Skoda Rapid

Summary

Skoda has tweaked its entry-level sedan, the Rapid, again. The C-segment sedan was introduced back in November 2011 and since then has been tweaked and updated regularly. While most of the updates were technical and some added vinyl, this tweak is a proper facelift that matches the new face of Skoda cars.

The C-segment sedan competes with its sibling, the Volkswagen Vento along with the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Nissan Sunny and Renault Scala. Skoda cars are known for their build quality and the Rapid also has a nice ride and handling package.

Further to this, read Skoda Rapid Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

While the body shell remains the same, the Rapid gets cosmetic upgrades. The new Skoda Rapid is based on the company’s new design philosophy. The front sports a asharp design with rectangular headlights and a restyled grille. It gets LED DRLs standard across the range. The fenders and the front bumpers have been redesigned for a modern appeal. The bumper at the rear has been smoothened out on the edges for a neat finish. The sides resemble the current generation but the car features new alloy wheels to complement the new look. The Rapid also gets electronically adjustable and foldable ORVMs.

Interior

The Skoda Rapid interior has always been functional and now comes in black and beige. The new model gets Climatronic-automatic AC with dust and pollen filter and rear AC vents. The Skoda Rapid gets a touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink and reverse parking sensors with a camera option, cruise control and rain sensing wipers. It gets height adjustable driving seat with steering mounted audio controls and cruise control.

In terms of safety, apart from the in-built structural rigidity, the new Rapid offers dual front airbags and ABS with EBD as standard across the range.

Engine and Transmission

The new Skoda Rapid retains the existing engine options in India. The 1.6-litre petrol engine generates around 104bhp of power and 153Nm of torque and will be offered in a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel, on the other hand, will continue to be offered with a 1.5-litre engine that now generates 109bhp of power, and it will come mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission option.

MIleage

The 1498 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 19 kmpl in city and 21 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 13 kmpl on urban roads and 15 kmpl and freeways, respectively.