It seems like Skoda has big plans for 2017 and the budget sedan Rapid is in the centre of the scheme of things. With the testing of the facelifted Rapid having begun already, Skoda is planning to get the Monte Carlo special edition by the end of next year i.e. 2017.
The Monte Carlo editions of Skoda cars are built to pay homage to the racing history of the Czech car maker. The Monte Carlo Edition will be available in a special shade of red. It will get sporty touches like the blacked out headlamp and tail lamp internals. The chrome lining on the front grille will give way to a black surround and the air dam on the front bumper will probably be larger and aggressive. The wing mirrors will be blacked out and the alloys will be doused in black as well.
As for the equipment in the car, we will have to wait for more information on the facelift that is due latest by early 2017. It will certainly get a new touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio controls and electrically adjustable and retractable wing mirrors. As for comfort, it already has an automatic climate control with vents for the rear passengers, height adjustable driver seat, an adjustable steering and cruise control. It will get projector headlamps, with fog lamps in the front and tail lamps with light guides.
As for the mechanicals, the new Rapid is expected to run the same underpinnings as the current car and may get a few tweaks. The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel that it shares with the VW Vento will churn out 108 bhp instead of the current 103bhp with a better torque output as well. The diesel Rapid will get both the five-speed manual and the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. If the new Rapid continues with the 1.6-litre MPI engine, it will produce 103bhp of power and will be offered with a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The Rapid is the entry-level sedan in Skoda’s line-up that also has the Octavia, the Superb and the Yeti. The Rapid competes with its twin, the VW Vento long with Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and the Nissan Sunny.
