The 2020 Skoda Rapid is expected to be launched in India by mid-2021.
The Rapid lives to see another generation! Well yes, the 2020 Skoda Rapid has made its world debut in Russia where it will retail for Rs. 9.23 lakhs (RUB 8,29,000) from the first quarter of next year. What’s interesting is that the same model will be offered in India as well after a few market-specific changes.
The new Rapid represents a major departure in terms of design language from its predecessor as it adopts a more high-end look heavily derived from the Scala. The face has largely been carried over, characterized by sleek arrow-shaped headlights with built-in LEDs, while the taillight design seems inspired by its fancier cousin as well. It features L-shaped taillights with a crystalline design. It even gets a ‘Skoda’ lettering on the boot lid first seen on the recently launched Skoda Kodiaq Scout.
The 2020 Skoda Rapid has a completely revamped interior that is a substantial step-up from the previous generation. It features more premium materials and the dashboard gets a floating type infotainment system. It gets a fully digital unit is and ambient lighting adds some extra oomph.
The Russia- spec model will be on sale with 2 steering wheel options – a regular 3-spoke unit and the other a 2-spoke one with a heating feature. Since Russia battles extreme cold, the market will also get a heated windshield. The 2020 Skoda Rapid will be available in a range of engine options for the Russian market. These include 90 PS and 110 PS versions of a 1.6-litre MPi naturally aspirated and a 125 PS 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engines. The base motor comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the 110 PS version can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed auto unit. The top-spec engine comes mated to a 7-speed DSG.
Meanwhile, for the Indian market, the 2020 Skoda Rapid will be powered by a single 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine with a maximum power of 115 PS and a peak torque of 250 Nm. The Indian model will be underpinned by the highly anticipated MQB AO IN platform and expected to be launched by mid-2021.
2020 Skoda Rapid
– The 2020 Skoda Rapid has been revealed in Russia
– The same model will be offered in India albeit some market-specific changes
– Expected to be launched in India by mid-2021
