Skoda Auto India is gearing up for the launch of the facelifted version of the Rapid sedan on November 3. Ahead of the launch, Skoda dealerships across the country have started accepting bookings for the new version for a token amount of Rs 25,000.
However, Skoda Auto India has not released an official statement regarding the bookings for the new Rapid yet. The Rapid facelift has been recently spotted without any camouflage in India and it shows the design changes 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. The curvy front grille and headlamp unit have made way for a sharper and angular one. The projector headlamp is expected to be standard across the trims, while the DRLs will be limited to top-spec variant. The front bumper has been reworked comprehensively and now houses a wide air dam.
The rear and the side profiles are likely to remain untouched. The C-shaped taillamps and creases on the either sides of the number plates will be retained as it is a part of Skoda's design language for sedan models. The word around the web indicates that the interior will be spruced up with an updated infotainment system with Mirrorlink, automatic AC with dust and pollen filter, front centre armrest and rear AC vents.
On powetrains, 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.
