Skoda Rapid diesel to come with automatic gearbox

A couple of days back we reported that Skoda is planning to launch the facelift version of Yeti in the month of July and now comes another update from the Czech manufacturer- the auto-maker is looking forward to launch the diesel variant of Rapid with the DSG automatic transmission. It is expected that the company will launch the automatic variant in October or November month. In order to enhance the fuel economy, the manufacturer will also discontinue its peppier 1.6-litre engine and will only bring 1.5-litre powertrain with five speed manual transmission.

After seeing the admirable selling of Honda City, the Czech manufacturer is planning to repeat the success story of Japanese auto-maker. Honda City's diesel variant with a fuel economy of 26kmpl has attracted a great number of buyers thus with the introduction of lighter engine and dual clutch automatic gearbox, Skoda too is eyeing the growing market of C segment sedan cars. Moreover, the 2015 MY Rapid gets its styling cues from an up-market saloon Skoda Superb which includes the addition of all new three spoke steering and dual clutch gearbox.

The ongoing model-line up of Skoda Rapid houses 1.6-litre in-line petrol engine and the 1.6-litre TDI turbocharged engines. The gasoline powered models generate a power output of 103.6bhp and peak torque of 153Nm. The engine comes mated to either five speed manual or six speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual gear changing. The diesel variant also churns the same power output of 103.6bhp but with greater torque factor of 250Nm. Currently, the engine is coupled to fully synchronized five-speed manual transmission.

The 2015 MY Skoda Rapid is expected to carry the engine specification much similar to its cousin, Volkswagen Vento. The diesel as stated above will use the 1.5-litre engine while the gasoline variants are too expected to carry 1.2-litre TSI, direct injection petrol engine, much similar to that of Volkswagen Polo.

Recently, the company has launched the limited edition Skoda Rapid Utima which claims to be 'packed with everything you can think of'. Company's best selling product in India gets steering mounted control, music system with Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity, alloy wheels, GPS navigation with camera, climatronic control with rear A/C vents and Ultima door sill moldings. In terms of safety of its passenger, the car comes loaded with features such as rear parking sensors, projector headlamps and dual front airbags to name a few.

Source: ET

Read More on : Skoda Rapid review