Skoda Rapid may co-exist with MQB A0 IN-based Skoda sedan - Report

03/11/2018 - 10:00 | ,   | Sagar Parikh

The MQB A0 IN platform-based Skoda sedan due in India early next decade may not necessarily replace the Skoda Rapid. According to a new report from BS Motoring, both models may co-exist in the market.

2016 Skoda Rapid front three quarters review
Skoda had launched Rapid in India for a price of INR 6.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) back in 2011.

According to the report, Gurupratap Boparai, Managing Director, Skoda India, has acknowledged that there’s a whitespace between the Rapid and the Octavia in the line-up. “There’s definitely a gap between the Rapid and the Octavia that can be filled,” Boparaj has said. Based on a low-cost version of the PQ platform, the Rapid was launched for a price of INR 6.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) back in 2011.

Skoda is already able to price the Rapid at INR 7.99 lakh* currently, and before it launches the MQB A0 IN platform-based sedan, it could lower the price to cater customers looking for an economical sedan. The MQB A0 IN platform-based model may cost close to INR 10 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) onwards and rival the likes of Honda City, Toyota Yaris and Maruti Ciaz.

MQB A0 IN is a locally adapted version of the MQB A0 platform, and Skoda is in the charge of its development. The MQB A0 platform has a very high level of safety enforcement and a high very resistance to extremely cold temperatures - both of which are not required in India. The Indianisation of this platform will include degrading the platform in such aspects.

2019 Skoda Rapid Facelift Rendering
The Skoda Rapid will likely get a second facelift, in the second half of 2019.

Also See: Skoda Rapid Onyx launched in India - In 7 Live Images

The MQB A0 IN platform will debut in a Skoda premium B-SUV in the second half of 2020. The sedan utilising this platform as its basis will follow in 2021. The PQ platform-based model will likely get a facelift later this decade, and its sales may continue until 2022.

[Source: bsmotoring.com]

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