The 2016 Skoda Rapid facelift has been caught testing again. Skoda is expected to launch the car during this year’s festive season.
As its speculated launch in Diwali nears, the Skoda Rapid facelift has been caught on test again, this time by MotorBeam reader Vinayak Bharne. This time it has been spotted in Lonavala. The car seems ready to be launched and these might be the final testing rounds before the official reveal in the festive season.
The spy shots reveal a new front bumper which was partially hidden, thus concealing the fog lamps. The new grille highly resembles the one from the Octavia and gives the car an upmarket feel. The spied car also gets projector headlamps which have been blacked out to give the car a sporty look. This headlight design has also been renewed to make the front fascia look sharper. It also gets a redesigned bonnet. The fenders have also undergone a rework and the wheel arches have been flared up. The rear however, remains unchanged.
There is no concrete news about any new engine options yet, though the diesel engine may get minor updates. As of now, it is expected to get the same engines as the outgoing model – The 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 103 BHP of power and 153 Nm of torque and the 1.5-litre diesel also producing 103 BHP of power but 250 Nm of torque.
Skoda is also set to make efforts for maximum localization of the 2016 Rapid. These efforts will also help Skoda price the Rapid aggressively. The facelift will also help keep the sales up until the all new international-spec 2017 model hits our shores.
2016 Skoda Rapid Facelift
– Skoda is speculated to launch the new Rapid by this Diwali
– The Rapid gets an aesthetic update with new front bumpers, grille, headlights, bonnet and fenders
– Mechanical changes are highly unlikely
– Skoda is aiming for maximum localization for lower pricing
