Although the Rapid has been a fairly successful product for Skoda in India, it has been around for quite a while now. An update was required and Volkswagen-owned Skoda has done just that with the launch the new Skoda Rapid in India. Its biggest rival in the market is its own sibling, the Volkswagen Vento. In fact, the Rapid is essentially a badge engineered VW Vento. We compare the two sedans based on price, specifications and other essential parameters and you can read all about it in our New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento post here.
Also See – Skoda Rapid Facelift | Skoda Rapid Old vs New | Upcoming Sedans in India | New 2016 Rapid vs Ciaz
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – Price in India
The prices of the Rapid start at a shade over the Vento’s starting price of Rs. 8.16 lakh. Here is a comparison of the pricing of the Rapid and the Vento.
Petrol
| New 2016 Skoda Rapid | Volkswagen Vento | ||
| Variant | Price | Variants | Price |
| Active | Rs. 8.35 lakh | Trendline | Rs. 8.16 lakhs |
| Ambition Manual | Rs. 9.27 lakh | Comfortline | Rs. 9.14 lakhs |
| Ambition Automatic | Rs. 10.39 lakh | Highline | Rs. 10.00 lakhs |
| Style Manual | Rs. 10.44 lakh | Comfortline AT | Rs. 10.38 lakhs |
| Style Automatic | Rs. 11.46 lakh | Highline AT | Rs. 11.30 lakh |
Diesel
| New 2016 Skoda Rapid | Volkswagen Vento | ||
| Variant | Price | Variants | Price |
| Active | Rs. 9.57 lakh | Trendline | Rs. 9.46 lakhs |
| Ambition Manual | Rs. 10.49 lakh | Comfortline | Rs. 10.39 lakhs |
| Ambition Automatic | Rs. 11.71 lakh | Highline | Rs. 11.36 lakhs |
| Style Manual | Rs. 11.67 lakh | Comfortline AT | Rs. 11.67 lakhs |
| Style Automatic | Rs. 12.79 lakhs | Highline AT | Rs. 12.59 lakh |
Overall, we think the Skoda Rapid has been priced a bit on the higher side.
Also See – Skoda Octavia Facelift | Skoda Kodiaq | Skoda Superb Review | New Skoda Rapid vs Honda City
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – India Specifications Comparison
The new 2016 Skoda Rapid will continue with the same petrol and diesel engine lineup. Both engines are shared with the Vento sedan. However, the Vento also gets 1.2 TSI petrol with 7-speed DSG variants. This engine and transmission combo could be added to the Skoda Rapid lineup as well. Also, the Rapid facelift will get the updated version of the 1.5 L TDI Diesel, which does duty on the new Volkswagen Ameo.
Diesel
| 2016 Skoda Rapid | Volkswagen Vento | |
| Length x Width x Height | 4413 x 1699 x 1466 mm | 4390 x 1699 x 1467 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 163 mm | 163 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1182-1228 KGs | 1211-1233 kg |
| Wheel Type and Size | 15-inch alloys | 15-inch alloys |
| Boot Space | 460 L | 494 L |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 1.5 L Diesel | 1.5 L Diesel |
| Power | 108 bhp | 103 bhp |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 5-speed manual/7-speed Automatic | 5-speed Manual/7-speed Automatic |
| Mileage | 21.13 KMPL (MT)/21.72 KMPL (AT) | 20.64 KMPL (MT)/21.5 KMPL (AT) |
Petrol
| 2016 Skoda Rapid | Volkswagen Vento | |
| Length x Width x Height | 4413 x 1699 x 1466 mm | 4390 x 1699 x 1467 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 163 mm | 163 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1111-1187 kgs | 1140-1174 kg |
| Wheel Type and Size | 15-inch alloys | 15-inch alloys |
| Boot Space | 460 L | 494 L |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 1.6 L Petrol | 1.6 L Petrol/1.2 L Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 104 bhp | 103 bhp/103 bhp |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 153 Nm/175 Nm |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 5-speed manual/6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Manual/7-speed DSG Automatic |
| Mileage | 15.41 KMPL (MT)/14.84 KMPL (AT) | 16.09 KMPL/18.19 KMPL |
Both sedans are very closely matched in terms of specifications. While the Vento petrol automatic variants get a 1.2 TSI with a 7-speed DSG, Rapid gets a 1.6 L unit with a 6-speed manual.
Also See – Volkswagen Ameo | New Volkswagen Vento | VW Polo ALLSTAR
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – Mileage Comparison
| Petrol | Diesel | |
| New Skoda Rapid (estimated) | 15.41 KMPL (MT)/14.84 KMPL (AT) | 21.13 KMPL (MT)/21.72 KMPL (AT) |
| Volkswagen Vento | 16.09 KMPL (MT)/18.19 KMPL (AT) | 20.64 KMPL (MT)/21.5 KMPL (AT) |
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – Dimensions
| Skoda Rapid | Volkswagen Vento | |
| Length | 4413 mm | 4390 mm |
| Width | 1699 mm | 1699 mm |
| Height | 1466 mm | 1467 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2552 mm | 2553 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 55 litres |
| Boot Space | 460 litres | 494 litres |
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – Exterior Design
Like the outgoing Skoda Rapid, the new version borrows its face from the current generation Skoda Fabia. It features sharper front end styling, which is in line with Skoda’s current design language. There are new angular headlamps with projector units and LED daytime running lights. The bonnet, grille and front bumper are also new. Much of the rear remains unchanged. However, the new Rapid gets reprofiled tail lights. Essentially, the Skoda Rapid is a Vento with the nose of a Fabia. Both cars have a similar rear profile and rear end. Choosing between the two depends solely on personal preference. However, the Skoda does have the advantage of being the newer on among the two.
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – Interior Design
The interiors of both sedans are nearly identical. However, they get different steering wheel designs and different colour scheme for the dashboard. The new Skoda Rapid features darker shades in the cabin and gets a new touchscreen infotainment system as well. In terms of interior design, there isn’t much that sets the two sedans apart. Volkswagen Vento features a black beige combo for the dashboard along with silver highlights. It also gets a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel.
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – Features
Skoda has added certain features to the new Rapid facelift. The most notable addition is a touchscreen AVN. Other than that, the Vento and Rapid boast a similar list of features. While the Rapid gets projector headlamps with LED DRLs, the Vento features conventional headlamps. However, Volkswagen will soon roll out an update for the Vento adding a full LED headlamp setup.
| New Skoda Rapid | Volkswagen Vento | |
| Air Conditioner Type | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Windows | Yes (4) | Yes (4) |
| Central Locking | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Audio Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Audio System | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Also See – Volkswagen Vento Review
New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento – Verdict
Neither car holds a clear advantage over the other. Pricing, features, specifications, they are all similar. The only real difference between the two is in terms of styling. And the Rapid holds a slight advantage here as it is relatively new.
- Design – Both these sedans are smart looking products. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal taste.
- Features – Much of the features list of the Rapid and Vento remain the same. New Rapid gets some additional features like touchscreen AVN and rain sensing wipers.
- Specifications – Both cars get the same engine options. However, while Rapid petrol automatic variants get a 1.6 L engine with a 6-speed auto, Vento petrol automatic variants employ a 1.2 L TSI petrol with a 7-speed DSG.
- Price – The Rapid now commands a small premium over the Vento. This is something that could be tough to justify for the Rapid.
So what are your thoughts about our New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento comparison? Do let us know via the comments section below and stay tuned to Car Blog India for more updates on the New 2016 Skoda Rapid vs Volkswagen Vento comparison once the price and other details have been made public.
