Skoda Rapid face-lift launch on November 3, 2016

Refreshed Skoda Rapid will come with a completely new front-end design and uprated diesel powertrain.

The new Skoda Rapid is on its way, and that's perhaps the worst kept secret in the Indian automobile industry in recent times. But after being caught on tests on multiple occasions on the Indian roads, the Skoda Rapid facelift is finally going to go on sale in the country on November 3, 2016, confirmed the company.

Updates on the new Rapid are mostly cosmetic, meaning it will come with a completely new front-end. As can be seen in the pictures, the new Rapid will sport an Octavia-esque front with a new grille, sleek headlamps and a redesigned front bumper. Around the side and at the back, changes will be minimal over the current model. Expect the refreshed Rapid to come with some new features on the inside such as a bigger touchscreen infotainment system featuring MirrorLink, Bluetooth connectivity, etc.

On the mechanical front, expect the Rapid facelift to soldier on with the same set of petrol and diesel engines as the current model. However, compared to the outgoing car, the 1.5-litre diesel engine on the new model is expected to come with the uprated 108bhp/250Nm state of tune like the Volkswagen Ameo. The 1.6-litre petrol version of the car will more likely be unchanged from the current model. A 5-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox will be offered.

Despite being a competitive product, the Skoda Rapid has never really managed to sell in huge numbers, mainly owing to Skoda’s poor aftersales in India. However, of late, Skoda has been working rigorously to improve its brand image as well as the ownership experience of current and future owners. With a major overhaul in its policies and new products like the upcoming Rapid facelift, the company will be hoping to change its fortunes this time around.

Also read: Volkswagen Ameo Diesel Review