Skoda Rapid Diesel Automatic Launch slated for 30th September

Skoda India will launch the updated Rapid C-Segment sedan on the 30th of September, 2014. As a launch lined up for the middle of India’s festive season, the updated Rapid will seek to improve Skoda’s performance at the hustings. A best selling car in Skoda’s Indian range, the Rapid Diesel will see an engine update, with the 1.6 liter-4 cylinder TDI unit making way for the new 1.5 liter-4 cylinder turbo diesel motor with a 103 Bhp-250 Nm output that is similar to what the outgoing engine delivered. The updated Rapid Diesel is also expected to gain a 6 speed twin clutch, DSG automatic gearbox.

Apart from the new engine and gearbox options, the updated Skoda Rapid is likely to continue with the 1.6 liter MPI petrol motor (103 Bhp-153 Nm), with 5 speed manual and 6 speed automatic gearbox options, picked up from the existing line up of cars. In terms of cosmetic changes, the updated Rapid is expected to get a contrast roof, blacked out wing mirrors, smoked headlamps with projectors, a black finish for the front grille and 16 inch alloy wheels in a new design. On the interiors front, black leather upholstery and a touch screen infotainment unit are expected to be offered on the updated Rapid.

The Rapid is a brand engineered sibling of the Volkswagen Vento, which will also see an update in the next few weeks. Like the Rapid Diesel, the Vento will gain a DSG automatic transmission and a 1.5 liter TDI turbo diesel motor. In terms of cosmetics, the Vento Facelift will borrow styling updates from the recently facelifted Polo hatchback. The car will also borrow new interior bits from the Polo Facelift. The Rapid Diesel DSG, along with the Vento Diesel DSG, will be the most technologically advanced and performance-centric diesel automatic C-Segment sedans offered in India, a market starved for diesel automatic cars.