Followed by the launch of the Yeti facelift, Skoda will launch the next-generation Rapid on September 30, 2014 in India. The vehicle has been spotted several times during its test sessions.
Powering the new Rapid will be a 1.5L TDI turbo diesel engine, which also does duty to new VW Polo facelift. This powertrain will churn out a maximum power of 103.5bhp and 250Nm of torque. The petrol model of the sedan will continue to be powered by a 1.6L MPI unit. A five-speed manual and an automatic dual-clutch transmission will be on offer. The sedan may borrow a seven-speed DSG gearbox from the Polo GT TSI.
The sedan has received minor exterior updates such as new projector units, headlamps with black inserts, black wing mirrors, revised front grille and a black roof. Skoda will introduce a Black Edition of the sedan featuring sporty be-spoke 16-inches Skoda Comet mag wheels and black fog-lamp inserts.
The new Rapid will take on the Honda City, VW Vento, Hyundai Verna, Nissan Sunny, Ford Fiesta and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. The Rapid facelift is likely to be priced under Rs. 10 lakh.
