The 2020 Skoda Rapid Looks Like A Mini Octavia And We’re Impressed

• The 2021 Skoda Rapid comes with a premium exterior and interior design.
• Notable features include digital dials, floating infotainment system and cruise control.
• Russian-spec model comes with a 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine in two states of tune: 90PS and 110PS.
• Prices for the 2020 Skoda Rapid start from RUB 829,000 (Rs 9.26 lakh).
• Next-gen model to launch in India in 2021.

Skoda Auto has taken the wraps off the 2020 Rapid liftback (sedan) in St Petersburg, Russia. Unlike the existing India-spec Rapid, the next-gen model is a notchback. Just like a typical generation update, the Skoda Rapid comes with heavily revamped exterior styling and a modern interior design. It comes with a 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine that comes in two states of tune. Meanwhile, Skoda Auto India will launch the next-gen Rapid on our shores by the end of 2021. Speaking of which, here's more news about other new Skoda cars that are coming to India. 

Visually, the 2020 Rapid looks like a mini Octavia which is much appreciated. The front-end features Skoda’s trademark butterfly grille that’s sleeker and wider while the slim headlamps flanking it are all-LED units. The new bumper design gives the Rapid a smiling face while the bonnet looks tough and muscular. The side is dominated by several sharp lines while the window line is similar to the 2020 Octavia. It also sits on premium dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, the Rapid comes with sleek ‘L’ shaped LED tail lamps and a brand new tailgate and bumper. 

 

Inside, the 2020 Rapid’s dashboard design is similar to plenty of Skoda cars sold abroad. There is a new digital driver’s display, a floating infotainment system and a sleeker three-spoke steering wheel on offer. Features onboard include cruise control, climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, front and rear parking sensors, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, as well as keyless entry with push-button start.  

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Under the hood, the Russian-spec Rapid comes with a 1.6-litre MPI engine that comes in two states of tune: 90PS/155Nm and 110PS/155Nm. Both variants are offered with a 5-speed manual while the 110PS tune is also offered with a 6-speed automatic. For India, the next-gen Rapid will be offered with a 1.0-litre TSI engine that’s likely to develop 115PS of power and 200Nm of torque.

 

The 2020 Skoda Rapid will go on sale in Russia in the first quarter of 2020 with prices starting from RUB 829,000 (Rs 9.26 lakh). Skoda Auto India has informed us that the next-gen Rapid will be a notchback unlike the existing 3-box saloon. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the India-spec Rapid could share plenty of similarities with the Russian model which is also a notchback. When launched in India, the Rapid will renew its rivalry with the Volkswagen Vento, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the upcoming 2020 Honda City.