Skoda Rapid facelift resurfaces in new spy shots; expected launch, price and more

Czech automaker Skoda has been putting the facelifted avatar of Rapid through testing on Indian roads for quite a while now. The Skoda Rapid facelift is expected to make its market entry during the festive season this year.

Now, ahead of its nearing launch in the country, a fresh batch of spy shots of the Rapid facelift has emerged online, this time showing the new front grille. The images were shared by Carnewsindia.

The new front grille has restyled headlamps and is expected to get new fog lights as well. The side and rear profiles of Rapid remains untouched in its new avatar. From what we have heard, Rapid is also expected to feature 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.

There have also been reports that the new Rapid will feature 1.5-litre TDI mill of the Ameo compact sedan. The Ameo diesel belts out 108bhp at 4,000rpm and 25Nm of torque at 1,500-3,000rpm.

The sedan has reportedly entered production and we expect to hear about the launch soon. Rapid is pitted against Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento in the Indian market.