options that allow buyers to tailor the car to their own tastes. Among the styling options are a large panoramic glass roof and extended tailgate glazing.

Inside, the Rapid Spaceback sets new standards in the compact family hatchback sector. Rear passengers enjoy the highest levels of knee- and headroom in the class, while the 415 litre boot (extendable to 1,380 litres) offers exceptional practicality. The cabin builds on the strengths of the standard Rapid and adds new steering wheels, fresh upholstery fabrics and new trim.

 

 

In true ŠKODA style, the Rapid Spaceback is also packed with ‘Simply Clever’ features, including a dual-level boot floor, ice-scraper inside the fuel cap, and a host of holders, nets and hooks all around the interior.

 

The engine range comprises of four petrol and two diesel units. The line-up will also include a GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

 

ŠKODA Yeti facelift

With a dramatic new look and an expanded range, the facelifted Yeti is set to embark on a fascinating new adventure. The revised version of ŠKODA’s award-winning crossover makes its world debut at Frankfurt, delivering more choice and new to the brand technologies.

 

 

Recognising the broad appeal of the Yeti, ŠKODA has developed the facelifted Yeti range to incorporate two different variants – Yeti and Yeti Outdoor. The former has been designed to look and feel at home in the big city, and features body-coloured bumpers, side protective mouldings and rear panels to give a smoother, sleeker look. The Yeti Outdoor, in contrast, features black plastic mouldings that sit perfectly with the SUV’s rugged and adventurous image.

 

 

Six different engines will be available across the revised Yeti line-up, with the option of front-wheel-drive or all wheel drive with a new fifth-generation Haldex coupling. In addition, the facelifted Yeti offers new alloy wheel designs and fresh interior design features, including steering wheels, new seat fabrics or decorative trim pieces. The Yeti can also be equipped with a parking camera for the first time.

 

“The Yeti is doing great not only in the showrooms, but also on the roads or in rough terrain,” says Werner Eichhorn, member of the ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. “In its revised form, the ŠKODA Yeti is now even more attractive and versatile. This way, we want to strengthen our market positions even further.”

 

 

 

[stratosg]

I think I would like to see the Rapid Spaceback with roof rails. I see no reason why a station / combi type lacks the roof rails. Plus they make the car look prettier.

[ednaclowdz]

Seems very like the Fabia Estates to me.  Fabia estates are the best glam super-mini load-luggers around imo.  Are the Fabia's days numbered?

[RapidRonnie]

No, the Spaceback is still around 20cm longer than a Fabia estate.

[simon_g]

The red & black one at Frankfurt looks great:

 

 

A decent petrol engine and DSG at a sensible price, without the dowdy looks of the current Rapid, and I'd be very tempted by one.

 

Fabia is looking like an awkward size to fill, the current one is not that much roomier than a Citigo, and it'll get squeezed from above by the Rapid & Spaceback.

[seboni121]

The red & black one at Frankfurt looks great:

 

 

A decent petrol engine and DSG at a sensible price, without the dowdy looks of the current Rapid, and I'd be very tempted by one.

 

Fabia is looking like an awkward size to fill, the current one is not that much roomier than a Citigo, and it'll get squeezed from above by the Rapid & Spaceback.

Very monte like I like that very much

[PhilA]

As a yeti owner, I was disapointed to be informed, by the dealer ,that the, 1.8 petrol is to be discontinued in the new model range

[ednaclowdz]

The red & black one at Frankfurt looks great:

 

 

A decent petrol engine and DSG at a sensible price, without the dowdy looks of the current Rapid, and I'd be very tempted by one.

 

Fabia is looking like an awkward size to fill, the current one is not that much roomier than a Citigo, and it'll get squeezed from above by the Rapid & Spaceback.

Maybe current Fabia Hatchback isn't much roomier than Citigo?  On the other hand, Fabia Estates are tardis-like.  More rear passenger legrooom than (the original) Octavia, plus a boot large enough for two family dogs / week's shop / buggies / glider tow-out gear and parachute.  I think Skoda have missed a trick by not marketing the Estate more aggressively. 

[lfc958]

Cant find the release date for the facelft Yeti  - Anyone ?

[Royston]

The FL yeti has lost some of its charm. It looks cartoonish and bland now.

Good work on the rapd thing though. Less tall and ungainly than the Fab estate.

[RoadWarrior]

Yeti = winning. Much more aggressive and doesn't look boring as hell anymore.

 

Rapid = boring and should be VW badged.

[ednaclowdz]

Tactical 87 - I just love the Punisher logo!!  Agree Rapid is on the bland side of dull.  Also too low - tries to look sleek but holds no appeal to anyone trying to load ankle-biters into the back seat. 

[dagget]

Love the FL yeti, I was waiting to see the Rapid but it looks bland, Yeti FTW.

[sarcelle]

Not quite true with regards to Yeti and Yeti Outdoor. Away from the UK the difference in models is purely a body design feature. 4X4 is available in both models. 1.4TSI is available and 1.8TSI in 4X4 both manual and DSG.

Octavia also has 1.8TSI and a 4X4 version is available. Why is the UK always treated like a third world country when it comes to cars available.

Google Skoda Germany and explore their site.

Has anyone imported a Skoda from Germany. I don't mind LHD.

 

A very happy new year to all Skoda enthusiasts

 

Chris

[Beryl's Chief Pilot]

Recently saw a silver Yeti Adventure on the road, very nice!

[briwy]

Anyone know anything about this?

 

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