We have been tracking every development that the European Skoda Rapid has made.
The reason being when we spoke to Thomas Kuehl at the launch of Skoda Superb Ambition, he mentioned that Skoda India is exploring the possibility of getting the European Rapid to India.
So coming back to the story, Skoda has previewed the production version of the European Rapid through a couple of sketches.
Evidently, the European Rapid dons the MissionL design philosophy that all Skoda models will wear in the coming future. These sketches reveal a five-door liftback wearing a monochrome grille with sharpened headlight lenses and trapezoidal fog lights. It is very close to the Skoda Rapid Concept that was previewed at the Beijing Motor Show. Interestingly, the Rapid will be customized depending on the market.
Like the Indian version, the European Rapid sits on a stretched Polo platform measuring around 4,39 meters long. It will be powered by a 1.2L TSI engine with 85 HP and 105 HP. It will also have a larger 1.4 liter TSI unit packing 122 HP. The diesel line-up will be completed by a 1.6 TDI with its 105 HP and by the 2.0 TDI with 140 HP.
Skoda also has plans to develop a three door version that could be pitched as the sporty cousin to the regular model. In Europe, the Rapid will sit between Fabia and Octavia ( Skoda Laura in India) and will be priced under 13,000 Euros (around 8-9 lakhs).
Here is why we are really excited about the European version - Skoda India might bring the European Rapid to India as an extension to the existing Rapid. That would be pretty exciting wouldn’t it?
Skoda Rapid updated teaser shots and sketches
[Source: AutoCar.co.uk]
