Next-gen Skoda Rapid for India - IAB Rendering

As reported earlier this month, the next generation Skoda Rapid is slated to arrive in 2021. IAB's automotive illustrator has created a mock-up of next-gen Rapid sharing a glimpse of what the all-new Honda City/Maruti Ciaz challenger may look like.

The rendering is created using the new VW Virtus as a template. The nose is an evolution of the current crop of Skodas designed based on the crystal-glass styling. The sides have the characteristic Tornado line stretching across the length of the car.

Up front, there's Skoda's signature Butterfly grille accompanied by sharp headlamps with LEDs and projector units. It gets an Octavia-like lower grille and fog lamp housings enhanced by chrome embellishments.

The VW Virtus is the sedan derivative of the sixth generation VW Polo, which uses MQB A0 underpinnings. For the Indian market, Volkswagen group will utilise a re-engineered version of this platform labelled MQB A0 IN. Both the new generation VW Vento and the Skoda Rapid will be made using this architecture.

The Volkswagen Group has announced an investment to the tune of USD 1.1 billion directed primarily towards the development of the new platform and related products. The company will locally manufacture its 1.0 L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in India which will power the upcoming models. The 1.5 L TDI diesel unit will not make it beyond 2020, once the BSVI emission norms come into effect. Therefore, the 2021 Skoda Rapid will be a petrol-only model.

Also Read - MQB A0 IN-based Skoda SUV to be unveiled in the second half of 2020

Bernhard Maier, CEO, Skoda Auto, has confirmed that the Skoda Rapid for India is being developed and will be arriving after the Hyundai Creta rival hits the market. Collectively, Skoda and VW will launch four products in India starting in 2021.