Skoda is clearing out the old and making room for the new as the rapid is fired from the lineup to be replaced by the Skoda Scala. For all intents and purposes, the Rapid will be the Scala just a different name and form factor. The Rapid filled the compact segment of Skoda’s model lineup. However, with people transitioning to SUVs, small and large, non-SUV’s are facing tough market conditions. 

However, the compact car market hasn’t felt the full effects of this SUV transition. The small car market remains buoyant. So the Skoda Scala arrives at a critical time. But change can happen and over time and car companies can never rest… because they could lose money. So the Skoda Scala, when it arrives will give Skoda a shot in the arm sales boost. It is said to be based on elements of the Vision RS concept. But don’t expect the Vision RS to be a direct-too-production translation. Consider a concept car to be visual marketing. Skoda says the name Scala is Latin for “stairs”, literally “a step forward” says Skoda. But stairs go up right? Bernhard Maier, chairman of Skoda said: “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. Thus we are confident that Scala has the best chance to redefine the A-segment for Skoda.” The latter quote, admittedly helped us to fill in the word count. What Bernie boy is saying is, Skoda has invested a lot of money into the Skoda Scala. The Scala will also introduce a new feature that will be filtered into all Skodas. It will be the first to adorn the Skoda lettering. The single letter design will feature across the center of the tailgate and replaces the Skoda logo. Really there isn’t much more to say. We don’t know about performance, model trims, engine lineup or price or availability. But that’s really easy to deduce. The Scala will follow the same formula as the Rapid. So expect the same engine lineup and price strategy.  

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