Skoda Rapid facelift enters production, to be launched soon

The production of the Czech automaker Skoda's soon-to-be-launched the Rapid facelift has reportedly begun in India ahead of its expected launch by the end of this year. Skoda has been testing the Rapid facelift on the Indian roads for quite a long time.

The facelift version is expected to sport changes both inside and outside. While the silhouette of the Rapid will remain untouched, it is expected to get new fog lights, projector head lamps and new front grille. Skoda Rapid in its new avatar is also likely to have new colours in the palette, reports Gaadiwaadi. Currently, the Rapid is offered in five body paints -- Cappuccino Beige, Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Toffee Brown and Carbon Steel. In terms of dimensions, the Rapid measures 4,386mm in length, 1,699mm in width, 1,466mm in height and comes with a wheelbase of 2,552mm.

In the new avatar, the midsize sedan is also expected to features updated infotainment system with Mirrorlink, automatic AC with dust and pollen filter, front centre armrest, rear AC vents and electrically adjustable OVRMs.

Rapid facelift is expected get the same 1.6 MPI petrol and 1.5 TDI diesel mills. While the 1.6 MPI petrol mill currently develops 103bhp and 153Nm of torque, the 1.5 TDI diesel mill will churn out the same power as the petrol unit with higher torque of 250Nm. The transmission in the petrol variant is taken care of by five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission and five-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions in diesel models.

As for pricing, expect the Rapid facelift to get a price tag premium of Rs 40,000 over the current model. The Rapid is now retailed with a price tag of Rs 8.02 lakh for the base variant (ex-showroom Delhi). The Rapid is pitted against Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento in the Indian market.