Skoda India is
going to launch its new car-Skoda Rapid precisely in November. However,
initial information captured from the undisguised images of Skoda Rapid
suggests that the upcoming car is an extended version of Skoda Fabia
hatchback. Skoda India started the production of Skoda Rapid at its
Chakan facility in Pune recently only. The new sedan has been designed
to cater exactly to the needs of Indian customers. Skoda Rapid price
is yet to be revealed but it will undercut the price of Volkswagen
Vento which shares its platform with Rapid. The front looks are heavily
inspired from Skoda Fabia and side look from Volkswagen Vento. Only the
rear end is modified by Skoda India. Skoda Rapid will be equally
spacious as Volkswagen Vento and will share the engine specifications
with the latter i.e 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engine churning out 105
bhp power. The engine will be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission.
However, the diesel variant producing 250 Nm of torque will also feature
an automatic gearbox.
Overview of Skoda Rapid
Skoda India is all set to shake the C+ segment with the launch of all-new sedan which will be manufactured in the same plant (Chakan, Pune) where Vento is also manufactured. Initially, it was expected that it will be sold as Rapid, then there were rumours that it will be christened 'Lauretta' but Skoda Auto India has again surprised everybody that finally their all-new entry level sedan will be sold as 'Rapid' in India. Thoungh no official announcement has been made by the company about the price of its new sedan but it is expected that Skoda Rapid will be priced very competitively at Rs. 700000 for the base petrol model and Rs. 800000 for the base model of diesel. It will be powered by same petrol and diesel engine which are doing duty under the hood of Volkswagen Vento. Skoda Auto recently changed the variant names of Fabia and Laura (Classic to Active and Ambiente to Ambition), it is expected that Rapid will also feature new variant names when it will be launched. Skoda Rapid will get design cues from the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento, it was expected that it will be based on the MissionL design concept displayed the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but to keep the costs down Skoda Auto has kept the design very basic and familiar. It will compete with the likes of Honda City, Volkswgen Vento, New Hyundai Verna, New Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, Fiat Linea and Tata Indigo Manza.
VEHICLE SUMMARY
Fast Facts About Skoda Rapid
- It is expected to be launched in few days
- It will be available in both petrol and diesel
- The main rival cars are Volkswagen Vento, Honda City, Fiat Linea, New Hyundai Verna Fluidic, New Ford Fiesta and Nissan Sunny
- Base model of Rapid petrol is expected to be priced at Rs. 700000
- Base model of Rapid diesel is expected to be priced at Rs. 800000
- Will get design cues from the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento
- Petrol engine will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 153 Nm torque
- Diesel engine will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 250 Nm torque
- Will be available in at least six variants: Active petrol, Ambition petrol, Elegance petrol, Active diesel, Ambition diesel and Elegance Diesel
- Expected to be available in five attractive shades: Deep Black, Candy White, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver and Cappuccino Beige
- Expected to feature dual SRS airbags, ABS and EBD
Skoda Auto India is all set to launch its latest invent “Skoda Rapid” soon. This latest entry in the fleet of Skoda India is most likely to be based on one of its sibling Volkswagen’s offering. If speculations are to be believed, Skoda Rapid is going to incorporate same engine specifications as added in VW Vento i.e. 1.6L petrol/diesel added with dual transmission modes (Auto/Manual).
The Skoda Rapid price might come close to Maruti SX4 and much below Skoda Laura, there is going to be hard competition within the sedan segment cars. After the launch of Skoda Yeti - the SUV segment car, “Skoda Rapid” is next in-line. And as per rumors, Skoda India is going to install some high-end tech specs in Skoda Rapid making it a milestone in sedan car segment. So sit tight for a whole new riding experience with “Skoda Rapid”.
Skoda Auto started its operations in India as Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd in November 2001. In India, the company is currently selling following car models - Skoda Laura, Skoda Fabia (manufactured in India) and Skoda Superb, Skoda Yeti (Imported) with Skoda Octavia model discontinued in 2010.
With Skoda Auto India having presence in most of the car segments, the company is going to make one more addition in Sedan car segment by launching the all new smoking hot “Skoda Rapid”. With company keeping tight lips regarding the Skoda Rapid specs and equipments, one thing is quite sure that it is going to offer good competition to other cars present in this segment. As per reports, Skoda Rapid will come with low price tag and this will act as the main USP of this car. We all know that Skoda Auto India never compromises on comfort, technology and looks, so this time also it is believed that they will deliver a mind-suiting eye candy.
The Czech carmaker seems to be on the track to further revolutionize India with Skoda Rapid. This car has been designed similar to its sibling Volkswagen’s sedan offering Vento. It will be an executive class sedan and will be a direct rival of Honda City. Rapid will be built at the company’s Chakan facility in Pune.
An engine similar to Volkswagen Vento is supposed to power Rapid as well. It will be a 1.6L diesel and 1598cc petrol engine of Vento that will be there in various trims of Rapid. The transmission system is likely to have an automatic version whereas the manual will have five-speed gears.
Indian car market that has since been dominated by premium sedan Honda City is expected to undergo a radical change with the Rapid. Being positioned in the premium car category, Skoda is expected to pitch in an aggressive strategy in order to capture the market. With the superior branding and a sales backup of Skoda Fabia and Laura, the Czech carmaker will experience less effort in popularizing its new sedan Skoda Rapid. Besides, it will be an advantage for Rapid as it is expected to be offered in diesel when Honda City is available only in petrol.
Rapid’s engine displacement of 1598cc and a maximum power of 105 PS and a maximum torque 153Nm is going to add to the popularity as it will be more powerful than Honda City which has a only 1497cc engine under its hood.
As it is based on a new concept, Skoda Rapid is sure to have prominent exteriors and plush interiors. The front is expected to be different from any of the Volkswagen or Skoda’s line up as it is hoped to be based on the new concept that could be MissonL. Initial pictures of Rapid reveal that it will have a prominent front grille with a little chrome lining and uniquely designed sporty headlamps. The new Skoda Green colored logo sits tight at the centre on the top of the grille. The front face is further enhanced with body colored bumper that has a wide air dam and two fog lamps on each side. Moving on to the sides; Skoda Rapid has much bolder and masculine side fenders that complements the sides with the help of all-alloy wheels. The Outside Rear View Mirrors will be body colored and will have side indicators on it. The rear view pictures of the Skoda Rapid are unavailable however, it is expected that it will have high mounted brake light besides two LED based rear lamps.
The interior of Rapid will be in all likelihood plush and sporty in order to compete with its rivals in India. The dash will have all advanced equipments including meters, glove box, music system and air conditioning. The air conditioning is expected to have automatic climate control feature. The steering is expected to be clad in leather with audio and cruise control buttons on it. In all, Skoda Rapid will be able to seat four persons comfortably with an overall seating capacity for five persons. The rear seats will have a handrest with cup holder in the middle. The height adjustable front driver seat and the passenger seat are expected to have lumbar support and we could even find leather upholstery on the high-end models.
On the safety front, Skoda Rapid is expected to have two airbags for the driver and the front passenger besides Anti-lock Braking System, front fog lamps, Electronic BrakeForce Distribution and Electronic Stability Program are also expected to find a place in Rapid.
Among the comfort features, Rapid is expected to have adjustable power steering, internally adjustable ORVMs with power fold feature, central locking, power windows, adjustable front seats, music system with MP3 and FM integrated with four speakers apart from automatic climate control.
The engine power of Skoda Rapid will be transferred to the wheels with the help of a five speed manual gearbox. A five speed automatic transmission option could also be there on the high-end models.
Skoda Rapid interiors are said to have been designed keeping in view the needs of the Indian customers. Though at Rs 7 lakh starting price we can’t expect Skoda to put in lush and plush interiors akin to its senior premium sedan offerings but it will be highly comfortable for sure. Safety and comfort besides feature rich interiors will be a plus for Skoda Rapid. In order to make it conditioned to Indian roads, Skoda will definitely put in some stunning comfort features inside Rapid. It will have a seating capacity for five people with seats having lumbar support. The interior will be marked by driver-focused dashboard and highly informative and attractive instrument cluster.
Skoda Rapid Braking & Handling
Skoda will be putting in a robust braking system in Rapid. The new saloon is expected to come powered with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) along with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution system. The brakes will be front disc and rear drum type. Also, there will be McPherson Strut at the front and Semi-Independent trailing arm type suspension at the rear in order to give ultimate comfort ride.
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| Skoda Rapid By Skoda India in 2011 |
Overview of Skoda Rapid
Skoda India is all set to shake the C+ segment with the launch of all-new sedan which will be manufactured in the same plant (Chakan, Pune) where Vento is also manufactured. Initially, it was expected that it will be sold as Rapid, then there were rumours that it will be christened 'Lauretta' but Skoda Auto India has again surprised everybody that finally their all-new entry level sedan will be sold as 'Rapid' in India. Thoungh no official announcement has been made by the company about the price of its new sedan but it is expected that Skoda Rapid will be priced very competitively at Rs. 700000 for the base petrol model and Rs. 800000 for the base model of diesel. It will be powered by same petrol and diesel engine which are doing duty under the hood of Volkswagen Vento. Skoda Auto recently changed the variant names of Fabia and Laura (Classic to Active and Ambiente to Ambition), it is expected that Rapid will also feature new variant names when it will be launched. Skoda Rapid will get design cues from the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento, it was expected that it will be based on the MissionL design concept displayed the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but to keep the costs down Skoda Auto has kept the design very basic and familiar. It will compete with the likes of Honda City, Volkswgen Vento, New Hyundai Verna, New Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, Fiat Linea and Tata Indigo Manza.
VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:
RapidModel:
ActiveCar Body Type:
SedanSegment:
C+ SegmentWarranty:
NAENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:
1598cc, 4 CylEngine Type:
PetrolMaximum Power:
105 BhpMaximum Torque:
153 NmOTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Seating Capacity:
5Tyre Size:
185/60 R14Suspension:
NASteering:
PowerBrakes:
Front Disk, Rear DrumGears:
5 Manual
Fast Facts About Skoda Rapid
- It is expected to be launched in few days
- It will be available in both petrol and diesel
- The main rival cars are Volkswagen Vento, Honda City, Fiat Linea, New Hyundai Verna Fluidic, New Ford Fiesta and Nissan Sunny
- Base model of Rapid petrol is expected to be priced at Rs. 700000
- Base model of Rapid diesel is expected to be priced at Rs. 800000
- Will get design cues from the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento
- Petrol engine will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 153 Nm torque
- Diesel engine will be 1598cc, 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve - 105 Bhp power and 250 Nm torque
- Will be available in at least six variants: Active petrol, Ambition petrol, Elegance petrol, Active diesel, Ambition diesel and Elegance Diesel
- Expected to be available in five attractive shades: Deep Black, Candy White, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver and Cappuccino Beige
- Expected to feature dual SRS airbags, ABS and EBD
Skoda Rapid Overall
Skoda Auto India is all set to launch its latest invent “Skoda Rapid” soon. This latest entry in the fleet of Skoda India is most likely to be based on one of its sibling Volkswagen’s offering. If speculations are to be believed, Skoda Rapid is going to incorporate same engine specifications as added in VW Vento i.e. 1.6L petrol/diesel added with dual transmission modes (Auto/Manual).
The Skoda Rapid price might come close to Maruti SX4 and much below Skoda Laura, there is going to be hard competition within the sedan segment cars. After the launch of Skoda Yeti - the SUV segment car, “Skoda Rapid” is next in-line. And as per rumors, Skoda India is going to install some high-end tech specs in Skoda Rapid making it a milestone in sedan car segment. So sit tight for a whole new riding experience with “Skoda Rapid”.
Skoda Auto started its operations in India as Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd in November 2001. In India, the company is currently selling following car models - Skoda Laura, Skoda Fabia (manufactured in India) and Skoda Superb, Skoda Yeti (Imported) with Skoda Octavia model discontinued in 2010.
With Skoda Auto India having presence in most of the car segments, the company is going to make one more addition in Sedan car segment by launching the all new smoking hot “Skoda Rapid”. With company keeping tight lips regarding the Skoda Rapid specs and equipments, one thing is quite sure that it is going to offer good competition to other cars present in this segment. As per reports, Skoda Rapid will come with low price tag and this will act as the main USP of this car. We all know that Skoda Auto India never compromises on comfort, technology and looks, so this time also it is believed that they will deliver a mind-suiting eye candy.
The Czech carmaker seems to be on the track to further revolutionize India with Skoda Rapid. This car has been designed similar to its sibling Volkswagen’s sedan offering Vento. It will be an executive class sedan and will be a direct rival of Honda City. Rapid will be built at the company’s Chakan facility in Pune.
An engine similar to Volkswagen Vento is supposed to power Rapid as well. It will be a 1.6L diesel and 1598cc petrol engine of Vento that will be there in various trims of Rapid. The transmission system is likely to have an automatic version whereas the manual will have five-speed gears.
Indian car market that has since been dominated by premium sedan Honda City is expected to undergo a radical change with the Rapid. Being positioned in the premium car category, Skoda is expected to pitch in an aggressive strategy in order to capture the market. With the superior branding and a sales backup of Skoda Fabia and Laura, the Czech carmaker will experience less effort in popularizing its new sedan Skoda Rapid. Besides, it will be an advantage for Rapid as it is expected to be offered in diesel when Honda City is available only in petrol.
Rapid’s engine displacement of 1598cc and a maximum power of 105 PS and a maximum torque 153Nm is going to add to the popularity as it will be more powerful than Honda City which has a only 1497cc engine under its hood.
As it is based on a new concept, Skoda Rapid is sure to have prominent exteriors and plush interiors. The front is expected to be different from any of the Volkswagen or Skoda’s line up as it is hoped to be based on the new concept that could be MissonL. Initial pictures of Rapid reveal that it will have a prominent front grille with a little chrome lining and uniquely designed sporty headlamps. The new Skoda Green colored logo sits tight at the centre on the top of the grille. The front face is further enhanced with body colored bumper that has a wide air dam and two fog lamps on each side. Moving on to the sides; Skoda Rapid has much bolder and masculine side fenders that complements the sides with the help of all-alloy wheels. The Outside Rear View Mirrors will be body colored and will have side indicators on it. The rear view pictures of the Skoda Rapid are unavailable however, it is expected that it will have high mounted brake light besides two LED based rear lamps.
The interior of Rapid will be in all likelihood plush and sporty in order to compete with its rivals in India. The dash will have all advanced equipments including meters, glove box, music system and air conditioning. The air conditioning is expected to have automatic climate control feature. The steering is expected to be clad in leather with audio and cruise control buttons on it. In all, Skoda Rapid will be able to seat four persons comfortably with an overall seating capacity for five persons. The rear seats will have a handrest with cup holder in the middle. The height adjustable front driver seat and the passenger seat are expected to have lumbar support and we could even find leather upholstery on the high-end models.
On the safety front, Skoda Rapid is expected to have two airbags for the driver and the front passenger besides Anti-lock Braking System, front fog lamps, Electronic BrakeForce Distribution and Electronic Stability Program are also expected to find a place in Rapid.
Among the comfort features, Rapid is expected to have adjustable power steering, internally adjustable ORVMs with power fold feature, central locking, power windows, adjustable front seats, music system with MP3 and FM integrated with four speakers apart from automatic climate control.
Skoda Rapid Mileage, Average And Fuel Economy
Skoda Rapid will be there in Petrol and Diesel engine options. Though there is no official confirmation regarding mileage and fuel economy but based on engine configuration it is expected that Rapid petrol car will be able to deliver 12 kmpl in the city and 16 kmpl on the highways. Whereas the diesel powered Skoda Rapid is expected to return a mileage of 16 kmpl in the city and 20.5 kmpl in the long run.Skoda Rapid Power
Engine similar to Volkswagen Vento will power the new Skoda car – Rapid and thus there will be a 1.6L diesel and a petrol engine with similar displacement under the bonnet of Skoda Rapid. The diesel motor will be able to churn 105PS of power at 4400rpm and a maximum torque of 250Nm at 1500-2500rpm. On the other hand, the petrol car will have a maximum power of 105PS and a maximum torque of 153Nm at 3800rpm.The engine power of Skoda Rapid will be transferred to the wheels with the help of a five speed manual gearbox. A five speed automatic transmission option could also be there on the high-end models.
Skoda Rapid Acceleration & Pick-Up
The Rapid will get superior acceleration and faster pick up due to the powerful and a high torque engine. The manual gearbox also adds to the smoother acceleration of the car. The diesel powered Skoda Rapid acceleration will be a little less than the petrol one but it will be smoother in the city due to its high torque at low rpms. The petrol and diesel Rapid cars are expected to have a top speed of around 185 kmph. Since the car is soon to be launched there is no official confirmation regarding the acceleration and pick up, once the figures are there, we will update the same. Skoda Rapid Exteriors
As per official sources, Skoda Rapid has been designed keeping in view the needs of the people of India. Despite the fact that Skoda Rapid is expected to share the same heart with Volkswagen Vento, it is in no way similar to it in its shape or size. The new saloon in Skoda’s stable has a unique font view. The smiling face grille with vertical grills and a Skoda logo at the centre dominates the front. The two aerodynamically designed halogen powered headlamps are swept-back in shape. There is also a prominent air dam on the lower half of the front bumper. Overall, it has classy and elegant exteriors. In order to distinguish it from its hatchback junior, Skoda Rapid has been designed afresh however, people may find some similarity with its hatchback junior Fabia as well.Exterior Measurements
As it is based on the Indian needs, Skoda Rapid is compact in size so that it can easily maneuver through even the busiest streets in India. As per initial information, it will be more than four meters in length and is expected to have a ground clearance of 168mm and will have a turning radius of more than five meters. Skoda Rapid Interiors
Skoda Rapid interiors are said to have been designed keeping in view the needs of the Indian customers. Though at Rs 7 lakh starting price we can’t expect Skoda to put in lush and plush interiors akin to its senior premium sedan offerings but it will be highly comfortable for sure. Safety and comfort besides feature rich interiors will be a plus for Skoda Rapid. In order to make it conditioned to Indian roads, Skoda will definitely put in some stunning comfort features inside Rapid. It will have a seating capacity for five people with seats having lumbar support. The interior will be marked by driver-focused dashboard and highly informative and attractive instrument cluster.
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| Skoda Rapid Interior |
Interior Comfort
Skoda Rapid will take care of the interior comfort part well as it is said to have been designed as per the expectations of the Indians. In all, it will be much spacious with comfortable seating for five people and a handrest in the middle of the rear bench type seats. There will be power steering and power windows as part of the standard equipment. Besides, there will also be adjustable driver seat with lumbar support. An adjustable steering is also expected on the high end models of Rapid.Interior Measurements
Despite its compact size, Skoda Rapid will have enough space for seating five people inside. Being a sedan car, it will have enough headroom, legroom and shoulder room at the front and even for the rear passengers. Skoda Rapid Engine Capacity & Performance
In order to meet up to the expectations of Indian audience, Skoda is supposed to power Rapid well. The petrol powered Skoda Rapid will have a 1.6L DOHC in-line engine in place that produces 105PS of peak power. The diesel engine despite being similarly powered produces more torque 250Nm at 1500-2500rpm thus enabling the Rapid to have easy maneuverability in even snail-paced city traffic as well. The engine that is expected to be of Vento will surely perform well in the city and on long runs as well. The engine in Rapid will have a five speed manual transmission attached to it with advanced gear shift ratios making it swifter in the city and quicker on the highways.Skoda Rapid Braking & Handling
Skoda will be putting in a robust braking system in Rapid. The new saloon is expected to come powered with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) along with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution system. The brakes will be front disc and rear drum type. Also, there will be McPherson Strut at the front and Semi-Independent trailing arm type suspension at the rear in order to give ultimate comfort ride.
Skoda Rapid got impressive specifications with completely new exterior and there is a greater emphasis laid on energy efficiency and comfort.This car will surely lead the Octavia legacy.
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