COMPACT saloon the Rapid will spearhead go-ahead brand Skoda's autumn sales assault after the newcomer makes its world debut at the Paris Motor Show.

The Rapid, which sits between the Fabia and Octavia in the Czech company's line-up, is due to hit the streets from the end of next month.

It follows on from the arrival earlier this year of the Citigo supermini and the Rapid's target audience, says Skoda, is families looking for a roomy first car at an affordable price.

As the first car to fully feature the marque's new design language, it will sport the Skoda logo on the rounded front edge of the bonnet and a cloverleaf shape headlight ensemble.

Four petrol and a pair of diesel engines are on offer, including five extra efficient GreenTec variants, and despite the car's compact dimensions there's the promise of space for five occupants and their luggage.

And with special emphasis placed in practicality there are 19 "simply clever" features, including an ice scraper integrated in the fuel filler flap, to help avoid early morning searches in winter.

Others include a reversible floor covering in the boot and a holder underneath the driver's seat for the warning vest that is mandatory in many countries.

Skoda chief Winfried Vahland said: "The Rapid is Skoda's new class and it has a central importance for our 2018 growth strategy. We think that in the years ahead, the Rapid will become our largest volume model after the Octavia.

 "It is a roomy, elegant and at the same time affordable car for the whole family, impressing with clever solutions, cutting-edge technology and high economy. The right car at the right time."