SPY PICS: Skoda plots a re-named, re-thought Rapid

Skoda's Golf-size Rapid hatch is destined for a new image and a new name as the Czech Volkswagen Group offshoot attempts to grab a bigger share of the small-car market while distancing itself from its German-built cousin.

These spy photos of a Czech-registered prototype putting in some hot racetrack laps shows the semi-wagon theme (although the company is at pains to ensure it will be seen as a hatchback Golf competitor, with no confusion between it and the current, larger Octavia wagon) will continue with the Rapid replacement.

It is believed the next-gen Skoda Rapid – whatever it's called – will be based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB AO platform that forms the basis of cars such as the upcoming Volkswagen T-Roc SUV (and a new Fabia due in 2020). Skoda will cherry-pick from the current range of Volkswagen turbo engines, including a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder and, possibly, a 1.6-litre diesel for the Rapid successor.

There is as yet no mention of petrol-electric hybrid power, while a diesel, if it eventuates, would likely be off the cards for Australia, where the umbrella group has announced it will drop oil-burners entirely from the local market.

The actual dimensions of the Skoda Rapid replacement are not yet known, although the current car (which sells at about half the rate of the light-class, Polo-size Fabia model in Australia) approximates the current Golf hatch in most dimensions.

The next-gen Skoda small hatch is due for a European introduction early in 2019 and, if it captures the imagination of the small-car-hungry Australian public and is priced realistically, it could help the company's local-market fortunes no end.