The first Rapid Spaceback models have rolled off the production line at Skoda‘s Mladá Boleslav factory in the Czech Republic.

Described as a shorter, sportier version of the Skoda Rapid, the world premiere will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 10 September.

The main selling points are ‘generous interior space, the highest safety standards, low fuel consumption and great value for money’.

Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda board member for production, said: “Our whole team has once again done a great job to ensure that this launch of an extremely important model was carried out reliably, to the highest quality and on time.”

Skoda UK says it enjoyed its most successful six months ever between January and June 2013, achieving more than 32,000 new car registrations.

The new Rapid Spaceback marks the manufacturer's eighth production launch this year.

Slated to arrive in dealerships across Europe in October, the Rapid Spaceback should be available in the UK from early 2014.