SKODA RAPID OFFICIAL PHOTOS

SKODA RAPID LAUNCHED ON A CAR SHOW.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH VIDEO

Skoda Rapid

Skoda India has started production of its Vento-based compact sedan, the Skoda Rapid and we’re expecting a commercial launch soon. The Skoda Rapid will be manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Chakan, Pune and the first units are already rolling out of the factory floor.

We expect similar equipment levels as on the Vento along with a similar range of engines on offer. 1.6-litre diesel and petrol variants will be available along with possible automatic variants. The front-end is very Fabia-like, along with a tail section that will be more or less identical to the Vento’s rear.
The Rapid is expected to sport a price tag of under Rs 7 lakh and will go all the way up to Rs 9-9.3 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai.

Skoda is also developing a car based on the MissionL concept that was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. A wider and longer version of the Rapid, the MissionL will be positioned in the Rs 10-12 lakh price bracket to fill in the gap left behind by the previous-gen Octavia. The MissionL may sport a notchback design like the last Octavia/current Laura and could have a bit more space on the inside than the Rapid while boasting of more features. It is quite possible that Skoda will badge it the Octavia given that the original car still commands good brand value. The car is expected to hit Indian showrooms by late-2012/early-2013

Overview of Skoda Rapid

Skoda India is all set to shake the C+ segment with the launch of all-new sedan which will be manufactured in the same plant (Chakan, Pune) where Vento is also manufactured. Initially, it was expected that it will be sold as Rapid, then there were rumours that it will be christened 'Lauretta' but Skoda Auto India has again surprised everybody that finally their all-new entry level sedan will be sold as 'Rapid' in India. Thoungh no official announcement has been made by the company about the price of its new sedan but it is expected that Skoda Rapid will be priced very competitively at Rs. 700000 for the base petrol model and Rs. 800000 for the base model of diesel. It will be powered by same petrol and diesel engine which are doing duty under the hood of Volkswagen Vento. Skoda Auto recently changed the variant names of Fabia and Laura (Classic to Active and Ambiente to Ambition), it is expected that Rapid will also feature new variant names when it will be launched. Skoda Rapid will get design cues from the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento, it was expected that it will be based on the MissionL design concept displayed the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but to keep the costs down Skoda Auto has kept the design very basic and familiar. It will compete with the likes of Honda City, Volkswgen Vento, New Hyundai Verna, New Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, Fiat Linea and Tata Indigo Manza.

Official Press release - Skoda Rapid

ŠKODA Auto India began production of its much anticipated entry level sedan, the ŠKODA Rapid at its plant in Chakan, near Pune today. ŠKODA Rapid is the first car from the ŠKODA brand which has been designed, keeping in mind the special needs of Indian customers and will be exclusively manufactured in India. Manufacturing of the all new ŠKODA Rapid will take place at the Chakan plant. The car will be offered with a choice of diesel and petrol engines. The commencement of production of ŠKODA Rapid is in line with ŠKODA Auto’s 2018 growth strategy which aims to double sales globally to at least 1.5 million units.

“Today is the official Start of Production for the Indian variant of our new Rapid compact saloon. Effective immediately, the first unit of the ŠKODA Rapid will be rolling off the line in this plant. The car will be introduced in the market shortly. It is an attractive car with lots of space and room for five persons.” Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Management, ŠKODA Auto a.s. commented.

Fast Facts About Skoda Rapid

- It is expected to be launched in few days

- It will be available in both petrol and diesel

- The main rival cars are Volkswagen Vento, Honda City, Fiat Linea, New Hyundai Verna Fluidic, New Ford Fiesta and Nissan Sunny

- Base model of Rapid petrol is expected to be priced at Rs. 700000

- Base model of Rapid diesel is expected to be priced at Rs. 800000

- Will get design cues from the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento

- Petrol engine will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 153 Nm torque

- Diesel engine will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 250 Nm torque

- Will be available in at least six variants: Active petrol, Ambition petrol, Elegance petrol, Active diesel, Ambition diesel and Elegance Diesel

- Expected to be available in five attractive shades: Deep Black, Candy White, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver and Cappuccino Beige

- Expected to feature dual SRS airbags, ABS and EBD

Design and Interiors of Skoda Rapid

Skoda Auto has not released any official images of Rapid but it is expected that Rapid will get design cues from the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento, previously it was expected that it will feature latest design philosophy of Skoda Auto, which the company displayed at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show (MissonL Concept). The front will be quite familiar featuring same style for the grille and headlamps of Skoda Fabia. The side profile would be similar to the Vento but the rear be altogether different with new design for boot and tail lamps. The interiors are expected to be very spacious and luxurious. The top-of-the-line models are expected to feature power windows, power steering, 2-DIN music system with AUX-in and USB port, automatic climate controls system, remote central locking, head adjustement for driver's seat, electric adjustement for the outside rear-view mirrors, alloy wheel, front and rear fog lamps, dual SRS airbags, ABD and EBD.

Expected Price of Skoda Rapid

- Skoda Rapid Petrol Active - Rs. 700000

- Skoda Rapid Petrol Ambition - Rs. 750000

- Skoda Rapid Petrol Elegance - Rs. 800000

- Skoda Rapid Diesel Active - Rs. 800000

- Skoda Rapid Diesel Ambition - Rs. 850000

- Skoda Rapid Diesel Elegance - Rs. 900000

Skoda Rapid is expected to be priced very competitively at Rs. 700000 (on-road) for the petrol model and Rs. 800000 (on-road) for the base model of diesel. If Skoda India manages to launch Rapid at these prices, it is for sure that it will outsell Volkswagen Vento, Fiat Linea, New Ford Fiesta and Nissan Sunny. Only two cars can withstand the Rapid - Honda City and New Hyundai Verna Fluidic.

Engine Options of Skoda Rapid

- Petrol engine - 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 153 Nm torque

- Diesel engine - 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 250 Nm torque

Skoda Rapid will be powered by same engines which powers the Volkswagen Vento - the diesel engine which will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve wich develops 105 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The petrol engine will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve which develop 105 bhp and 153 Nm of torque. It is expected that both the engines will be more fuel efficient than Vento because Skoda has fine-tuned them and it is also expected that weight of Rapid will be less in comparison to Volkswagen Vento.

Expected Shades of Skoda Rapid

- Deep Black

- Candy White

- Flash Red

- Brilliant Silver

- Cappuccino Beige

Skoda Rapid is expected to be available in five colors: Deep Black, Candy White, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver and Cappuccino Beige. 

Expected Variants of Skoda Rapid

Skoda Rapid is expected to be available in at least six variants:

- Skoda Rapid Petrol Active

- Skoda Rapid Petrol Ambition

- Skoda Rapid Petrol Elegance

- Skoda Rapid Diesel Active

- Skoda Rapid Diesel Ambition

- Skoda Rapid Diesel Elegance

It is expected that Skoda Rapid will be available in six variants, the base variant (Active) will feature power windows, powers steering, remote central locking, manual air-contioner, rear defogger, steering adjustment, height adjustable driver's seat, designer wheel covers, single DIN music system. In addition to the above-mentioned features, the top-model of Rapid will feature steering mounted audio controls, 2-DIN music system with AUX-in and USB port, alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic climate control system, ABS, EBD and dual SRS airbags.

Expected Launch Date of Skoda Rapid

- Expected to be launched in coming days

It is expected that Skoda Rapid will be launched in coming days. It is one of the most awaited cars in this festive season in which we have already seen three major launches - Mahindra XUV500, Nissan Sunny and Honda Brio. Hyundai is also all-set to launch the Eon on 13th October.

Expected Safety Features of Skoda Rapid

- Dual SRS airbags

- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) 

It is expected that top variant of Skoda Rapid will feature Dual SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)

More about Skoda Rapid after official launch in few days. Watch this Space!!