Rumour: Skoda mulls Rapid-based hatchback for India

Czech carmaker, Skoda is rumoured to be considering a new hatchback for the Indian market based on the current Rapid sedan. At the moment the company plans to introduce the Rapid facelift in the country and if the car succeeds, a hatchback based on the same platform could be built. The car is likely to use the Rapid's mechanicals as well.

The sharing of the platform and mechanicals with the Rapid will help Skoda keep costs down, which in turn will help it price the hatchback competitively. The wait for the car, however, is going to be rather long as it is not expected to reach showrooms before 2017.

Skoda pulled out the Fabia, its premium hatchback, from the Indian market due to poor sales. The company was making a loss on every unit of the hatchback sold in the country. While it has revealed a new Fabia for Europe, it has made it clear that the car is not being considered for India. However, the company is keen to fill the void left by the old Fabia with a more economically viable offering.

Source: Autocar India

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