Skoda Readies New Hatchback

Volkswagen AG’s Skoda unit plans to unveil an all-new compact hatchback later this year.

On Wednesday the carmaker released a darkened sketch of the vehicle, which will replace the outgoing Rapid in Skoda’s lineup. Skoda says the hatchback will feature new styling—similar to brand’s Vision RS concept car introduced at last week’s Paris auto show—and technology to help it better compete in Europe against the high-volume Ford Focus and Opel/Vauxhall Astra.

The yet-to-be-named model will ride on Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB AO platform that also carries the Seat Ibiza city car and VW T-Roc compact crossover. Skoda will use the same architecture for its next Fabia supermini due in 2020 and an all-new compact crossover, which was previewed by the recent Vision X concept.