Skoda’s most affordable offering in India Rapid sedan is due for an update later this year. The facelift version has been spied with mild camouflage endless times on Indian roads. Now, reports suggest that the Czech automaker will officially launch the updated version of C-segment sedan in India on 3rd November 2016. This will be the first major facelift for Rapid since its launch in 2011.
In its newest Avatar, Skoda Rapid gets subtle changes with ingredients carried from Octavia like wider front grille, sharper headlights accompanied by LED DRLs, new front bumper, restyled fog lamps and revised air intake. New alloy wheels, minimal tweaks at rear like LED tail lights; revised rear bumper completes the package.
The cabin is expected to remain moreover same though some new additions would make things refreshing. It might come be equipped with a new touchscreen infotainment system with Mirrorlink app, new fabric upholstery along with cruise control, Climatronic automatic AC with pollen and dust filter, rain sensing wipers, front centre armrest with rear AC vents, auto dimming inner rear view mirrors, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, GPS navigation, reverse parking camera and dual tone beige cabin.
Coming to powertrains, petrol segment will be handled by a 1.6 litre MPI engine that delivers 103bhp power@5250rpm and 153Nm of torque@3800rpm linked to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The rapid will also get an updated version of 1.5L TDI diesel engine which recently made its debut in Ameo compact Sedan. This engine develops 110PS power and 250Nm of high torque, paired to a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. There is no word on pricing yet but Skoda is likely to price it higher than the current model. Once launched, Rapid facelift will take on the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Vera, Volkswagen Vento and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
