From Skoda, a Tool for Beating the Czech Chill PARIS -- In styling and engineering, Skoda rarely distinguishes itself from its volume-oriented siblings in the Volkswagen Group. But there is at least one clever gnome at work in the Czech Republic, where Skoda is based. The brand's new Rapid sedan, introduced here, is Jetta-like in its specs, with a torsion-beam rear axle and modest horsepower, but the organization emphasized one item it did not share with VW, Audi or Seat: an ice scraper stored behind the fuel-filler door. Technological breakthrough? In fact, the rectangular plastic implement with a beveled blade does not look like it would survive a thin coating of morning frost. We're not sure the vehicle warranty covers it, but we do see a gaping opportunity here for the aftermarket.