[Nithesh_M]

I love the Monte Carlo red but I wish it was priced on par with the Onyx and had the Onyx'z all black alloys.
That and I wish Skoda would have updated the headlights and taillights with proper led setup which is the rage these days. I hate the aftermarket looking led drls on the current Rapid. It just feels like jugaad.

[csr9]

The Rider variant is attractively priced.

Considering VAG group’s architecture, key features like multi function steering wheel (airbag unit can be retained saving significant cost), 6.5’ MIB unit with car play & a reverse camera can be added at a reasonable cost provided rider & ambition variants share the same BCM & slip ring part numbers. The same additions ideally shouldn’t affect warranty as well.

[John316_WRC]

The Rider has all basic needs & more such as:
1. Dual Airbags & ABS.
2. Rear defogger with timer.
3. Manual Day-Night IRVM.
4. Front & Rear height adjustable headrests (this should be made mandatory on all cars sold in India)
5. Dead pedal.
6. All 4 power windows.

Below are items Skoda could have done serious cost cutting on, but chose not to, instead they provide the benefits to the customers !
1. Auto AC - @this price point, Kudos to Skoda.
2. Tilt & telescopic steering
3. Electrically adjustable ORVM with side indicators
4. Rear Air Con Vents, Tinted windows & windscreen
(keeps us summer ready)
5. Remote folding key + Central locking.
6. Front & rear armrest.
7. 2Din Audio, USB AUX Bluetooth, 4speakers
8. 12v power socket @front & rear.
9. Dual tone horn
10. Dual tone interior colour
11. Rough Road package
12. R15 wheels & wheel covers
13. Boot Lamp & Interior reading lamp
14. Stainless steel scuff plates
15. Body coloured handles, bumpers & Glossy B-pillars.

There are premium hatchbacks & sub-4m sedans that miss many of these items! This is definitely better value and a safer option to the Dzire/Amaze/Aura. Touchscreen & alloys can always be added at a later stage.

Let's not forget the main reasons to buy this car in addition to the above mentioned:
• 1.0 TSI motor & 6speed MT
• Stellar safety (this is a rebadged Vento)
• Solid build quality.
• Excellent Ride & Handling.
• Good steering feel.

Now let's hope Skoda truly sorts out the after sales & servicing. Hats off to Skoda.

This ladies and gentlemen has to be the VFM deal of 2020!

[wheelguy]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

I see what you are saying but what Skoda have done is actually pretty clever. Allow me to explain.

The Rider is priced much lower than Ambition and is a great deal as it has a lot of features for the price. The only way to offset the Rider's low price is to cover up the loss in other variants.

The 2.5L for the ambition is still pretty reasonably priced overall for the features additional over the Rider.

According to me the Style and Monte Carlo are actually overpriced cause they cross the 10L ex showroom barrier meaning more road tax as well and the additional features are really not critical.

Also remember apart from chrome and alloy wheels you can't add any of the features to the Rider aftermarket. Most are inbuilt integrated options.

Though not as easily & neatly executable as alloys and chrome add-ons, we can also add features like projectors, fog lamps, anti-theft alarm, android screen, and leather wraps to Rider variant in the aftermarket. But the bummer is we cannot do that without voiding warranty.

Also is if we can sum up the values of all the additional features that Ambition offers over Rider, it definitely won't exceed the 2.5 lakh premium that Skoda is asking, considering the cost at which Skoda procures them or even if we consider the after market prices.

May be Skoda might have priced the base variant with thin margins and other variants with proper margins. Then, other variants aren't too expensive, it is VFM of the base variant that is making them look so.

But going by what is observed of the collective perceptions over here, a brand with negative baggage, if it prices its product in the range of its competitor from other brand with positive image, is always called expensive disregard to what it offers and its worth.

Off-topic: Even if companies offer excellent products coupled with reliable service and act with integrity, and strive to improve themselves, not many of them can survive here in India. Because majority of the buyers are being influenced by unruly & deceptive reviewers, another majority simply follow the crowd, and very few go out and test all the available options without any acquired or self formed prejudices.

[RaceHorse]

If Skoda launches AT variant in Rider edition and prices it around 8.5 Lakhs I am sold. It's a recipe for market disruption. A Skoda Automatic with 1L TSI under 10 lakhs sounds amazing

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by wheelguy

Though not as easily & neatly executable as alloys and chrome add-ons, we can also add features like projectors, fog lamps, anti-theft alarm, android screen, and leather wraps to Rider variant in the aftermarket. But the bummer is we cannot do that without voiding warranty.

Also is if we can sum up the values of all the additional features that Ambition offers over Rider, it definitely won't exceed the 2.5 lakh premium that Skoda is asking, considering the cost at which Skoda procures them or even if we consider the after market prices.

Projectors light cannot be taken from higher model and fitted as Skoda uses different wiring harness for those. The Rider has regular H4 bulbs vs the projector ones in Style and Ambition. Fellow member Suhaasmanjunath can write a book on that!

Fog lamps retro fitting will also void warranty as wiring will have to be done for Rider variant.

Android screen can be fitted but OEM from Skoda will be ~50K.

Some features like seat height adjust, fuel cut off, steering mounted controls, anti pinch windows, multi function display etc can't even be fitted on the Rider so you can't put a price on it saying it will be X amount. These are ones manufacturer knows will tempt a buyer to move from Rider to Ambition.

The steering wheel leather wrap from Skoda OEM is one of the best in feel. No after market cover comes close to an OEM one so again it's possible to add but lipstick on a pig is still a pig underneath.

Also, if Skoda priced the Ambition 1.5L above the Rider we would all be complaining that the Rider made no sense when the Ambition offered so many extra features for 1.5L more. So either ways Skoda would get the bashing.

[wheelguy]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

Also, if Skoda priced the Ambition 1.5L above the Rider we would all be complaining that the Rider made no sense when the Ambition offered so many extra features for 1.5L more. So either ways Skoda would get the bashing.

That's what happens to few companies/brands, they are bashed forever, disregard to whatever they do, owing to their past baggage.

Anyways, we have discussed enough about pricing, we can agree to disagree and move on.

[TheHelix0202]

Damn, if only this was launched at the time when we bought our Rapid! 7.50 L is killer value for money. And the ‘Rider’ tag brings back memories of the old Octy.

Hoping to see how this 1.0 Turbo competes with the 1.2 TSI of the Vento, and how much mod potential it has. Won’t be surprised to see 140+ BHP with remap.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

Hoping to see how this 1.0 Turbo competes with the 1.2 TSI of the Vento, and how much mod potential it has. Won’t be surprised to see 140+ BHP with remap.

You can get an idea from this :
https://www.autocarindia.com/car-rev...t-drive-417412

[TheHelix0202]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

You can get an idea from this :

Wonder why they skimped on ESP, LED’s (or projectors). And the in-gear acceleration times disappoint. But still a good package nonetheless, though I’ll stick to the good ol’ 1.6 TDI.

[Vampirevipin]

Originally Posted by BigBrad

The platform has been milked so much that they might be making huge profits even at these prices. I'm sure they wouldn't have priced it at this level with a brand new platform.
rating in 2020.

Hi,

It is not about milking a platform, tool life cannot be extended as we imagine. Tool cost constitutes a large part of the OE's expense. Major advantage would be lower development costs.

[jetsetgo08]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

You can get an idea from this :
https://www.autocarindia.com/car-rev...t-drive-417412

Looks like everyone was underwhelmed by the initial glance at the numbers, but this should open the spectrum, I hope autocar is true to what they test and claim. And glad that the engine is a not a paper warrior unlike a few with premature claims of success.

[warrioraks]

A very honest effort from Skoda. Sedan segment has been taking a beating at the hands of anything that ends with UV (CSUV/CUV/CXUV/MSUV you get the drift ).
This spicy launch has the potential to make people reconsider sedans. Not sure if they will buy, but atleast they will land up at Skoda showrooms for a peak. Eagerly waiting for Tbhp official review.

[livetodrive]

With Etios saying good bye and Dzire loosing its diesel engine, Rider might hit the bulls eye in our ever growing cab market. Hope Corona does not hinder its opportunities.

[evil_grin]

Cars have been overpriced for a few years now. But with the Rapid Rider you can get an acceptably equipped C2 segment sedan at the price of B2 hatchbacks and C1 compact sedans.
This definitely makes a compelling case to someone with a 10 lakh budget who was looking at B2 and C1 segments and cares about driving and safety.

Well played, Skoda. Well played.