IAB reader snaps Skoda Rapid facelift's touchscreen MirrorLink system

Expected to launch this year.

Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Sheriyar Shaikh, has snapped the Skoda Rapid facelift while it was testing in Chakan, Pune, close to its manufacturing base. As seen in spyshots below, there are two test mules of the Skoda Rapid facelift - the Silver-color is a top-end variant, whereas the White-color is a mid-range model.

On the outside, the Skoda Rapid facelift is expected to feature a redesigned grille and headlights, which will make the model inline with the Euro-spec Skoda Rapid, and other modern Skoda models to roll out in recent times. The top-end variant sports projector headlights with a 'smoke' effect cluster, whereas the mid-variant gets regular halogen bulbs.

On the inside, the Skoda Rapid facelift continues with its present interior theme, which is finished in a dual-tone black-and-beige livery. The top-end variant shows its touchscreen entertainment system, which will be the modern MirrorLink system with Bluetooth support, navigation and reverse camera display. This particular test mule sports the DSG 7-speed automatic transmission which is available with the 1.5-liter TDI diesel engine on the current Rapid.

Also read: India-bound Skoda Kodiaq unveiled at 2016 Paris Motor Show

This engine itself will see an update, with VW introducing a larger, India-made turbocharger thus increasing its power output from 105 PS to 110 PS. The torque will remain unchanged at 250 Nm though. This engine made its debut yesterday in the VW Ameo, and will soon be rolled across the Polo, Vento and the Skoda Rapid.