Skoda Rapid Scout in pipeline

* Rugged edition of new Skoda Rapid considered * Designs already exist; production likely * Production car would be front-wheel drive...

Skoda Rapid Scout in pipeline

Skoda is considering adding a more rugged 'Scout' edition to its new Rapid Spaceback line-up, according to senior sources.

The Spaceback, which is due on sale in the UK early in 2014, is designed to appeal to younger buyers than the regular Rapid. The 'active lifestyles' of this target audience have already persuaded Skoda to consider a Scout edition - which would probably get plastic cladding, skid plates at the front and rear, and a raised ride height.

Skoda's exterior design chief, Jozef Kaban, told What Car?: 'We can look at Scout for lots of models, of course, but yes, I will admit that there have been some sketches drawn because I can already see how it would work well on Rapid Spaceback, because of its stance and its long wheelbase.'

He declined to confirm that the car already has approval for production, but would not deny that it has reached clay model stage.

Even if Skoda does commit to a Rapid Spaceback Scout, it won't be four-wheel drive. The Rapid's chassis parts - a mix of earlier Polo and Mk4 Golf parts - can't accommodate this type of transmission, so the car would be front-wheel drive only.

The next Scout model will be based on the Octavia Estate. It's likely to appear in the first half of 2014.