The Skoda Rapid are in a dire need to update itself. The new car will be built on the MQB A0 IN platform developed by Skoda. Manufacturing in India will be starting in 2021. This means that after being introduced in 2011 it’s going to take Skoda 10 years and a number of facelifts to get this car’s new version to India finally. The wait is going to be long and the expectations are way too many from this car. Skoda Rapid 2021 will be an all new car and shall be made on a highly localised platform.

The Volkswagen group has also unveiled its India 2.0 strategy, which will be led by Skoda. Under the new strategy, Volkswagen will operate mainly in the 4 meter+ segments. Skoda in India is also deemed to head the investment for the Volkswagen group.

2016 Skoda Rapid Facelift 1

Skoda Rapid 2021 Platform

The Skoda Rapid will have all new avatars very soon. Both cars will be based on the MQB A0 platform that has been made by Skoda for the emerging markets like India and Brazil. The MQB platform is VW’s global platform but the A0, will help to reduce the costing to make Skoda competitive in the market.

Skoda Rapid 2021 Design

The Skoda Rapid 2021 is likely to look considerably different from VW’s Virtus (new Vento) which is already on sale in Brazil. Adding to the wow factor is that the Virtus(new Vento) is considerably larger than the current Vento – almost 100mm longer and wider – and is built on a substantially longer wheelbase. Increased wheelbase means more knee room on the inside. So, the VW, Skoda and the Audi new vehicles will have the same wheelbase globally on this platform. We aren’t certain if the new Audi MQB A0 will be localised for India. This same wheelbase will be shared with the Polo 2020 also.

volkswagen-virtus-images-front-angle

Skoda Rapid 2021 Features

Being locally manufactured means that Skoda will also be able to equip it considerably well. And they should be well equipped as there has always been a premium asked on this sedan over the the other cars in it’s segment. We expect LED headlights, an upmarket digital instrument panel, a bigger touchscreen and other segment-leading features that could be borrowed from its big brothers at Audi. There will be Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Mirror Link too. We aren’t sure of sun roof though. Wireless charging can also be expected in the Skoda Rapid 2021.

In terms of space, there will be more knee room at the rear. This is due to the increased wheelbase. There shall be rear AC vents and even arm rest too. The boot space will also see an increment.

New Skoda Rapid 2017 interiors
New Skoda Rapid 2017 interiors

Skoda Rapid 2021 Engine

When it comes to power, the turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are likely to be introduced here. The 1.0-litre-three cylinder TSI turbocharged petrol engine will soon be manufactured in India by the Volkswagen group. The engine is likely to make about 115bhp and 200Nm of torque on the next-generation Skoda Rapid. Both manual and twin clutch automatic gearboxes are likely to be offered with this engine.

The 1.5-litre TDI turbocharged motor will be the diesel engine of choice but will be introduced with heavy re-engineering to accommodate emission-cutting equipment. This too will come with both manual and twin clutch automatic gearboxes.

We also think that there might be some type of mild hybrid or electric drive-trains in mind by Skoda since the manufacturing is starting this late and it could by then be replacing the diesel variants.

Both the petrol and diesel engines will be Bharat Stage 6 emission norms ready. The diesel variants of the new Rapid will mostly be priced much higher than the petrol powered options thanks to the addition of complex emission control equipment and Volkswagen’s Diesel-gate scandal.

Also Read: Volkswagen Polo 2018 Review

Skoda Rapid 2021 Launch Date

The new Skoda Rapid should start manufacturing in India in 2021. We expect the vehicle to hit the showrooms by end of 2021. This will be a highly localised product. This will be a new Rapid coming to India after a period of 10 years.

Skoda Rapid 2021 Price in India

Skoda Rapid 2021 Variants Expected Price (on-road)
Base petrol Rs 10 lakhs
Top petrol manual Rs 14 lakhs
Top diesel manual Rs 15 lakhs
Top diesel auto Rs 16 lakhs

 

Skoda Rapid 2021 will be coming to India as a highly localised product. The company will be looking at manufacturing the vehicle not just in India but even also considering exports. This will help the VW Group to get the pricing lowered and competitive. The Rapid 2021 should be priced against the Honda City and the Verna. We expect it to come for INR 10 lakhs to INR 16 lakhs (on-road) approx.

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