Next-generation Skoda Rapid teased: Gorgeous looker in the making

Skoda India is working on the MQB A0 (A-Zero) platform, which will allow both Skoda and Volkswagen to sell their global car models at competitive prices in the Indian market. The MQB A0 platform has been confirmed to spawn a Volkswagen Vento replacement in India for 2021, which makes us think that the next-generation Rapid sedan is also on its way. Here are some teasers that show what the next-generation Skoda Rapid could look like. The images have been released by Skoda Russia.

As the teasers indicate, the next-generation Skoda Rapid seems inspired by the Superb, the flagship luxury saloon produced by the Czech car brand. Styling on the front is sharp, and aggressive, mirroring the newer Skoda sedans. The heavily sculpted bonnet slopes down, ostensibly to meet pedestrian norms, and also manages to look very good while doing so. LED headlamps are likely to be on offer, with daytime running LEDs lining them.

The bumper gets a honeycomb air dam and fog lamps. On the sides, it’s the typical slab-like finish that we have come to expect from most cars produced by Skoda, and the alloy wheels are the stand out bits here. At the rear, there are some more design flourishes with narrow and sharp tail lamps, and aggressively styled boot lid and bumper. To sum it up, if the production version of the Skoda Rapid stays true to these teasers, we’ll have a classy, sporty looking sedan.

Under the hood, expect the 1 liter-3 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in multiple states of tune: 90 Bhp-160 Nm and 122 Bhp-200 Nm. This motor in 122 Bhp-200 Nm state of tune should keep both enthusiasts and regular car users quite happy. This engine could also be offered in CNG-Petrol dual fuel options in specific markets. 6 speed manual and 7 speed twin clutch automatic gearbox options are the likely gearbox choices. Diesel engines will not be offered on Skoda and Volkswagen cars sold in India once the BS6 norms come into force.

The engine and transmission of the 2020 Rapid will be shared with the Skoda Kamiq compact SUV, the upcoming 2021 Volkswagen Vento and the 2020 Volkswagen T-Cross. The extensive sharing will give both Skoda and Volkswagen volumes of scale, allowing both car companies to price their vehicles competitively. Parts and platform sharing (MQB A0) will also allow both brands to retain their key selling attributes such as solid build quality, hard-wearing and well put-together interiors and excellent road manners.