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 Rapid line-up features three petrol engines and one diesel with various power outputs, all compliant to Euro 5 standards.

At the 32nd GTI Treffen (2013) Škoda presented the Rapid Sport with bi colour body and 19" alloy wheels.

The liftback Rapid was facelifted for the second time in late 2019 for Russian and CIS markets, bringing significant styling and equipment updates.

[11] 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.

With launch of the Spaceback, the European Rapid models were given optional low power dipped beam xenon headlights.

While the Rapid in China is an alternate variant of the Volkswagen Santana, the Spaceback produced in co-operation with SVW is the European model.

In China the Rapid shares body panels and other principal elements with the 2012 Chinese Volkswagen Santana, while still featuring identical front fascias with the European liftback.

[13] The Indian manufactured Rapid, launched in 2011, is based on Volkswagen Vento (Polo) sedan which is a completely different model.

The Rapid introduced some new 'Simply Clever' details, i.e. double sided mat in the boot (rubber/textile), warning vest holder under driver's seat, removable waste bin in door panelling and ice scraper on the fuel tank flap.

For both the 5-door Spaceback hatchback and 4-door regular sedan, the facelifted Rapid for the Chinese market features new headlights and taillights inspired by the European Scala, an updated grille and refreshed bumpers.

The car's production was discontinued after only 2 years in the market after Volkswagen Group's decision to withdraw from Russia after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(*) Valid for cars with so called Green tec (Start-Stop, brake energy recovery) Models manufactured and marketed primarily in India only