2018 Skoda Rapid Spaceback on sale now

That price includes the standard fitment of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, teamed to 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine. For reference, Skoda was previously asking $21,190 plus on-road costs for this model, but there've been a few worthwhile changes for the 2018 model.

The updated model sees a host of design changes, including a revised front-end appearance with new headlights, a new grille and bumper. Not much appears to have changed at the back, but there are new 17-inch wheels, which are standard on the new single-spec Rapid model.

Also standard is the extended glass tailgate (previously optional), rear privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, black side mirrors, a new 6.5-inch media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors. It also gets low-speed autonomous emergency braking as standard.

NOTE: Aussie images yet to come

The updated Rapid model is now available in Skoda showrooms.

It's not yet clear if the model range will expand at a later date to include the now-defunct Monte Carlo model, or if a new entry-level six-speed manual version - with Skoda's 1.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 81kW of power - will join the line-up.

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