Skoda Rapid Bolts Into Sydney Ahead Of Early 2013 Sales Debut

Skoda's all-new Rapid is on show at the Australian International Motor Show. Fresh from its Paris debut just a few weeks ago, the Rapid is making its first appearance south of the equator.

The new car slots in between the light Fabia and the midsized Octavia in Skoda's ever-expanding range, measuring just 24mm shorter than the Octavia - but with a longer wheelbase.

Like the Octavia, the Rapid is a liftback design with a boot, again, just a bit smaller at 530 litres against the bigger car's 560 litres.

The next Octavia, due in the second half of 2013, is expected to be larger than the current model, better defining the gap between the new midsizer and the coming Rapid.

In Australia, the Rapid will be available with two petrol engines, a 77kW 1.2 litre TSI and a 90kW 1.4 TSI.

At this stage, no diesel option has been confirmed. There is also no word on transmissions, although the ubiquitous DSG twin-clutch is a sure bet.