2012 Paris Motor Show: Skoda unveils European spec Rapid

Skoda has unveiled the new European spec Rapid at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The Rapid is the new the entry-level sedan from the Volkswagen group for Europe and shares platform and many other components with the VW Jetta. This sedan also bears the new design philosophy of the Czech manufacturer that will soon be incorporated in all their models across the globe.

The Rapid will come in three variants – S, SE and Elegance. It will be offered with two diesel and three petrol engines with outputs ranging from 75bhp to 105bhp. Power to the wheels will transmit via a 5/6-speed manual or VW’s much appreciated 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.  

The 2013 Rapid, which is 4.48 meters in length and 1.7 meters wide, will get daytime running lights, remote central locking, electric front windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat and curtain airbags across all variants. In the UK prices for the sedan start at 12,900 pounds (Rs 11 lakh) and will be on sale by the end of this year. Skoda aims to target families in search of a large but inexpensive sedan. 

While the Rapid serves as an entry level compact sedan from the Czech automaker in Europe, by Indian standards it falls in the range of mid-segment cars like of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Fabia based sedan which incidentally is also called the Rapid..  

We are not expecting this new sedan in India any time soon, but the new design language will be visible on few cars soon.   First model to get new styling cues will be the D-segment Laura. However, we expect Skoda to once again name this sedan the Octavia as the brand was more successful here than the current generation Laura.