New 2019 Skoda Scala To Replace Rapid

A few weeks ago Carprices had reported about a new offering in the Skoda lineup that would replace its longstanding sedan, Rapid. Now, Skoda raised a green flag on the new 'Scala' and confirmed its details.

The car is expected to be launched by the end of this year and will lock horns with Volkswagen's upcoming Golf Mk8. "With the new Skoda Scala, we are proposing a new chapter in the compact class of Skoda. It is a completely new development that sets standards in terms of technology, safety and design in this class. We are confident that Scala has the best chance to redefine the segment for Skoda." Said Chairman of the board of Skoda, Bernhard Maier.

The Scala is expected to be seated somewhere between the Fabia and Octavia saloon. The new model takes heavy inspiration from the Vision RS, sporting a traditional two-box five-door hatchback profile. Teaser images of the concept released by Skoda show that the model will call for sharper and slimmer headlight cluster than any of the recent Skodas.

Skoda pulled the plug on Rapid following poor sales outside its home-ground in the Czech Republic. The new model poses differently in the market with cheaper material towards a more conventional hatchback, from the previous value-oriented Rapid Spaceback.

Underpinning the Scala is a modified version of VW Group's PQ26 platform. However, its successor is expected to be built on the MQB A0 platform that is designed for smaller cars such as the next generation Fabia.

The Rapid nameplate under Skoda has, however, not seen its end yet as a longer platform of VW Group's MWB0 will underpin its next generation as well as the crossover previewed by the Vision X concept that was displayed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.