Report - Skoda Rapid facelift for India to get "simpler" design

Mahindra Engineering is responsible for the engineering aspects of the design.

It's no secret that Skoda Auto India are working on a facelift for their bread-and-butter model, the Rapid. This would be the first major facelift for the sedan, as this week's launch of the updated Rapid mainly focused on the mechanical carriage, by introducing the 1.5-liter diesel engine and the 7-speed DSG transmission.

The company's managing director, Mr. Sudhir Rao, told the Economic Times newspaper that the Rapid facelift will get a "simpler" design, and one that works in India as well. It would however match Skoda's specifications (elements such as the grille for example). The engineering aspects of the design are being carried out by Mahindra Engineering Services, the official confirmed.

Earlier this month, Skoda Auto India's director for sales and marketing, Mr. Pawel Szuflak, hinted that the Rapid facelift's design could have key Indian inputs. The Rapid facelift however is unlikely to see any updates to its powertrain. The sedan would continue with the 1.6-liter MPI petrol and 1.5-liter TDI, though a 1.2-liter TSI can be introduced as an additional engine option.

Also read: Features and specifications of the New Skoda Rapid

Competitors: VW Vento, Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea

Expected Price: INR 7.5 – 11 lakhs, ex-Showroom

Launch date: 2015

[Source - Economic Times]