Skoda India is going to launch its new car-Skoda Rapid precisely in November. However, initial information captured from the undisguised images of Skoda Rapid suggests that the upcoming car is an extended version of Skoda Fabia hatchback. Skoda India started the production of Skoda Rapid at its Chakan facility in Pune recently only. The new sedan has been designed to cater exactly to the needs of Indian customers. Skoda Rapid price is yet to be revealed but it will undercut the price of Volkswagen Vento which shares its platform with Rapid. The front looks are heavily inspired from Skoda Fabia and side look from Volkswagen Vento. Only the rear end is modified by Skoda India. Skoda Rapid will be equally spacious as Volkswagen Vento and will share the engine specifications with the latter i.e 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engine churning out 105 bhp power. The engine will be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. However, the diesel variant producing 250 Nm of torque will also feature an automatic gearbox.



Skoda Auto India is all set to launch its latest invent “Skoda Rapid” soon. This latest entry in the fleet of Skoda India is most likely to be based on one of its sibling Volkswagen’s offering. If speculations are to be believed, Skoda Rapid is going to incorporate same engine specifications as added in VW Vento i.e. 1.6L petrol/diesel added with dual transmission modes (Auto/Manual).

The Skoda Rapid price might come close to Maruti SX4 and much below Skoda Laura, there is going to be hard competition within the sedan segment cars. After the launch of Skoda Yeti – the SUV segment car, “Skoda Rapid” is next in-line. And as per rumors, Skoda India is going to install some high-end tech specs in Skoda Rapid making it a milestone in sedan car segment. So sit tight for a whole new riding experience with “Skoda Rapid”.

Skoda Auto started its operations in India as Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd in November 2001. In India, the company is currently selling following car models – Skoda Laura, Skoda Fabia (manufactured in India) and Skoda Superb, Skoda Yeti (Imported) with Skoda Octavia model discontinued in 2010.

With Skoda Auto India having presence in most of the car segments, the company is going to make one more addition in Sedan car segment by launching the all new smoking hot “Skoda Rapid”. With company keeping tight lips regarding the Skoda Rapid specs and equipments, one thing is quite sure that it is going to offer good competition to other cars present in this segment. As per reports, Skoda Rapid will come with low price tag and this will act as the main USP of this car. We all know that Skoda Auto India never compromises on comfort, technology and looks, so this time also it is believed that they will deliver a mind-suiting eye candy.

The Czech carmaker seems to be on the track to further revolutionize India with Skoda Rapid. This car has been designed similar to its sibling Volkswagen’s sedan offering Vento. It will be an executive class sedan and will be a direct rival of Honda City. Rapid will be built at the company’s Chakan facility in Pune.

An engine similar to Volkswagen Vento is supposed to power Rapid as well. It will be a 1.6L diesel and 1598cc petrol engine of Vento that will be there in various trims of Rapid. The transmission system is likely to have an automatic version whereas the manual will have five-speed gears.

Indian car market that has since been dominated by premium sedan Honda City is expected to undergo a radical change with the Rapid. Being positioned in the premium car category, Skoda is expected to pitch in an aggressive strategy in order to capture the market. With the superior branding and a sales backup of Skoda Fabia and Laura, the Czech carmaker will experience less effort in popularizing its new sedan Skoda Rapid. Besides, it will be an advantage for Rapid as it is expected to be offered in diesel when Honda City is available only in petrol.

Rapid’s engine displacement of 1598cc and a maximum power of 105 PS and a maximum torque 153Nm is going to add to the popularity as it will be more powerful than Honda City which has a only 1497cc engine under its hood.

As it is based on a new concept, Skoda Rapid is sure to have prominent exteriors and plush interiors. The front is expected to be different from any of the Volkswagen or Skoda’s line up as it is hoped to be based on the new concept that could be MissonL. Initial pictures of Rapid reveal that it will have a prominent front grille with a little chrome lining and uniquely designed sporty headlamps. The new Skoda Green colored logo sits tight at the centre on the top of the grille. The front face is further enhanced with body colored bumper that has a wide air dam and two fog lamps on each side. Moving on to the sides; Skoda Rapid has much bolder and masculine side fenders that complements the sides with the help of all-alloy wheels. The Outside Rear View Mirrors will be body colored and will have side indicators on it. The rear view pictures of the Skoda Rapid are unavailable however, it is expected that it will have high mounted brake light besides two LED based rear lamps.



The interior of Rapid will be in all likelihood plush and sporty in order to compete with its rivals in India. The dash will have all advanced equipments including meters, glove box, music system and air conditioning. The air conditioning is expected to have automatic climate control feature. The steering is expected to be clad in leather with audio and cruise control buttons on it. In all, Skoda Rapid will be able to seat four persons comfortably with an overall seating capacity for five persons. The rear seats will have a handrest with cup holder in the middle. The height adjustable front driver seat and the passenger seat are expected to have lumbar support and we could even find leather upholstery on the high-end models.

On the safety front, Skoda Rapid is expected to have two airbags for the driver and the front passenger besides Anti-lock Braking System, front fog lamps, Electronic BrakeForce Distribution and Electronic Stability Program are also expected to find a place in Rapid.

Among the comfort features, Rapid is expected to have adjustable power steering, internally adjustable ORVMs with power fold feature, central locking, power windows, adjustable front seats, music system with MP3 and FM integrated with four speakers apart from automatic climate control.