The first-gen Skoda Rapid has been long overdue for a full model change or getting replaced. To be precise, the Indian-spec Skoda Rapid was originally launched back in 2011. In a new development, the next-gen Skoda Rapid/Skoda Rapid successor has been confirmed to be launched at the end of 2021.
Skoda is planning a Honda City rival based on the MQB A0 IN platform. Depending on whether it calls this model the Skoda Rapid or not, it'll be either the second generation Skoda Rapid or the successor to the Skoda Rapid. Whatever the name be, it's still about two and a half years away. "Right at the end of 2021, we will launch the notchback (based on the MQB A0 IN platform)," Zac Hollis, Director, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India, told ZigWheels recently.
The MQB A0 IN Skoda sedan arriving at the end of 2021 should come with features like LED headlights and tail lights, machined alloy wheels, new touchscreen infotainment system from the third generation of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an eSIM, fully digital instrument cluster, power driver's seat, 6-7 airbags and more.
As for the engine options, a 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine paired is a given, while a 1.5-litre TSI-Evo turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine could be offered for class-leading performance. Transmission choices may include 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG.
Also Read: 2019 Skoda Superb (facelift) teased, to debut this week
The MQB A0 IN sedan from Skoda is still very far from launch. Until it arrives, the first generation Rapid will remain the company's only locally manufactured model in India. So, in order to keep its best-selling model relevant until then, the company will give it another facelift, by March 2020. The company will swap the current engines with a locally manufactured, BS-VI 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with this refresh. "We will have some powertrain updates to the car, some other minor tweaks to keep it fresh," Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, Skoda Auto India, told IAB in December last year.
[News Source: - zigwheels]
[Image Source: thrustzone]
