Facelifted Skoda Rapid Launching On November 3

A new 1.5-litre TDI diesel mill generating 110PS is sure going to be the talking point in the facelifted Rapid

A completely revamped Skoda Rapid will be making its way to the Indian car scene on November 3, 2016. Bookings of the same are already underway, albeit unofficially, at a refundable amount of Rs 50,000. Debuting in 2011, the Rapid rarely got any noticeable changes in its couple of refreshes down the years, but this time the story is different. The Czech carmaker has worked on the sedan’s visual appeal drastically and the facelifted Rapid now features the Octavia- and Superb-inspired front, going with the family face.

There’s some good news for buyers wanting a more powerful diesel motor: Skoda is most likely to offer the 1.5-litre diesel pot from the newly launched Volkswagen Ameo. By linking it to the turbocharger, Skoda is able to bump the power output to 110PS. The petrol engine, on the other hand, will be the same as seen in the existing version – a 1.6-litre motor. Transmission duties will be handled by a 5-speed manual gearbox for both the engine options, whereas the 7-speed DSG automatic will be solely available with the diesel variants.

In retrospect, the VW subsidiary has been doing well with the Octavia and the Superb sedans in India; however, that’s not the case with the Rapid. Rivalling the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, the new innings of the Rapid is likely to be more authoritative, with its fresh new design and powerful heart. The price is expected to be more or less similar to the outgoing version.

What’s your take on its new looks? Have your say in the comments section below.

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