Skoda Rapid facelift launched at Rs. 8.35 lakh

Skoda India has introduced the facelifted Rapid sedan at a starting price of Rs. 8.35 lakh (ex-showroom Maharashtra). It will be offered in three variants: Active, Ambition and Style. This is the first update to the Rapid, since its launch in 2011.

On the outside, the Rapid facelift gets Skoda's new grille, flanked on either sides by projector lens headlights and LED DRLs. The bumper gets a wider air dam and also houses a pair of fog lamps. The side profile remains similar to that of the pre-facelift model, while the rear gets a new bumper, a chrome molding on the deck lid, and smoked taillights. The Rapid facelift will be available in six colours: Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Carbon Steel, Silk Blue, and Flash Red.

The dashboard design of the facelifted model is similar to its predecessor. However, the Czech automaker has added features and equipment to the new Rapid. As a result, the car now gets cruise control, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and a new 6.5-inch infotainment system that supports MirrorLink smartphone integration and navigation. ABS and dual airbags are standard across all variants of the Rapid.

Under the hood, the updated 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine now produces 108 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. This engine comes with a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The diesel manual variant has a company claimed fuel economy of 21.13 km/l, while the diesel automatic delivers 21.72 km/l. Petrol duties are handled by the same 1.6-litre MPI unit from the older model that churns out 103 BHP and 153 Nm of torque. This engine also gets two transmission options: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed Tiptronic. The petrol manual has a fuel economy figure of 15.41 km/l while the petrol automatic gets 14.84 km/l. The automatic transmissions for both petrol and diesel engines are available only with the Ambition and Style trim levels.

Variant-wise ex-showroom Maharashtra prices are:
• 1.6 MPI MT Active - Rs. 8,34,906
• 1.6 MPI MT Ambition - Rs. 9,26,728
• 1.6 MPI MT Style - Rs. 10,44,163
• 1.6 MPI AT Ambition - Rs. 10,38,841
• 1.6 MPI AT Style - Rs. 11,46,187
• 1.5 TDI MT Active - Rs. 9,57,335
• 1.5 TDI MT Ambition - Rs. 10,49,157
• 1.5 TDI MT Style - Rs. 11,66,590
• 1.5 TDI AT Ambition - Rs. 11,71,471
• 1.5 TDI AT Style - Rs. 12,78,590