Skoda Rapid is the entry-level sedan from the brand. It has been in the Indian markets for almost nine years now. The Czech automaker has reached to the wider audience with the help of Rapid. Now due to stricter emission norms, Skoda will be launching the BS6 avatar of the entry-level sedan. The blog will be explaining all the possible changes and updates the Skoda Rapid BS6 will posses.

Engine

First and far most change on the Rapid BS6 will be on the powertrain. The current 1.6-litre MPI petrol and 1.5-litre TDI diesel, both will be discontinued and replaced by the new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The engine is borrowed from Volkswagen international models such as Golf and T-Cross. This engine produces around 115 bhp at 5,000-5,500 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Comparing with the current model, it produces 10 bhp more than the BS4 compliant 1.6-litre MPI engine.

The engine will come mated with the 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission. The 7-speed DSG gearbox will be discontinued for a better value proposition and cost-cutting. However, it will be interesting to see whether Skoda brings the 7-speed twin-clutch DSG back to the Rapid even just as an option or not. The same 1.0-litre engine will later be shared with Polo, Vento and upcoming Volkswagen Taigun.

Exterior Design

2016 skoda rapid facelift 3

The overall exterior design is expected to be similar to the predecessor. However, it might have some tweaks to have itself distinguish from the BS4 counterpart. The bumper design and headlamp unit are likely to be redesigned. The taillamps might have an inclusion of the LEDs to enhance its looks. The alloy wheel design is expected to be redesigned. The sedan is expected to have different and more colour options than the current model. The one with the matt grey colour was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020.

Features and Interior

The showcased model did not consist of a lot of features, but we expect the BS6 model will have pretty upmarket and competitive features. It is expected with the larger 9-inch touch screen infotainment system, sunroof, automatic climate control, cruise control and so. The safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD will be the standard feature across the variants. The top trims will have multiple airbag option, dual-tone colours interior as well as exterior, leather seats, etc.

Price and Launch Date

The pricing for the Skoda Rapid BS6 is expected to have a drop over the base variant. For reference, the current pricing of Skoda Rapid starts at Rs 8.81 lakhs(ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 14.25 lakhs(ex-showroom) for the top trim. Its is expected to launch between April and May 2020. It will be competing against the Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and Honda City. Watch our walkaround video on the Auto Expo showcased Skoda Rapid below.

 

 

Comments

Your email address will not be published. All the fields are required.