Skoda Auto has launched a facelift of the Rapid sedan. Essentially a badge engineered Volkswagen Vento, the rapid had not received any major updates since its launch and was in dire need of a comprehensive refresh. The New Skoda Rapid took place Today i.e. November 3. Prices start at Rs 8.35 lakh (ex-showroom Maharashtra), topping out at Rs 12.79 lakh. Here are all the available details on the New Skoda Rapid India 2016 launch, price and specifications.
Also See – Skoda Rapid Review | 2017 Skoda Octavia | Skoda Kodiaq
The Rapid facelift gets a new face featuring cleaner, sharper lines, revised interiors and a tweaked engine and transmission lineup. Skoda Auto sells four models in India- Rapid, Octavia, Yeti and Superb. Although there are no new models in the pipeline for 2016, the Rapid facelift is a significant launch.
Also See – Skoda Rapid Old vs New | Rapid vs Vento | New 2016 Rapid vs Ciaz
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Price in India
| Petrol | Diesel | |
| Active | Rs. 8.35 lakh | Rs. 9.57 lakh |
| Ambition Manual | Rs. 9.27 lakh | Rs. 10.49 lakh |
| Ambition Automatic | Rs. 10.39 lakh | Rs. 11.71 lakh |
| Style Manual | Rs. 10.44 lakh | Rs. 11.67 lakh |
| Style Automatic | Rs. 11.46 lakh | Rs. 12.79 lakh |
The new range of the Skoda Rapid starts at INR 8.35 lacs and goes all the way up to INR 12.79 lacs. That is an increment of around 40,000 over the outgoing model.
Also See – New Skoda Rapid vs Honda City
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Images
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Specifications
| Length x Width x Height | 4386 x 1699 x 1466 mm |
| Kerb Weight | -NA- |
| Wheel Type and Size | 16” Alloys |
| Boot Space | 460 L |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 1.6 L Petrol/1.5 L Diesel |
| Power | 104 bhp/108 bhp |
| Torque | 153 Nm/250 Nm |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT/5-speed MT or 7-speed AT (DSG) |
| Mileage | 14.84-15.41 KMPL/21.13-21.72 KMPL |
Powering the 2016 Rapid will be the 1.6 L petrol and 1.5 L Diesel engines from the current model. This petrol engine will be carried over to the new model without any major change in specifications. The 1.6 L petrol comes mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. However, the updated 1.5 L Diesel that recently made its debut on the Ameo Diesel could also power the Rapid Facelift. It now makes more power and is better in terms of emissions. The 1.5 L diesel also comes mated to a 5-speed manual, but the automatic variants get a 7-speed DSG instead. There were reports suggesting the new Rapid will get the Vento’s 1.2 L TSI petrol along with a 7-speed DSG. However, that has not been the case.
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Mileage
| Model | ARAI Mileage |
| Petrol 1.6 | Manual – 15.41 KMPL
Automatic – 14.84 KMPL |
| Diesel 1.5 | Manual – 21.13 KMPL
Automatic – 21.72 KMPL |
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Rivals
The Skoda Rapid facelift will continue to rival the likes of
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Exterior Design
The exteriors of the Skoda Rapid gets a comprehensive makeover along the lines of Skoda’s current design language. This design language serves as the base for the new Skoda Superb and the Octavia. The car to borrows heavily from the Euro-spec Fabia and Rapid. New Skoda Rapid 2016 facelift for India gets the same nose as the Fabia hatchback.
A highly updated front is the most noteworthy change. Changes to the front include a new grille, sharper headlamps, revised bumper and a new bonnet. Updates to the bumper also include a new fog lamp design and the addition of LED daytime running lights. The sides and the rear end remain same, save for a few tweaks to the bumper, tail lamps and alloy wheel design. As can been seen in the picture above, the Rapid facelift features blacked out headlamps lending the nose a very aggressive look.
New Skoda Rapid Colour Options
Six colour options on offer
- Brilliant Silver
- Candy White
- Cappuccino Beige
- Carbon Steel
- Silk Blue
- Flash Red
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Interior Design
On the inside, Skoda has given the new Rapid an updated colour scheme, new steering, new instrument console and new upholstery. These changes consequently freshen up the cabin. Skoda has not fiddled with the design too much as it shares most of its components with Volkswagen Vento. The new Rapid 2016 gets additional features in the form of a new touchscreen unit and a chilled glovebox. But apart from that, the Rapid does not get too many changes. Although the India-spec Rapid borrows its nose from the Fabia, it is actually based on the Volkswagen Vento/Polo. Therefore, the next generation rapid isn’t expected to arrive in India until the next generation Polo is unveiled.
New Skoda Rapid India 2016 Engine and Transmission
The facelift continues with the same set of engines as the current car. However, the new Rapid receives the 1.5 L TDI Diesel in its updated form. This engine now produces 108 bhp and 250 Nm. Some reports suggested Skoda might ditch the 1.6 L Petrol automatic variants in favour of a 1.2 L TSI petrol. However, that has not been the case. The diesel automatic variants of the new Skoda Rapid return 21.72 KMPL overall. Petrol variants have a claimed fuel efficiency of 15.41 KMPL and 14.84 KMPL for the manual and automatic variants respectively.
Skoda Rapid Images (Euro-Spec)
Stay tuned to Car Blog India for more updates on the New Skoda Rapid India 2016 launch. Also stay tuned for a comprehensive Skoda Rapid 2016 Test Drive Review. You can also follow us for all the latest updates, news and reviews from the automotive world.
