Skoda Auto India has been going strong in the mid-size sedan segment, despite the shrinking of the segment overall. The compact SUV segment has seriously dented the mid-size sedan segment in India. We recently did a post analyzing the mid-size sedan segment and its growth trajectory according to the sales report. The most popular sedans in India in this segment have always been Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. But in recent times, Skoda Rapid has always a long way to be able to compete with these segment favourites to establish a place for itself.
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With great built quality and upmarket interior of high quality, Rapid has won the hearts of a lot of Indian customers. People have really made it very popular and the sales figures show that. In December 2020, Rapid managed to sell 1,015 units. In comparison, the Hyundai Verna sold only 21 units more (1,036) and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz sold 1,270 units. These figures suggest the exact popularity of the Rapid against its rivals. Considering the relatively higher maintenance, repair and spare parts costs of Skoda, people have chosen the brand for its quality and driving experience. Also, one of the contributing factors to Rapid’s success is its base variant, the Rider. Skoda had to discontinue it last year because of high demand. Now, they have brought it back. Let us look at what Rapid Rider offers.
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Skoda Rapid Rider – Features
The base variant of the Rapid does come with a ton of features. As is the case with a lot of other car manufacturers, who don’t equip the base variants with too many features, the Rider variant is very practical with all the basic features. This is the reason for its huge success and high demand. Let us take a look at what the Rapid Rider comes equipped with.
- 2DIN Skoda Audio Player with USB support
- Auto AC
- Windscreen Defogger
- Front and Rear electronically adjustable wondowns with one touch operation
- Dual Airbags and ABS
- Rear parking sensors for added convenience and safety
- Rough Road Package
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Adjustable front and rear headrests for added comfort
- Power adjustable ORVMs
- Rear Air-con vents
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Skoda Rapid Rider – Engine, Price and Rivals
The Rapid Rider comes with a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine which makes 110hp and 175Nm. This engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. The result is a quick and responsive engine-gearbox combination for an immersive driving experience. The claimed 0-100 kmph takes under 10 secs, which is very impressive. The Rapid Rider costs Rs 7.79 lakh, ex-showroom. It is very interesting to know it undercuts the base variants of all its rivals including Verna, City and Ciaz by quite some margin. The base variant of the Verna starts at Rs 9.02 lakh, City costs Rs 9.29 lakh (4th-gen) and Ciaz costs Rs 8.42 lakh, ex-showroom.
The exciting news is that this year we will see the launch of the all-new Skoda Rapid, which might come with a different name. But it will replace the current Rapid, which is already quite a success. The new Rapid will take the fight to the competition and can also prove to beat its rivals because of its quality in terms of driving dynamics and interiors.
