New Skoda Rapid (facelift) launched in India at INR 8,34,906

Available in 10 variants.

Skoda Auto India has announced the launch of the new Skoda Rapid (facelift) for sale from today. It is available in 10 variants and prices range between INR 8.35 Lakhs and INR 12.79 Lakhs (ex-showroom Maharashtra). This is the first major facelift for the Skoda Rapid since its introduction in India in 2012.

Here is the price list (ex-showroom Maharashtra) for each variant:

Petrol variant:

• Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI MT Active: INR 8,34,906
• Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI MT Ambition: INR 9,26,778
• Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition: INR 10,38,841
• Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI MT Style: INR 10,44,163
• Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Style: INR 11,46,187

Diesel variant:

• Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI MT Active: INR 9,57,335
• Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI MT Ambition: INR 10,49,157
• Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Ambition: INR 11,71,471
• Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI MT Style: INR 11,66,590
• Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Style: INR 12,78,590

As seen in many spyshots that surfaced ahead of its launch, the facelifted Rapid features a new front-end that looks more contemporary and sharper than the outgoing model. It borrows cues from the Euro-spec Fabia and Rapid, featuring a wide ‘butterfly’ grille with black vertical slats, angular headlamps with projector lighting, chrome-finished inserts and small strip of LED DRLs, and a cleaner bumper design with new foglamps and wider mesh.

Other changes around the car include ORVM-mounted turn indicators, new  rear bumper, and chrome strip on the lid.

Inside, the new Skoda Rapid replaces the chocolate brown-and-beige color combo for a dual-tone black-and-beige color scheme similar to its German cousin - the VW Vento. It comes equipped with new features like a 6.5 inch infotainment touchscreen system with MirrorLink, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS-guided navigation and reverse parking camera. Added features include electrically foldable mirrors, rain sensing wipers, and cruise control.

Skoda also mentions AmberGlow footwell illumination, leatherette lined arm rest and chrome decor as part of the new package.

The Rapid is the second VAG product in India to feature the updated 1.5L TDI engine, which produces 110 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic. The petrol variant will continue to pack the 105 PS and 153 Nm 1.6L four cylinder MPI petrol engine, mated to a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.

Skoda claims a mileage of 15.41 km/l & 14.84 km/l on its petrol manual and automatic variants respectively, and 21.72 km/l and 21.13 km/l for the diesel automatic and manual respectively.