Skoda is working towards launching a facelifted version of the Rapid in our market later this year. First brought to India in 2011, this will be the first major update for the Rapid since launch. The India-spec Rapid differs completely from the one sold internationally. The international-spec car is slightly larger than the model sold here, which is a badge-engineered version of the Volkswagen Vento sedan.
The updated Rapid sedan for India will get sheet metal changes like all-new bonnet, grille, front bumper headlights and fenders. The current model’s front styling is quite similar to the previous-generation Fabia hatchback's. However, the refreshed Rapid's front styling will mimic that of the international model. This means it will feature angular styling more in line with Skoda’s current design language that is seen on the Octavia.
The Rapid in India gets the option of a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. However, the big news is that the 1.5-litre diesel engine which is shared with the Vento will be heavily indigenised with a locally sourced slightly larger turbocharger which will also result in a minor bump in power. This more-powerful diesel engine will see duty in the Rapid a few months after the launch of the facelifted car.