The Rapid liftback (
Typ ) was the first Škoda model to fully feature brand's new design language. Its minimalistic appearance, developed by Škoda chief designer
Jozef Kabaň, was first featured by the Skoda MissionL concept car which was showcased at the
2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car was intended to fit between the
Fabia and the third generation
Octavia, where Škoda had a gap after the Octavia Tour had been discontinued in 2011. Its overall dimensions were quite similar to the Octavia Tour, but the Rapid offered more space for rear passengers due to its longer wheelbase (2,602 mm vs 2,578 mm). Despite increasing interior space while reducing outer dimensions, the boot shrunk only by 35 litres (550 L vs 585 L). Payload remained the same as in the Octavia Tour (535 kg, including driver). The Rapid line-up features three petrol engines and one diesel with various power outputs, all compliant to
Euro 5 standards. Several of the petrol units have also been
Euro 6 compliant since 2015. All engines are four cylinder, except the base 1.2 petrol which is a three-cylinder unit 7-speed DSG is standard for the top of the range 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine, and option for the 1.6 litre diesel with 66 KW. Trim levels are Active, Ambition and Elegance in most markets, or S, SE and Elegance in the United Kingdom. The GreenLine model with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km was available since 2013. All models sold within the Europe are equipped with
ESC and six
airbags (front and side for driver and passenger, curtain airbags). At the 32nd GTI Treffen (2013) Škoda presented the Rapid Sport with bi colour body and 19" alloy wheels.
Facelifts Rapid was facelifted in 2017. It received modified front fascia and new headlights, which can be equipped with bi-xenon headlamps with LED lights. Assistance systems were added and the cabin received a slightly modified dashboard. The basic motor instead of 1.2 MPI (55 kW) is now the 1.0 TSI (70 kW), while the 1.2 TSI engine was completely removed. The liftback Rapid was facelifted for the second time in late 2019 for Russian and
CIS markets, bringing significant styling and equipment updates. The 2020 Skoda Rapid gains a new face with triangular LED headlights that are similar to the Scala hatchback, a redesigned bumper with a sportier design, and the brand's hexagonal corporate grille. At the rear, it featured the L-shaped LED taillights. Also new are the subtle deck lid spoiler, the refreshed bumper, and the "Skoda" lettering on the tailgate. The interior overhaul featured a very similar layout with the Scala and gaining several new features, which include a digital instrument panel, the latest infotainment system featuring a 6.5-inch "floating" touchscreen display (optionally available as an 8-inch unit), two USB-C outlets on the center console, and heated steering wheel. File:2017-03-07 Geneva Motor Show 1238.JPG|Škoda Rapid (2017 facelift) File:Skoda Rapid 2021 (cropped).jpg|Škoda Rapid (2020 facelift, Russia) File:Skoda Rapid 2021 3 (cropped).jpg|Škoda Rapid (2020 facelift, Russia) File:Skoda Rapid interior 2021.jpg|Interior (2020 facelift, Russia) ==5-door hatchback (Rapid Spaceback; NH1)==