The Skoda Rapid TSI Automatic To Launch In September

• Rapid is available in six variants; expect the automatic to be available in multiple variants.
• Likely to be priced at a premium of up to Rs 2 lakh over its corresponding manual variants.
• It will be powered by the 110PS 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine.
• Rapid AT will fight it out with Hyundai Verna, Honda City and VW Vento.

The Skoda Rapid TSI, though an aged model, has got off to a surprising start thanks to its aggressive price tag. In fact, the base-spec Rider variant saw incredible demand due to which Skoda has had to temporarily halt bookings. Now to broaden the Rapid’s appeal, Skoda is set to introduce automatic variants of the sedan in September 2020. 

We expect Skoda to offer the automatic transmission in more variants as the previously limited-run Onyx and Monte Carlo variants are now part of the standard lineup. Just like before, the range could kickstart from the Ambition variant. We expect it to be pricier than the corresponding manual variants by around Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. The Rapid TSI MT is priced from Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 11.79 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The Rapid AT will continue to be powered by the VW Group’s 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine that develops 110PS of power and 175Nm of torque. The automatic variants will utilise a conventional 6-speed torque converter automatic and not a quick shifting DSG (dual-clutch automatic). How will that impact the driving experience? That’s something we’ll answer once we get behind the wheel. 

Apart from the introduction of the automatic transmission, the Rapid is likely to remain unchanged. You can read more about its specifications and features here and to know how the petrol-manual performs, read our first drive review. The Rapid automatic will lock horns with the Hyundai Verna, VW Vento, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Toyota Yaris. 

Meanwhile, Skoda is set to launch Rapid’s replacement sedan under its India 2.0 strategy by the end of 2021. You can read more about it here.