The Rapid liftback sedan (Typ NH3) became the first Škoda model to fully feature brand's new design language. Its minimalistic appearance, developed by Škoda chief designer Josef Kabaň, could have been already seen at the MissionL design study, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car was intended to fit between the Fabia and the third generation Octavia, where Škoda had a gap after the Octavia Tour had been discontinued in 2011.