New Skoda Rapid launched in India at Rs 7.2 lakh

After introducing us all to the Yeti facelift, Skoda India has lined up its second launch of the month with the updated Rapid. The highly capable C-segment sedan is now on sale in the Indian market, with prices starting at Rs 7.22 lakh and ending at Rs Rs 8.85 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The updated Rapid comes with an all-new diesel engine and a dual clutch automatic gearbox, improving the overall appeal of the vehicle. The new diesel unit is basically a downsized version of Volkswagen’s 1.6-litre TDI engine that has been around for many years now. Displacing 1498cc, this engine develops the same amount of power as the old 1.6-litre unit. As a result, the figures remain the same at 105bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Also new for the Rapid is the 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox currently used in the Vento TSI and the Polo TSI.

The Rapid with the DSG gearbox has an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 21.6 kmpl. The manual gearbox version on the other hand, is rated at 21.14 kmpl. Inside, the design of the cabin is nearly the same as the existing Rapid. However, Skoda has introduced a revised instrument cluster with new fonts. The higher-spec variants now get rear parking sensors, cruise control and side airbags. Interestingly, there’s also a new mobile app developed for this car which allows the handheld device to be used as a remote for the audio system.

The new Rapid is being offered in a total of two engine options and four trim levels. There’s the 1.6-litre MPI petrol and the new 1.5-litre TDI diesel. The trim levels, meanwhile, consist of Active, Ambition, Ambition Plus and Elegance. Like the outgoing model, the new Rapid will also be seen competing against other C-segment sedans including the facelifted Volkswagen Vento, Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Fiat Linea. The C-segment already is a hotly contested segment and things are likely to be heated up further with the forthcoming launch of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Prices of new Skoda Rapid

Skoda Rapid Active 1.6 MPI Manual: Rs 7.22 lakh

Skoda Rapid Ambition+ 1.6 MPI Manual: Rs 8.17 lakh

Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.6 MPI Manual: Rs 8.72 lakh

Skoda Rapid Elegance Black Package 1.6 MPI Automatic: Rs 8.85 lakh

Skoda Rapid Ambition+ 1.6 MPI Automatic: Rs 9.14 lakh

Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.6 MPI Automatic: Rs 9.68 lakh

Skoda Rapid Elegance Black Package 1.6 MPI Automatic: Rs 9.81 lakh

Skoda Rapid Active 1.5 TDI Manual : Rs 8.38 lakh

Skoda Rapid Ambition+ 1.5 TDI Manual : Rs 9.24 lakh

Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.5 TDI Manual : Rs 9.74 lakh

Skoda Rapid Elegance Black Package 1.5 TDI Manual : Rs 9.87 lakh