Our dealership sources have confirmed that the bookings for Rapid Rider have been stopped temporarily. There is a refreshed version of it coming next week itself.
Just some months back, Skoda launched the BS6 compliant Rapid in India. The sedan got a new and better engine at a very affordable price, making it the cheapest in its class. Now, we get to know that the bookings for Rapid Rider, a.k.a, the base variant has been stopped. No dealership is now accepting any booking or token amount for the same.
However, we also got to know that there is some upgrade coming for the Skoda Rapid Rider. Something new only for the base-spec trim is coming next week itself. Our sources have suggested that mostly, it will get a new touchscreen infotainment system and a couple of features from the Ambition variant.
Also Read: Skoda Rapid 1.0L TSI Automatic is Coming This September!
That remains unknown if the Rider variant will get the same touchscreen system from Montecarlo edition but chances are that it could be the one from the Ambition. This system does not get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but Bluetooth and USB connection. Other things could include height-adjustable driver seat and LED DRLs.
Our sources have confirmed that the price hike will be just Rs 50,000. The base variant will now retail at Rs 7.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom). To make things seem more confirmed, we also saw Skoda head Zac Hollis confirm the development. He has confirmed that there’s something exciting coming on the Rapid front.
Rapid now gets a 1.0 Litre three-cylinder TSI engine that produces 110 PS and 172 Nm of peak torque. As of now, the engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. In September, the automatic variants will be introduced but only for the mid-spec and top-end trims. The base one will continue with a manual stick.
Also Read: New Skoda Octavia CNG To Offer 700 Kms Range – Most Practical 20 Lakh Sedan
The prices of Rapid commence at Rs 7.49 Lakhs going up to Rs 11.79 Lakhs (ex-showroom). Even with the price hike, Rapid will be the most affordable sedan in its segment. In the same price, you can either opt for the top-end or second-in line variant of Hyundai Aura, Maruti Dzire or Honda Amaze. Let us know if you would like to go with a fully loaded sub-4-metre sedan or a bigger and more premium Skoda Rapid?