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-2013The 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.
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!!
