Photo: Autoforum.cz
With chunky plastic bumpers and an increase in ground clearance, this Skoda Rapid is clearly a test prototype for an upcoming Scout model.
The photos were released a few days ago by Czech magazine Auto Forum and appear to be to be sourced from a tuning website. They were taken on a road between Prague and Karlovy Vary.
Starting at the front, we notice that the Rapid Scout has a new bumper, which looks just like its Octavia counterpart. The grille and headlights also appear to be tweaked, which to us indicates a small facelift is on its way.
Last year, sister company SEAT introduced LED headlights for the Toledo, which is made at the same factory as the Rapid. Add the fact that Euro 6 emissions are coming into effect, and you begin to understand why the Czechs are looking to refresh their car. Maybe they will also introduce the latest 3-cylinder engines, the 1.4 TDI diesel and 1.0 TSI petrol. The Scout mode also has a new wheel design, painted black and probably measuring 16 inches.
Clearly, the Scout model is based on the Spaceback hatch, not the sedan. But since both cars are underpinned by the PQ25 platform of the Polo, it's extremely unlikely that we'll get to see all-wheel drive offered.
Instead, the engines will be adapted to cope better with loose road conditions, and the suspension will have a longer, softer travel. We believe the base 1-liter engine won't make any sense on a Scout, but we can't know for sure until the debut takes place. When will that be? Most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where the Rapid Scout will share the stage with the Superb Combi.
Starting at the front, we notice that the Rapid Scout has a new bumper, which looks just like its Octavia counterpart. The grille and headlights also appear to be tweaked, which to us indicates a small facelift is on its way.
Last year, sister company SEAT introduced LED headlights for the Toledo, which is made at the same factory as the Rapid. Add the fact that Euro 6 emissions are coming into effect, and you begin to understand why the Czechs are looking to refresh their car. Maybe they will also introduce the latest 3-cylinder engines, the 1.4 TDI diesel and 1.0 TSI petrol. The Scout mode also has a new wheel design, painted black and probably measuring 16 inches.
Clearly, the Scout model is based on the Spaceback hatch, not the sedan. But since both cars are underpinned by the PQ25 platform of the Polo, it's extremely unlikely that we'll get to see all-wheel drive offered.
Instead, the engines will be adapted to cope better with loose road conditions, and the suspension will have a longer, softer travel. We believe the base 1-liter engine won't make any sense on a Scout, but we can't know for sure until the debut takes place. When will that be? Most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where the Rapid Scout will share the stage with the Superb Combi.
Google News