Skoda MissionL concept car (2011) unveiled

Skoda will show this new MissionL concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

It's a clear look at its proposed new model to slot between Fabia and Octavia. If you ever wondered at the strange 'half sizes' used by the Czechs, this is why.

The improbably named MissionL is described as a compact liftback, and it's close to the production-ready design. This is a five-door vehicle for sale in Europe, Russia and China, says Skoda. There will also be a distinct version for the Indian market.

It's all part of a plan to raise Skoda group sales to 1.5 million by 2018.

'Revealing the look of our new compact model, the MissionL shows exactly the direction our brand is going to take,' said chairman Winfried Vahland. 'The world premiere in Frankfurt gives a clear signal that Skoda is going full steam ahead now. We are going to present a new vehicle every six months over the next two or three years.'

It's no joke. Skoda is gearing up for a product offensive unheralded in its two decades under the VW wing. It's launching the Yeti in China in mid-2013 and it's planning its own version of the Up city car too.

By Tim Pollard