Skoda Rapid Matte Limited Edition launched at Rs. 11.99 lakhs

Skoda has launched a new variant of the Rapid mid-size sedan. It is called Matte Limited Edition and it gets some cosmetic changes over the regular Rapid. There are no mechanical changes to the new variant. The Rapid Matte Edition is priced at Rs. 11.99 lakhs ex-showroom for the manual gearbox whereas the automatic transmission is priced at Rs. 13.49 lakhs ex-showroom.

The Matte Edition gets a matte grey paint scheme with some bits finished in glossy black for some contrast. So, the front grille, bumper spoiler, boot lid spoiler, door handles, B-pillar and rearview mirrors will be finished in glossy black paint. The alloy wheels measure 16-inches in size and are finished in gloss black.

There is also a diffuser integrated into the rear bumper. However, it is there only for cosmetic purposes, it is not functional. The Matte Edition of the Rapid was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2020 but there it also had some orange accents on the wing mirrors and doors. This is not the case with the Rapid Matte Edition that has now been launched. The interior also gets some upgrades over the standard Rapid. It gets Alcantara inserts in the seats and the Tellur grey colour scheme for the rest of the cabin.

Also read: Skoda Rapid CNG under testing for the Indian market

Features

Skoda has also added some features like a sporty steering wheel with a flat bottom and a rear parking camera. It also gets high visibility performance bulbs as standard and there are stainless-steel scuff plates with RAPID Inscription. The rest of the sedan and feature list stays the same.

The Matte Edition does look more sporty than the other variants and is the only sedan that is offered with a matte paint job from the factory. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, rear AC vents, cooled glovebox, projector headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lamps, multi-information display, 12V accessory sockets and rain-sensing wipers. There is also an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ABS with EBD,  dual airbags, rear defogger, rear parking sensors and much more.

Engine and transmission

Mechanically, the Rapid Matte Edition stays the same. So, it continues to come with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 110 PS of max power and 175 Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-sped torque converter automatic gearbox.

Polo Matte Edition

Skoda is also working on a Matte Edition of the Polo. The new variant of the hatchback was recently spied at a dealership. It also only gets cosmetic changes. So, the outside rearview mirrors and door handles are finished in glossy black colour. It comes with the same 16-inches alloy wheels but now they are finished in silver colour. The Matte Edition of the Polo is expected to be based on the GT variant of the Polo.

The Polo Matte Edition will come with only the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is also doing duty on the Rapid. It produces 110 PS and 175 Nm. You would be able to get the new variant with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Matte Edition will not be offered with the naturally aspirated engine that is also offered with the Polo.

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