New ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and redesigned ŠKODA Yeti make world debut

• 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

ŠKODA’s bold growth strategy takes another leap forward at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with two exciting new models set to make their world premieres. The new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and facelifted Yeti will take centre stage on the ŠKODA stand in hall 3, showcasing the brand’s dynamic design and technical innovation.

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.”

Driving ŠKODA forward

The new ŠKODA rapid Spaceback and revised ŠKODA Yeti are the latest additions to the biggest product expansion plan in almost 118 year history of the brand. This strategy is one of the pillars of the ŠKODA Growth Strategy, which aims at increasing the brand's annual sales to at least 1.5 million cars by the 2018.

To achieve this, the brand will launch, on average, one new or revised model every six months. As part of its expansion strategy, ŠKODA will strengthen its position in key growth markets, including China or Russia. In addition, ŠKODA also plans to increases its presence in Europe, where it wants to increase its market share to more than five per cent.