Skoda Rapid to discontinue diesel engine

Zack Hollis, director – sales, service and marketing, Skoda Auto India has confirmed that Skoda will discontinue the 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol from Skoda Rapid. The Skoda Rapid will get a completely new BS6 engine. To know more about the upcoming engine and changes read further.

Skoda Rapid Engine

BS6 norms will commence from the 1st of April. To overcome the norms Skoda will initially launch Skoda Rapid in only one engine option. The engine will be 1.0-litre turbo petrol. The engine in the international market has two states of tunes – 95 bhp / 160 Nm and 115 bhp / 200 Nm. The bigger power tuned engine will be made available to the Rapid. While smaller Volkswagen cars will get 95 bhp tuned engine option for better efficiency.

The BS6 updated Skoda Rapid will get the option of high-tech seven-speed DSG dual-clutch unit.

This will replace the old six-speed torque converter automatic that was paired with 1.6-litre petrol. For now only diesel model gets DSG option. 

The current 1.6-litre petrol engine produces max 105 bhp at 5200 rpm and 153Nm peak torque at 3750 rpm. While the 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 109 bhp at 4000 rpm and 250 Nm peak torque at 1500 rpm. Hollis also said that it is the right time for people loving diesel engine as Skoda is offering discounts on their diesel models. Being said that he also added that the market will move more towards petrol in the coming years. While 1.5-litre diesel engine will not meet BS6 upgrade, VW and Skoda will plan to upgrade the 2.0-litre diesel to meet emission norms.

Hollis said that investment in BS6 will significantly make a price hike over the BS4 models. 

The exterior will also get some tweaks for refreshing the looks. The front will have design cues from the current-gen European spec Skoda Fabia. Rear as well will get revised styling. The tail lamps and bumper will be redesigned to resemble the bigger Skoda vehicles.

Price

The price for BS4 model starts with Rs 8.81 lakhs(ex-showroom) and goes up towards Rs 14.25 lakhs(ex-showroom). BS6 model, however, will have a significant price hike. The top-end DSG model might cost around Rs 14 lakhs(ex-showroom). Skoda Rapid competes against Ciaz, Verna and City. You can watch our review of Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition below.