Skoda to launch the facelifted 2014 Rapid by year end

After the Octavia and the Superb, the Rapid will be the next car to get a transformation along the lines of Skoda’s global design language. As reported earlier, Skoda is planning to launch a special edition of the Rapid Ultima in February, which will keep the car refreshed until the revamped model arrives by the year end.

The facelift will carry mostly cosmetic changes with the mechanicals and architecture being carried over from the current car. The sedan gets an updated front fascia which includes a revised grille, bumpers and headlamps. The redesigned bonnet carries the new black and silver logo similar to other Skodas. The Czech car maker is currently working on the car to give it a more premium feel and make it a more value-for-money option.

The facelifted Rapid is expected to available either with a 1.6-litre diesel, a 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine (courtesy Volkswagen). While both the 1.6-litre engines are supposed to be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the 1.2-litre engine will also be available with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. All the three engines pump out 103bhp and the difference is seen only in the torque figures. The 1.6-litre diesel produces 250Nm, the 1.6-litre petrol produces 153Nm while the 1.2-litre petrol produces 175Nm of them.

With the model expected to launch in late-2014, the Rapid will go up against sedans like Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea, Maruti SX4 and the recently updated Honda City.

Source : ZigWheels