Skoda Vision RS Concept previews plug-in HYBRID Rapid replacement

The replacement for the Skoda Rapid is previewed by the Skoda Vision RS Concept complete with 242bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain with 43 mile EV range.

The Skoda Koadiaq vRS tease may have seemed to be Skoda’s big push for the Paris Motor Show, but this – the Skoda Vision RS Concept – is perhaps more interesting.

The Vision RS Concept appears to be a first look at the Skoda Rapid’s replacement due next year, complete with Skoda’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain, a set-up which will doubtless find its way under the skin of other models.

The powertrain takes the VW Group’s 148bhp 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine and joins it to an electric motor good for 101bhp to deliver a total output of 242bhp and performance of 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds.

Skoda has given the Vision RS Concept a decent 13kWh battery pack which means and electric range of 43 miles is claimed – enough for most daily commutes – together with emissions of just 33g/km (not in the real world).

The Vision RS Concept looks to be delivering the first look at a more upmarket Rapid replacement with a vRS model sporting this plug-in hybrid powertrain, a model which is more conventional hatchback and a bit bigger than a VW Golf.

All will be revealed next week at the Paris Motor Show.