The unveiling of the vehicles forms part of Skoda’s strategy for the arrival of eight new or facelifted models before the end of 2013. The carmaker says it’s currently on target with its sales target of at least 1.5 million cars by 2018.

As part of its expansion strategy, the brand will also strengthen its position in key growth markets, including China or Russia, and is planning to grow its presence in Europe, where it wants to increase its market share to more than 5%.

‘At Frankfurt, we are going to demonstrate the power of our brand – both with brand new Rapid Spaceback and Yeti – and with our refreshed and expanded model line as a whole,’ says Skoda chairman Prof. Dr hc Winfried Vahland. ‘We are carrying on with our growth strategy even when the market is going through rough times. In following years, we are going to further strengthen the position of the Skoda brand as an important global player in automotive markets.’

Of key importance is the arrival of the new Rapid Spaceback, which Skoda heralds as its first compact family hatchback market.

Slightly smaller than the Octavia, the Rapid Spaceback slots into the carmaker’s line-up between the Fabia and the Octavia. The new model is said to offer enjoy the highest levels of knee and headroom in the class with a 415-litre boot rising to 1,380 litres with the seats down.

In line with other models, the Rapid Spaceback includes “Simply Clever” features such as a dual-level boot floor, ice-scraper inside the fuel cap, and a host of holders, nets and hooks all around the interior, whilst optional extras include a large panoramic glass roof and extended tailgate glazing.

The engine range comprises of four petrol and two diesel units. The line-up will also include a GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. 

Sales start from the end of the year.

Meanwhile the revised version of the popular Yeti crossover – due on sale from early next year – will see the launch of two different variants: Yeti and Yeti Outdoor. The former is aimed for urban use and features body-coloured bumpers, side protective mouldings and rear panels while the Yeti Outdoor employs a more rugged image with black plastic mouldings.

Six different engines will be available across the revised Yeti line-up, with the option of front-wheel-drive or all wheel drive with a new fifth-generation Haldex coupling. In addition, the facelifted Yeti offers new alloy wheel designs and fresh interior design features, including steering wheels, new seat fabrics or decorative trim pieces. The Yeti can also be equipped with a parking camera for the first time.