Skoda To Discontinue 1.5-litre Diesel In BS6 Era

The Rapid will get a new 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine instead

• Skoda has confirmed that the 1.5-litre diesel engine offered in the Rapid won’t be updated to meet BS6 emission norms.

• The Rapid will get a new 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine with manual and DSG automatic transmission options.

• The 1.5-litre diesel produces 110PS and 250Nm and is offered with the choice of a 5-speed MT and 7-speed DSG automatic.

• The same diesel engine powers the Volkswagen Polo, Ameo and Vento models.

• Diesel variants of these models too will face the axe.

Many small diesel engines are being axed by carmakers instead of getting them updated to meet BS6 norms. And now it’s Skoda’s turn as we have direct confirmation from Zac Hollis, Director of Skoda India, that the 1.5-litre TDI unit that has powered the Rapid for many years will not be offered in the BS6 era.

Skoda plans to enter the BS6 phase with a line of petrol engines and maybe a CNG option too. While the larger 2.0-litre diesel units that power the likes of the Superb and Kodiaq will get a BS6 update in due course, the smaller 1.5-litre diesel of the Rapid is on its way out. 

The 1.5-litre diesel is currently tuned to produce 110PS of power and 250Nm of torque. It gets the choice of a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic. Instead, Skoda will be introducing a new 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine with a choice of both manual and DSG automatic transmissions. It’s likely to get a CNG variant as well in India.

Related: New-Gen Skoda-VW Cars From 2020 Likely To Get CNG

This smaller turbo-petrol unit could also replace the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor that produces 105PS, mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed AT.

Since Skoda is steering the direction of Volkswagen India as well, the 1.5-litre diesel engine will be discontinued from the Polo, Ameo and Vento models too. Like the Rapid, expect these models to be equipped with the new 1.0-litre TSI unit as well.

The diesel variants of the Rapid are currently priced between Rs 10.06 lakh and Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom). Skoda will likely be offering some year-end discounts on the same as well. The 1.5-litre diesel variants of the Skoda Rapid will likely be available all the way till the deadline in March 2020. So if you prefer the torquey performance and mileage that this powertrain offers, now is the last chance to own it.

Also read: Next-gen Skoda Rapid Teased In Russia; India Launch Likely In 2022

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