Skoda Auto Group India has been on a product offensive strategy for this year. It has termed 2021 as the year of change for the brand entirely. In a bid to expand more market share for itself, Skoda and Volkswagen have jointly incorporated the India 2.0 strategy, wherein they will share the engines and platforms and concentrate on localization and a better customer service experience. This will also lead to the more affordable and competitive pricing of their products in addition to reduced cost of maintenance and ownership. The Kushaq and Octavia are ready for launch by June 2021 and the next-gen Rapid is also not too far away from bracing our roads. Based on the MQB A0 IN platform co-developed by Skoda and VW, the 2021 Skoda Rapid is likely to be named Slavia. The Czech carmaker had earlier registered this trademark in India. Let us take a look at what the new spy shots reveal about the upcoming executive sedan.
Also read: 2021 Skoda Octavia to launch in June 2021 – Engines, Features, Specs and more!
2021 Skoda Rapid – Spy Shots
The spy shots ensure larger overall dimensions of the sedan compared to the outgoing model. We expect the new Rapid/Slavia to feature the latest design language of the brand along with the traditional theme. This means that the sedan will features sharp creases all around along with new LED headlamps with the crystalline effect that we have seen on other new products from Skoda as well. The headlamp unit might be sleek and sharp along with sporty front fascia including LED DRLs and redesigned bumpers. It will be based on the same MQB A0 IN platform which will also underpin the upcoming Kushaq, the mid-size SUV rivalling the likes of Creta and Seltos. That is what will make the Rapid/Slavia longer than the outgoing model.
Also read: 2021 Skoda Fabia launched – Will it make it to India?
2021 Skoda Rapid – Expected Interiors and Features
The 2021 Skoda Rapid/Slavia will likely be feature-packed and the quality of the interiors will be high, which has really been the trademark of the Czech carmaker since its inception. Known for the clever features, we can expect the Rapid to come with a large touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth Connectivity, Connected Car Tech Features, Automatic Climate Control, Multi-purpose two-spoke Steering Wheel, Premium Upholstery and Audio System and much more. Safety is also something that Skoda takes very seriously and we could expect the sedan to come with a plethora of safety equipment as well. All in all, it has to be feature-packed to compete with the likes of Hyundai Verna and Honda City.
Also read: Executive Sedan Sales for April 2021 – Verna, City, Rapid, Ciaz, Vento and Yaris!
2021 Skoda Rapid – Expected Engines, Transmissions, Prices & Rivals
The one thing that we can safely assume is that the next-gen Rapid will come with either or both engines including a 1.0-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol making 110 hp with 175 Nm and 150 hp with 250 Nm respectively. There will be options of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission to complement the TSI units. The prices of the upcoming model could range between Rs 9 lakh to 15 lakh, ex-showroom. The rivals of the executive sedan will include the likes of Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, the upcoming VW Vento and Toyota Belta.
Also read: 6 Most Relevant Connected Car Tech Features In Modern Cars!
Image Source: Motor Beam
