BS6 Skoda Rapid has been spied testing with a factory-fitted CNG kit, which indicates a greener version of it coming soon.
After discontinuing fuel-efficient diesel engines, Skoda and Volkswagen have progressed with new 1.0 Litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engines. While they are still good on the performance part, smaller engines mean that the fuel efficiency will be somewhat maintained. For those who want Skoda Rapid to be more fuel-efficient, may have a chance to buy its CNG version soon, as it has been spotted testing.
Skoda Rapid CNG has been spotted testing near its plant with a TC number plate. And you can see that the bonnet is up and CNG being filled. Usually, aftermarket CNG kits have the opening on the front, while factory-fitted cars have it inside the fuel cover. In the international market, many Skoda cars already come with CNG as an option. There are chances that Rapid in India could get a 13.8 kg cylinder which will give an approximate range of 380 kilometres alone.
Also Read: Hyundai Aura vs Skoda Rapid – 0-100 kph Acceleration Test!
That combined with the petrol motor, the range could well over cross 700 to 800 kilometres. For Rapid CNG, Skoda will have to make specific changes to the suspension, engine and gearbox as well. As the weight of the car will increase, these changes will ensure that the overall quality of the car remains the same. Followed by this, even Volkswagen Vento could get one very soon.
Skoda Rapid currently uses a 1.0 Litre three-cylinder turbo petrol motor that produces 110 PS and 175 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed manual. The power figures will go down for the CNG variants, probably to 100 PS. Even the torque figures will reduce further. While Rapid also gets an automatic gearbox soon, the CNG variants will only come with a manual gearbox.
Currently, the prices of Skoda Rapid commence at Rs 7.49 Lakhs up to Rs 11.79 Lakhs for the manual variants. Automatic variants are priced from Rs 9.49 Lakhs up to Rs 13.29 Lakhs (ex-showroom prices). Rapid is currently the most affordable executive sedan that you can buy, even with the AT variants.
