Skoda Auto India has been aggressively launching new models and updating their existing models. As per their new brand philosophy, Skoda is moving away from diesel engines and concentrating more on petrol and hybrid vehicles. Skoda recently launched the updated 2020 Rapid C-segment sedan which competes with cars like Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento in the segment. According to some reports, Skoda is planning to launch an all-new Rapid in our market by the end of 2021. Here’s more details about this.
The upcoming Rapid is likely to get a different design from the version sold in international market. According to a post shared on Team-Bhp, Zac Hollis, Director, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India had confirmed it on twitter while replying to a question asked by a follower. He had confirmed that the international version of the Rapid will not be coming to India but a new mid-size sedan will be coming by the end of 2021.
The upcoming Skoda Rapid will be based on MQB A0 platform which will be used in many other vehicles that Skoda and Volkswagen launch in India, in future. Just like the current generation Rapid, upcoming Skoda Rapid will share parts and platform with the next-gen Volkswagen Vento which will be launched. In comparison to the current version, it will get a major update in terms of exterior design.
Also read: 2020 Skoda India Rapid 1.0 TSI TVC released
As mentioned in the tweet this will be an India specific product and for that reason it will be manufactured here only. This will help Skoda keep check on the price. It will be manufactured here in Volkswagen’s Chakan factory alongside the new Volkswagen Vento. A high level of localisation is expected and this will help Skoda price the upcoming Rapid more competitively.
In terms of engine, as mentioned above, Skoda is moving away from diesel engines and they recently introduced the 1.0 litre, three cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine in Rapid and the same engine will be carried forward to the next generation as well. The 1.0 TSI engine in Rapid generates 110 Ps and 175 Nm of torque. It will be available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Just like any other Skoda vehicle on sale in India, we can except the same level of build quality, features and decent looking car similar to their other products in the line up.
Also read: Honda Cars India starts production of all-new 2020 City sedan