Skoda Rapid TSI Automatic Launched; Most Affordable Automatic Sedan In Segment

• The Skoda Rapid automatic range starts from the second-to-base Rider Plus variant.
• Rapid TSI automatic is powered by the 110PS 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
• It comes paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

The Skoda Rapid, with its new TSI engine, has been racking up decent sales numbers despite its age. This is no doubt helped by the affordable Rider and Rider Plus variants, which are priced at par with smaller sub-4 metre sedans. Now to broaden the Rapid’s appeal, Skoda has launched the automatic variants in the Rapid TSI from Rs 9.49 lakh. The range starts from the second-to-base Rider Plus variant. Here are the prices:

all prices, ex-showroom

The automatic variants of the Rapid TSI are up to Rs 1.5 lakh dearer than the manual variants. It must be mentioned that the Rapid TSI is the most affordable automatic sedan in its segment. The entry-level automatic variant undercuts the Ciaz’s entry-level variant, priced at Rs 9.98 lakh (ex-showroom), by Rs 49,000 and the Yaris, priced at Rs 9.56 lakh, by Rs 7,000. 

The Skoda Rapid TSI automatic is powered by the new 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that belts out 110PS of power and 175Nm of torque. It comes paired to a 6-speed torque converter, instead of the 7-speed DSG found in the now-discontinued Rapid diesel and Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI. It has a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.24kmpl, 2.73kmpl lesser than the manual variant's claimed 18.97kmpl figure.

It must be mentioned that the earlier Rapid 1.6-litre petrol was also offered with a 6-speed torque converter. Will the torque converter gearbox have the same characteristics as the DSG? That’s something we’ll answer once we get behind the wheel of the Rapid TSI automatic. 

Apart from the introduction of the automatic gearbox, the Rapid remains unchanged. It comes equipped with features such as an 8-inch Android-based infotainment system, climate control, cruise control, steering-mounted audio controls, a multi-info display, auto headlamps and wipers, and keyless entry. Safety features include up to four airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. 

The Rapid TSI automatic’s rivals the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, VW Vento, Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Toyota Yaris.