Skoda, the Czech Republic automaker just of late launched its next generation sedan, the all new Skoda Rapid in India. The new Rapid will give competition to the C–segment Sedans like Volkswagen Vento , Hyundai Verna , Ford Fiesta , Fiat Linea and Honda City. It gets much talked about its 1.5litre diesel engine and some extra features which adds new and fresh look to the new car. So now let’s take a look on the varied features that make the all new car absolutely distinctive.
Exterior
Talking about the exterior, the car gets a slightly sportier looks. The manufacturer has introduced an accessory pack called Black Package which includes black alloy wheels and back end fog and headlamps. But one will have to pay some extra of Rs 20,000 for this Black Package look. One can also get the car’s roof coloured in black at any Skoda dealer. But this doesn’t come under the standard Black Package. Looking at the overall looks of the new Rapid the body work remains the same as the older model.
Interiors
Coming to the interiors, the new Skoda Rapid gets multi-function steering wheels with audio controls. The multimedia system gets USB input with Bluetooth connectivity. One will also get passenger airbags and a leather package with this new car in its middle variant. The inside accessories include a new card holder, power window, rake –and reach adjustable steering wheels, front and rear reading lamps, and front and rear armrests which remains unchanged like before. Additionally the features like remote central locking, electric wing mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, rear defogger and high adjustability for driver’s seat remain the same as before. Some of these features had discontinued previously but now it’s being offered again.
Engine
Mechanically nothing changes have been made to the new Rapid engine. The car continues to be powered by both 1.6 litre petrol and a 1.6 litre diesel power plants. Both the petrol and diesel versions develop 103 horses. It comes with five- speed manual gearbox and a six-speed auto box option is available with the petrol version. Addition of the upgraded Volkswagen engine will give Skoda Rapid indeed a bit more Rapid that the users can better experience on their personal self.
Price
The new Skoda Rapid got launched 25th September. The price remains more or less similar to the current car. The automatic diesel variant is expected to cost a lakh more than the manual variant. The petrol Rapid starts at Rs7.28 lakh and goes up to Rs9.79 lakh. The diesel Rapid starts at around Rs8.47 lakh and goes up to Rs9.85 lakh (all price ex-showroom, Mumbai).The automatic transmission will give up to 21.6 km per litre mileage and the manual transmission will give up to 21.4 km per litre mileage.