Report - 2014 Skoda Rapid 1.5 diesel gets 7-speed AT; Launch on Sept 25

Has a higher fuel efficiency. 

Skoda Auto India will launch the Rapid with the 1.5-liter TDI diesel engine on September 25. The 1.5 TDI replaces the 1.6 TDI unit, while also adding the convenience of an automatic transmission.

The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 103.52 bhp at 4,400 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 - 2,500 rpm. The engine will come with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, while the mid-spec Ambition and top-end Elegance trims will get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It should be noted that even the more expensive Octavia and Superb diesels get a 6-speed DSG.

The Rapid manual is good for 21.14 km/l and the automatic achieves 21.6 km/l in the ARAI tests. For reference, the current Rapid TDI achieves 20.5 km/l. In terms of features, the top-end Rapid will come with cruise control, ESP (for the DSG variants) and parking sensors as new features.

Also see: VW Vento facelift diesel DSG spotted at a dealership

On the design front, the Rapid continues unchanged. However, Skoda will offer a Black pack on the top-end Elegance trim which adds tinted headlights, black alloy wheels, black foglight enclosures, grille and wing mirrors. The Black pack is likely to cost an additional INR 20,000 over the standard car.

Competitor: Hyundai Verna 1.6 Diesel AT

Expected Price: INR 10.5 lakhs ex-Showroom for Diesel AT

Launch date: September 25, 2014

[Images from Autocar India]