The Czech company so far has been doing quite well on its lone offering Rapid that is priced in the Rs. 10 to 13lakh segment. However as time passed, the sedan aged and with increased competition, the Rapid needed a boost up its sleeve.
The Indian market can now feast its eyes on the new Rapid facelift which has been launched in the Goa.
There were many speculations of the Skoda Rapid facelift being based on the Euro spec Rapid, however reality proves most of the design has come true with the face being the major update with a new sleeker design that’s been adopted to get the sedan in line with the family look.
The face appears wider with the new look and smoother longer bonnet with more sporty protruding lines, new butterfly grille complete with chrome surround, sleeker thinner headlights with Crystal detailing (Superb inspired) and LED daytime running lamps, redesigned new front bumper houses a chiselled air dam with square fog and cornering lamps complete the look upfront.
The side profile is the same as the outgoing car accept for new ORVMS with turn indicators embedded into them and new alloy wheels and larger tyres, while at the rear the car comes with C-shaped Smoked Taillights and a new bumper design with a chrome strip that runs across the bootlid make up for the exterior changes.
While on the inside the biggest change is the addition of a new large touchscreen for the infotainment system with New ‘Drive’ Central Infotainment System with 6.5 inch colour touchscreen and MirrorLinkTM technology compatibility with Bluetooth, Electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors with side turn indicators, Black and beige upholstery has made an appearance on the dashboard and new beige upholstery for the seats brightens the cabin. Equipment list includes Rain sensing wipers, footweel lighting, cooled glovebox, Cruise control and rear A/C vents.
Safety has been taken care of with stuff like ABS and airbags are standard equipment from base variant, while Electronic Stability program and rear parking sensors are available on DSG variants only.
Powerplants supply power to the car from the 1.6 litre petrol engine which has been carried over unchanged from the outgoing Rapid, while a brand new 110bhp 1.5 litre petrol engine does duty on the car and both engines supply power to the wheels through a 6 speed automatic unit on the Petrol, while a 7 speed DSG gearbox transmits power to the diesel variant.
The 1.5 litre TDI delivers a fuel efficiency figure of 21.72 kmpl (DSG) and 21.13 kmpl (MT). The 1.6 petrol does figures of 15.41 kmpl (MT) and 14.84 kmpl (AT).
Skoda has launched the new Rapid facelift with 10 variants, 5 in Petrol and 5 in diesel and 6 exterior paint shades which are Candy White, Brilliant silver, Carbon black, Cappuccino beige and a new Silk blue.
Skoda’s Rapid sedan has just seen its first ever major facelift ever since 2011 and the new family design language that makes the Rapid appear like an Octavia or Superb and has given the car a more mature look.
However the competition in the midsize segment has got pretty intense and newer models pose a threat to the car and Skoda has to now take on the bestsellers like the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City Hyundai Verna and even their own sister brands Volkswagen Vento.
With the introduction of the facelift, the new Rapid will go a long way in boosting sales for Skoda but the real deal could be the introduction of the legendary racing heritage Monte Carlo edition Rapid next year hopefully.
ŠKODA recently announced its 4 year service care program which consist of a 4 year warranty program and a 4 year (24 x 7) Road Side Assistance which is standard on all SKODA’s. Additionally, customers now have an option to purchase a 4 year service package at a nominal price which ensures a hassle-free ownership experience.
Rapid Goa Prices
