Skoda Rapid upgraded with new engine

Skoda Rapid gets upgrades, cosmetic changes and a new engine with some gadgets thrown in for good measure.

The Skoda Rapid has been given a facelift with cosmetic updates to the styling and a new engine as well. The new rapid gets a newly designed front bumper with a modified fog lamp assembly and a revised front facia. Additionally, the Rapid gets bi-xenon lights, with LED daytime running lights and indicators. The new head lamps feature auto-headlamp function with cornering lights and high beam assist. The interior has also received some updates like tweaked dashboard and air-vents, in addition to decorative panels on all four doors.

The Rapid engine line up includes a 1.4-litre, 4-pot TSI motor which develops 123bhp and comes mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Duties for the diesel engines will be done by a 1.4-litre 88bhp TDI engine and a 1.6-litre 114bhp TDI engine.

The old 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine has been replaced, and the new Rapid now comes with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol TSI engine which comes in two tunings. The engine mated to a 7-speed DSG or a 5-speed manual produces 93bhp. the engine is also offered with a 6-speed manual generates 108bhp. This new engine allows for a weight saving of 10 kilograms as it gets an aluminium crankcase.

The new Rapid come with more gadgets like WiFi hotspot connection with ŠKODA Connect services consist of Infotainment Online for information and entertainment, and the Care Connect services for assistance and services. The system provides Online Traffic Information in real time, petrol stations, parking spaces, current news and weather reports.it also features automatic Emergency Call, and gets ŠKODA Connect app which can be used on a mobile device remotely to access information about the car and check on its status. Furthermore, it also allows to send navigation destinations to the car from the mobile app.

The new Rapid will be available in three trims, Active, Ambition and Style. Additionally, Skoda has also introduced the Monte Carlo variant which gets black accents to the headlamps, front grille, ORVMs, the front and rear spoiler lips and the sill trims. The Monte Carlo variant also features the options of 16 and 17 inch alloy wheels in addition to many more exterior and interior detail changes bespoke to the variant.

The new Rapid will go on sale in the global market soon, however, its launch in India is yet to be confirmed.