After a very successful year for Skoda in 2011, I think if Skoda bring in the Rapid at the right price and equipment, it will become a major player (assuming Skoda Aus is willing to keep enough stock). Because what Skoda is lacking now, is a Mazda / Corolla sized car. As the market is shifting toward smaller cars, and many people are using these small-medium car as their family car now, it's a big market Skoda should not ignore. Remember, Mazda 3 is now the top selling car!

So, for a good success, Skoda should really bring in a price leader, focus on price, not equipment, as the entry level car. IMO, a 77TSI using Fabia engine, minus the leather steering wheel, multifunction control steering wheel....etc, basically same level as Golf 77 TSI, but with a sub $20k price (ie. $19990, with occasional drive away promotion), should be a good start.

Then, somewhere in the middle, we can have a 90TSI, with all the added feature of current Fabia/ base Octavia, plus alloy wheel as standard, costing $22990, should be good competitor for Mazda 3 Maxx.

A diesel option, using Octavia's 77TDI, costing $24990. Same equipment level as 90TSI.

Top of the range, definitely a RS version. Probably the same Polo GTI engine will do, no need for the 147kw Golf GTI one. Equipment should include leather/alcantara, GPS, 17' alloy, for $29990.

But I think I maybe a bit optimistic with pricing. Skoda will probably launch at $5000 dearer than my prediction, and see how the market goes......