Skoda Auto will launch the facelifted version of the Rapid sedan on November 3 (Thursday). Ahead of the launch, image of the new Rapid along with the outgoing model has been snapped at a dealer stockyard. The picture gives a clear idea of the major difference at the front of the two models.
The design shift in the new Rapid for India is in line with the international spec Rapid that was launched way back in 2012. The new face of the Rapid unmistakably hints that it is the younger sibling of the Octavia with angular grille and headlamp. This replaces curvy front grille and headlamp of the current version. The front bumper also has redesigned with sharp edges in place of a curvy one.
The side profile is untouched barring the relocation of indicator to the ORVM. The rear profile has been tweaked with a new bumper and shark fin antenna. The C-shaped tail-lamps and creases on the either sides of the number plates are retained as it is a part of Skoda's design language for sedan models.
The dual-tone black and beige colour scheme of the interior has been continued. The car will boast of features such as an updated infotainment system with Mirror-link, automatic AC with dust and pollen filter, front centre armrest and rear AC vents.
On powertrains, the 1.6-litre MPI petrol mill in the current model will be carried over, while the 1.5 TDI diesel mill will be upgraded to the same capacity engine introduced with the Volkswagen Ameo compact sedan. The diesel mill is expected to generate 108bhp at 4,000rpm and 25Nm of torque at 1,500-3,000rpm. Both the mills will be offered with five-speed manual transmission. The petrol mill will also come with six-speed automatic transmission, while diesel variants will be offered with seven-speed DSG transmission as well.
Skoda dealerships across the country have started accepting bookings for the new version for a token amount of Rs 25,000.
