Testing Mule of the Skoda Rapid Facelift Spotted

The Skoda Rapid facelift has been spied testing. The images show extensive changes on the outside, which include a new bonnet, reworked headlamp clusters, ORVMs with integrated turn indicators and redesigned tail lamps. The new version of the Skoda is expected to be launched around Diwali and will be the first major update for the Rapid since 2011.

The updates in the new Rapid match the company’s new design language, which is evident in the Octavia and the new Superb. Skoda has even tried to bring the Indian version of the car close to the Euro-spec model. We’ll need to wait for a while before we can tell you about the changes in the interiors of the facelifted version. The Czech automaker has already introduced SmartGate connectivity across its models in India and therefore makes us curious about what it is left with.

The current version of the car is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Both the mills produce 104 bhp of power and 153Nm and 250Nm of peak torque, respectively. The new Rapid might get the same engines but with a larger turbocharger for the diesel. This will result in increased power figures for the car, which will eventually help it compete better with its rivals. The Hyundai Verna, one of the closest competitors of Skoda’s offering, is capable of churning out 126bhp from its 1.6-litre diesel mill. The Skoda has a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic gearbox to take care of the transmission duties and they are likely to remain untouched.

Also Read: Skoda Suspends Sale of Rapid Diesel with Manual Transmission

Source: Autocar

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