New Skoda Rapid launched at Rs 7.22 lakh

As we had mentioned in our quick drive, Skoda India would be launching its mid size sedan, the Rapid, today. With prices starting at Rs 7.22 lakh ex showroom, Delhi and going up to Rs 10.97 lakh, it seems like Skoda has got the pricing right. The base trim is about Rs 20,000 cheaper than its badge re-engineered sibling, the VW Vento.

Skoda has given all Rapid variants 15-inch wheels. The top-end ones get new design alloys while the lower variants now get 15-inch steel rims with wheelcaps (they used to be 14-inchers before). Top-end Rapids will also get cruise control as standard — a segment first. Skoda will also offer one new colour — toffee brown — but that will be available only in a month’s time. The top-spec Black edition gets blacked out headlamps, gloss black wheels, mirror casings and grille. As a dealer option, you can opt for a black roof as well.

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Sudhir Rao, Chairman and Managing Director[/caption]

The interiors are the same as before as neither the layout nor the materials have changed, all-in-all not a bad thing. However, lack of the sporty flat-bottom steering and silver finishes on the dashboard do make it seem a little less premium than the VW Vento.

Engines offered include the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 105bhp and 153Nm of peak torque, and the new 1.5-litre TDI motor developing 103bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual, though the diesel gets the dual-clutch automatic as well.

Specification

Variants1.6 MPI1.5 TDIEngineIn-line, 4-cyl, 1598ccIn-line, 4-cyl, 1498ccTransmission5-speed manual5-speed manual/7-speed DSGPower104bhp@5350rpm103bhp@4400rpmTorque153Nm@3800rpm250Nm@1500–2500rpmFuel efficiency (claimed)15.04kmpl20.34kmpl/21.21kmpl

Prices

VariantPrice (ex-showroom Delhi)Active 1.6 MPI ManualRs 7.22 lakhAmbition+ 1.6 MPI ManualRs 8.17 lakhElegance 1.6 MPI ManualRs 8.72 lakhElegance Black Package 1.6 MPI AutomaticRs 8.85 lakhAmbition+ 1.6 MPI AutomaticRs 9.14 lakhElegance 1.6 MPI AutomaticRs 9.68 lakhElegance Black Package 1.6 MPI AutomaticRs 9.81 lakhActive 1.5 TDI ManualRs 8.83 lakhAmbition+ 1.5 TDI ManualRs 9.24 lakhElegance 1.5 TDI ManualRs 9.74 lakhElegance Black Package 1.5 TDI ManualRs 9.87 lakhAmbition+ 1.5 TDI Automatic DSGRs 10.34 lakhElegance 1.5 TDI Automatic DSGRs 10.84 lakhElegance Black Package 1.5 TDI Automatic DSGRs 10.97 lakh