2014 Skoda Rapid launched at Rs 7.22 lakh

Skoda has launched the 2014 Rapid at Rs 7.22 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The Rapid doesn’t get a facelift although it does get a mechanical update that has the potential to be a gamechanger in this segment. The changes are in line with the Volkswagen Vento that was launched a day before. Skoda will take on the new Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Ciaz in this refreshed battle.

The Rapid gets the Volkswagen Group’s new mainstay for India – its 1.5-litre diesel engine. This engine is the same seen in the Polo GT TDI and Vento. It develops 105PS of peak power at 4400rpm and 250Nm of peak torque from 1500-2500rpm. It’s similar to the 1.6-litre it replaces despite 100cc reduction in capacity. This engine comes mated to a five speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox option is also available. This 7-Speed DSG unit is borrowed from the Polo TSI.

Also read: Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI 7-speed DSG review

The only change to the exteriors of the car is a new set of five spoke alloys. On the inside, you get a new steering wheel borrowed from the Yeti and Superb, cruise control and a card holder. Skoda also has a app that can be downloaded on your smartphone to control the in-car music system. The Rapid lacks a touchscreen, rear parking camera, leather seats, push button start/stop system and a Sun roof (only in Honda City) that’s offered by its competition. The Rapid comes in four trims – Active, Ambition, Ambition Plus and Elegance.

Skoda also has a black package for the Rapid that includes black headlights, fog lamps, grille, alloy wheels and ORVMs. It costs about Rs 20,000 over the standard car.

There’s no 1.2-litre TSI on offer in the Rapid like Volkswagen has with the Vento. The petrol variant is the 1.6-litre MPI unit with identical 105PS of power as the diesel but at a higher 5250rpm and 153Nm of torque at 3800rpm. You can choose between either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox for the petrol Rapid.

With an ARAI certified efficiency figure of 21.66kmpl for the DSG, 21.14kmpl for the diesel manual, and 15kmpl and 14.3kmpl for the manual and automatic petrols respectively, the Rapid falls short on the efficiency front. The Rapid though, and the Vento, are the only cars to offer a sophisticated dual clutch gearbox mated to a diesel. The only other diesel automatic in this segment is the Hyundai Verna 4-speed automatic.

Full Prices – 

Petrol Rapid

Active – Rs 7.22 lakh

Ambition plus – Rs 8.17 lakh

Ambition Plus AT – Rs 9.14 lakh

Elegance – Rs 8.72 lakh

Elegance AT – Rs 9.68 lakh

Diesel Rapid

Active – Rs 8.38 lakh

Ambition plus – Rs 9.24 lakh

Ambition Plus DSG – Rs 10.34 lakh

Elegance – Rs 9.74 lakh

Elegance DSG – Rs 10.84 lakh

All prices ex-showroom Delhi