The China-made Skoda Rapid is ready. The Rapid will debut on the Shanghai Auto Show in April and will be launched on the Chinese auto market around the same time. The Skoda Rapid is made in China by the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture.

The Skoda Rapid is basically the same car as the new Shanghai-Volkswagen Santana and the FAW-Volkswagen Jetta. Engines are the same for all: a 1.4 with 89bhp or a 1.6 with 109bhp, mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Price for the Skoda will start around 80.000 yuan (US$ 12,840). Size: 4501/1706/1469, wheelbase is 2603 and curb weight is 1160kg.

The front styling features a chrome strip around the grille which will make Chinese car buyers very happy. Skoda is on a roll in China, many buyers appreciate the image of the brand. Many new models are on the way, such as the stretched Skoda Yeti, the Skoda Fabia Combi and a new China-only Skoda MPV.