Skoda New Rapid

It’s no secret that Skoda’s mid-size sedan, the Rapid, has been around in the Indian market – in the same guise – for quite some time now. Under its ambitious India 2.0 program, Skoda is expected to bring the all-new Rapid to the Indian market very soon, which is already on sale in a few international markets.

Despite sharing its overall design with the international-spec model, the India-spec Rapid will be built around the group’s MQB A0 IN architecture. As for the styling, it borrows its front-end from the Scala hatchback (on sale in international markets), meaning it gets an aggressive bumper at the front housing the Skoda signature grille at the nose, flanked by LED headlamps on the higher trims. The profile and rear-end are completely new, and they gel well with the overall bold design of the sedan.

Interiors, too, are very identical to the Scala hatchback. However, there are a few additional touches like nicer controls for the steering wheel. It also packs more space at the rear, followed by a longer boot. So, the Rapid remains as practical in the new avatar as its predecessor.

In terms of the powertrain, the new Rapid will most likely be powered by the same 1.0-litre TSI engine that currently propels under the hood of the ongoing model. It is good for 109bhp and 175Nm, and it comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. A 6-speed torque converter automatic is also available as an option.

Expect the new Rapid to arrive in the Indian market by the end of this year. Given the host of changes, we expect it to be priced at a premium over the ongoing model.