Skoda has confirmed that its new compact hatch will be called the Rapid.

The announcement was made at the Beijing International Motor Show last week and the car will make its debut in Europe before the year is out, with a Chinese version to be built and sold in China from 2013.

The Rapid will be marketed as a 'family-oriented model' and will sit between the Fabia and the Octavia.

It is based on the MissionL, a 'close to ready production concept', which was launched at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2011. The Rapid is already on sale in India.

"As part of its growth strategy, Skoda has initiated the largest model offensive in its corporate history and will bring a new vehicle to market every six months on average in the years ahead," said Skoda CEO Winfried Vahland at the brand's press conference in Beijing.

"The Rapid is our next new model. It has a central importance for our growth and will provide us with a strong tailwind on international markets."

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