[aniketi]

If price increase news is true, I am really very sad. Bad move by Skoda. They should have continued selling it for longer time. Market always works on Tata's slogan, "More Car, per Car". Skoda would have definitely benefited a lot by having more cars on road. It always create interest in other peoples mind and lure customer to buy one.

Why Skoda? Why?

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by aniketi

If price increase news is true, I am really very sad. Bad move by Skoda. They should have continued selling it for longer time. Market always works on Tata's slogan, "More Car, per Car". Skoda would have definitely benefited a lot by having more cars on road. It always create interest in other peoples mind and lure customer to buy one.

Why Skoda? Why?

The message says Rider Plus, so I am guessing there will be some added kit.
Whether the added features justify the hike, I don't know.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

May not be a bad idea - if the Rider Plus offers the basics most members were looking for!

Alloy wheels and a modern touchscreen audio system will make it a proper package.

[Vid6639]

If they add alloys, touchscreen infotainment, rear power window control from driver door and the upper variant MID for the 75K then it's hardly an issue to pay more for that.

[sv97]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

If they add alloys, touchscreen infotainment, rear power window control from driver door and the upper variant MID for the 75K then it's hardly an issue to pay more for that.

Considering Skoda you are getting very ambitious especially when they sell just the alloys for around 50 K.

[Nithesh_M]

For 75k they'll probably add the infotainment system(60k) and fog lamps(12k) and call it a day.

I did ask for the projectors to be made standard in their feedback form. Let us see if that happens atleast.

[harry10]

Originally Posted by sv97

Considering Skoda you are getting very ambitious especially when they sell just the alloys for around 50 K.

I believe you are right. I hope they do add steering mounted controls as they are an absolute necessity once you start using them on previous cars.

In my opinion they should add these stuff for 75k extra-
1. Steering mounted controls.
2. Seat height up and down.
3. DRL and fog lights.
4. Retractable orvm.
5. Average fuel consumption, average speed, distance to empty, instantaneous consumption in MID.
6. Alloys.

Any other add ons will be bonus.
All these will make the Rider plus a more VFM option.

[vishal_b]

Offered without comment.

UPDATE: Upgraded Rider variant also almost confirmed. Detailed specs and price to be released on Monday.

[shankha007]

I don't think they would be going all out with the Rider Plus, since it would cannibalise the sales of the Ambition, which already is good value compared to the competition.

IMO the kit that should be on offer are:

1. Full fledged MID
2. Steering mounted audio controls
3. Fog lamps
4. Driver side seat height adjust
5. Driver side master switch for the power windows

The above additions are worth Rs 75k or not, i know not, but not too shabby at all. It already has Auto AC. Adding alloys and a nice HU would make it complete.

The Vento CL Plus at 8.39 lakhs is a bargain too. On top of that, it comes with 10k corporate discount and 25k exchange bonus. It only misses out on the steering mounted audio controls, but defends it with dual tone 15" alloys, leather wrapped flat bottom steering, cruise control, cooled glove box, auto AC, proper MID, power window master switch, fog lamps, static cornering lamps, foot-well lighting (as per the latest brochure).

[tejascshetty]

Had a word with Skoda Bangalore. Few quick updates (As per the dealership and no official confirmation yet.)

1. No further bookings being taken for the Rider Variant till the end of the year.
2. Price of the Rider variant to be hiked to around 7.99 Lakhs.
3. While there may be a Rider (Plus) variant, it is likely to only commence deliveries by early next year.

Alloy Wheels seem to be bit of a stretch to be provided for, considering Skoda prices its alloys at a premium. The addition of a touchscreen infotainment system and steering controls would seal the deal for any prospective buyer IMO.

[shankha007]

Originally Posted by tejascshetty

1. No further bookings being taken for the Rider Variant till the end of the year.
2. Price of the Rider variant to be hiked to around 7.99 Lakhs.
3. While there may be a Rider (Plus) variant, it is likely to only commence deliveries by early next year.

If the launch is delayed till next year, the 2020 Rapid range would start straight from the Ambition, which doesn't make sense for Skoda, considering the popularity the Rider gathered.

However, this month there is a 50k cash discount and a 15k corporate discount on the Ambition. Could they increase the discount and make it more appealing, or the Rider Plus would come real soon?

I guess we can only wait and watch.

[kamilharis]

As this is not just a price hike, I think the plus variant will at least include few more basic comfort features like an Android HU with rear camera , Steering Controls & Fog lamps a the least. Alloy wheels won't be added whatsoever.

[The Rationalist]

Skoda should have gone ahead with the ‘Shock and awe’ pricing. The more number of Skoda cars on the roads will definitely have an influence on buyers. And the more people visiting the showrooms will definitely see the costlier models and may result in slight increase in sales. And those who bought a Rapid, when time comes to upgrade may mostly try to buy from the brand itself.

After using Ford’s for more than a decade, I’m someone who is spoiled by the handling of their cars, but alas they have nothing for me to upgrade at a reasonable cost. Skoda has positives like good handling, good build quality. Skoda unlike Ford has plans for India, and they have a Compact SUV and new Sedan all in the pipe line. I would say a brilliant opportunity gone waste. Hope they realise that long term vision can only sustain the company.

[low_rider]

This is what is a free market economy. Price moves according to supply and demand. Skoda will adjust (upgrade/downgrade) the price till the demand stabilizes.
Capitalism-101 anyone

[PPS]

Most of the base variants launched by manufacturers are just on paper to show the low sticker price, usually not many are manufactured as there aren't many takers for it. But Skoda launched possibly the best equipped base variant in the last half a decade at a mouth watering price. Thats precisely the reason this thread gained so much of traction along with the TSI engine. Else why would a decade old car gain so much of interest again! Just hope the Skoda management realizes this & brings back the Rider variant.