Skoda will launch the refreshed Rapid sedan on November 3, 2016. The Skoda Rapid has been on sale since 2011 and this is the first major update the car will receive since its launch.
The heavily updated Rapid will get more angular styling upfront that includes an all-new nose, new front bumper and chin. The headlamps, grille and lower bumper will be squarer and more in line with the present-day Skoda offerings sold in India and globally, such as the Superb and the Octavia, and the slightly larger Rapid sedan sold internationally.
The facelifted Rapid will also get the updated 110hp 1.5-litre diesel engine. The engine sees a bump in power, thanks to heavy localisation and addition of a locally sourced, slightly larger turbocharger. This engine recently made a debut in the Ameo compact sedan and will do duty under the hood of the Volkswagen Vento soon. The other engine on the updated Rapid will be a 1.6-litre petrol which is likely to carry over unchanged. Transmission choices will include a five-speed manual for both petrol and diesel variants and a seven-speed DSG automatic for the diesel unit. On the inside, expect the refreshed Rapid to sport a mildly tweaked dashboard along with a larger touchscreen infotainment system.
Key rivals to the Skoda Rapid include the Honda City, Volkswagen Vento, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Ciaz. With the Rapid now getting new styling and more equipment, Skoda will aim to increase its share in the executive sedan segment. There is no word on pricing yet, but expect Skoda to price the facelifted Rapid slightly higher than the outgoing car.