The Škoda Rapid is a perfect complement of the model palette between the Škoda Fabia and the Škoda Octavia, making it at home in the large-volume compact segment.
The Škoda Rapid is the first Škoda series car ever to fully feature the brand's newly formulated design language. Škoda is aiming the Rapid especially at families looking for a roomy first car at an affordable price in Škoda's familiar quality. After tons of teaser images, Skoda has finally released first images of the European Rapid ahead of its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
First seen in concept form at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the European Skoda Rapid will make its official debut in production form at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show in September.
Apart from the stylistic changes, expect higher quality interiors on the European Rapid, which is usually the case with most cars sold in mature car markets. Dimensionally, the European Rapid(4.48 meters long) is longer than the Indian Rapid by about 120 mm but the width remains the same at 1.7 meters. Five variants of petrol engines and two variants of diesel engines will be in the mix. A 74 Bhp, 84 Bhp and 104 Bhp variant of the 1.2 TSI unit will be made available. The other petrol engine will be the 1.4 TSI unit outputting 120 Bhp. Škoda is resolutely pursuing its model offensive, presenting its new compact saloon, the Škoda Rapid, just a few months after the introduction of the Škoda Citigo subcompact.
The Škoda Rapid impresses with lots of room, an expressive design, an excellent price-value ratio, a comprehensive safety offering and efficient engines. The right car at the right time," says Škoda CEO Winfried Vahland.
On the outside, the 2013 Renault Espace adopts Renault’s new styling identity up front with a more prominent and upright logo set against a new broad black grille bar with chrome trim, and a newly styled bumper.
According to Renault, average fuel consumption on the 130PS, 150PS and 175PS versions of the 2.0-liter dCi diesel engine has been reduced by 0.8lt/100km while CO2 emissions drop by 20g/km.
New Renault Espace features Renault's new styling identity which reasserts the model's personality by ensuring an even more dynamic stance. In the case of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (F4Rt), CO2 emissions have fallen to 198g/km (a saving of 6g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 8.5 litres/100km (down 0.3 litres/100km).
New Renault Espace continues to propose the large seven-seat MPV segment's most occupant-friendly cabin, including seven real seats and a brightly lit interior thanks to a large opening sunroof.
New Renault Espace's upholstery features an innovative textile which repels water- and oil-based liquids. To facilitate manoeuvring and parking, New Renault Espace is available with a reversing camera. New Renault Espace's interior can be rearranged at will to guarantee the highest level of comfort for up to seven occupants.
New Renault Espace, which is manufactured at Renault's Sandouville factory (France), comes with the guarantee of Renault's design, build and dynamic quality, as well as carefully selected materials to maintain the model's status as a modern incarnation of French-made, high-end luxury.
At the time of its launch in 1984, Renault Espace established the revolutionary MPV concept which was the fruit of cooperation between Renault and Matra.
1984 - Espace 1: Espace was revealed to the media in April before going on sale the following July. The model epitomised Renault's 'Les Voitures à Vivre' ('cars for living') slogan.
1991 - Espace II: the second-generation Espace was even more dynamic and its lines were softer. The combination of a V6 powerplant and automatic transmission underpinned Espace high-end status.
1996 - Espace III: the third generation of the model saw an increase in Espace's overall dimensions. An extended version, Grand Espace (27cm longer), was introduced in January 1998.
Espace III marked the end of the collaboration between Renault and Matra with regard to this model.
2002 - Espace IV: the latest-generation version is made entirely by Renault at the firm's Sandouville plant, in northern France.
Unlike most of the rest of the MINI range, there will be no S or John Cooper Works variants of the Clubvan. The cleared-out rear cargo area is complemented by blocked-out rear side windows with interior polycarbonate reinforcements, tinted glass in the rear doors, a flat load floor, carpeted side walls, 12-volt sockets in the cargo area, and a cargo-attachment system in the back.
Total space in the rear cargo area is 30.3 cubic feet, extending 44.8 inches long and 40.1 inches high. The maximum payload capacity for the MINI Clubvan is 816 pounds.
Cry no longer: Mini has revealed its production Clubvan (it first bowed as a concept at this year’s Geneva show), and boutique delivery services can bring the goods without embarrassing their clientele.
As the pioneer in the “premium compact delivery van” segment—there’s a niche for you—Mini pitches the Clubvan as offering modest hauling capabilities without compromising enjoyment behind the wheel. The differentiation (other than the single strength of powerplant on offer in the van versus 121-hp Cooper, 181-hp Cooper S, and 208-hp JCW flavors of Clubman) comes aft of the driver’s seats. The rear-facing windows are tinted.
If the standard black upholstered seats aren’t your thing—and we’re guessing they may not be if you’re considering a Mini delivery vehicle—you can upgrade to leather-trimmed or full-leather sport seats; further interior upgrades include leather for the dashboard and various trim finishes. Standard 15-inch wheels can be upgraded to 16- or 17-inchers.
In Europe, where it also will be offered, several automakers offer van-ified versions of vehicles in the Mini's size class.
The personality and hallmark driving fun of the MINI brand is coming to a whole new group of customers with the launch of the new MINI Clubvan.
Key to the Clubvan's appeal is its spacious load bay. The blocked-out rear side windows are body-coloured and feature interior polycarbonate reinforcement. Combined with tinted glass in the rear doors, it means the load compartment is both secure and concealed from prying eyes.
In common with all MINIs, the Clubvan will offer owners outstanding driving dynamics. Three versions will be available; the 72 kW/98 hp MINI One Clubvan, the 90 kW/122 hp MINI Cooper Clubvan and the 82 kW/112 hp MINI Cooper D Clubvan.
All come with MINI's familiar front-wheel-drive set-up, Electric Power Steering, MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and powerful brakes. It's 3,961 mm long, 1,683 mm wide and 1,426 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,547 mm.
The Clubvan is the seventh unique member of the MINI family, selling alongside the Clubman, Hatch, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe and Roadster.
It is the first commercial vehicle to be offered since the MINI brand was relaunched under BMW's ownership in 2001. The new Clubvan is bringing that tradition of MINI practicality right up to date, while adding the brand's modern values of outstanding driving performance, high standard specification and exceptional style.
The MINI Clubvan is available in four exterior colours - Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green metallic and Midnight Black metallic. The roof, rear side window area, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps are body-coloured on all versions. The standard 15-inch Delta-spoke alloy wheels, which are exclusive to the MINI Clubvan, can be replaced by alternative 15, 16 or 17-inch alloy wheel designs.
Inside, black seats with Cosmos fabric upholstery, a black interior colour scheme and Fine White Silver trim strips are standard. Options include black sports seats, which are available in Ray Cloth/Leather, Punch Leather or Lounge Leather.
The MINI Clubvan brings a new blend of sophistication and style to the business sector.
Retail prices, excluding VAT: MINI One Clubvan: £11,175 MINI Cooper Clubvan: £12,475 MINI Cooper D Clubvan: £13,600
