Skoda Vision RS previews Rapid replacement
Sporty concept paves way for next-gen Rapid, hatch to get new hybrid tech; already confirmed for AustraliaSkoda has released yet more images of the sporty Vision RS concept it will reveal at the Paris motor show next week.
The new renderings, posted overnight, preview the next-generation Skoda Rapid Spaceback that has been created to rival cars like the Ford Focus and the closely-related Volkswagen Golf.
Set to be renamed, to reflect its new found sportier nature and increase in size, according to Skoda the concept at Paris will be powered by the car maker's new plug-in hybrid technology that blends a turbocharged 1.5-litre TSI engine and a small 75kW electric motor.
Together, the concept's petrol hybrid powertrain will produce 180kW and provide for a pure-electric range of more than 70km.
That's enough to give the Vision RS near hot hatch performance, with the concept claimed to reach 100km/h in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of around 210km/h.
It's rumoured the new plug-in hybrid powertrain could provide the basis for a forthcoming RS version of the small hatch.
According to Skoda, the new plug-in tech could provide the basis for the car maker's first production plug-in hybrid – the Skoda Superb PHEV that's due in 2019.
Measuring in at 4356mm, 1810mm wide and 1431mm tall it's thought the Vision RS' dimensions mirror the real production car that is longer wider and lower than the current Rapid Spaceback.
The next Rapid will be around 80mm longer than the current Golf, suggesting it the Czech hatch will offer a bigger boot and more interior space for passengers.
As well as its more exciting exterior styling, Skoda has also released artist sketches of the Vision RS' sporty cabin.
Featuring a far more futuristic interior than the car it replaces, Skoda claims the materials used in the show car are both 'vegan' and sustainable.
The seat material, for example, is made from Alcantara instead of suede leather.
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 platform, which also underpins the VW Polo, the new Skoda hatchback will later be joined by a production version of the Vision X SUV concept.
Stay tuned, because more of the Vision RS will be revealed at the Paris show, as well as new details of the production car that will follow.
The Rapid-replacement is due to arrive in Australia in 2019.
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