Skoda Launches 2018 Rapid Edition At Rs 10.96 Lakh

Some of you may already know that the Skoda Rapid sold in India is an ageing product based on Volkswagen’s PQ25 platform, unlike the Euro-spec version, which is based on the more modern and scalable MQB platform. The sedan was first introduced in the year 2011 and received a facelift towards the end of 2016. However, the Rapid facelift has failed to garner much interest from buyers looking for a C-segment sedan. After all, it has to take on more accomplished rivals such as the Honda City, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Hyundai Verna. Now, Skoda has decided to introduce a special edition variant of the sedan, which is simply called the Rapid Edition, with a price tag starting at Rs 10.96 lakh (ex-showroom) to try and turn the tide in its favour. But will this last ditch effort help Skoda ship out more the sedan until the next-generation Rapid, which is likely to be based on the MQB platform, reach our shores? Let’s find out.

So What’s New?

Well, if you’ve seen the Rapid Monte Carlo edition, which was launched last year, in the flesh, then there’s nothing new to be expected here. That’s because the latest special edition is very similar to the now discontinued version.

So Why Was The Skoda Monte Carlo Edition Discontinued?

That’s because a garment company called Monte Carlo Apparels, which is based in Punjab, filed a trademark infringement case against Skoda for using its name. Yes, Monte Carlo is afterall an administrative area under the Principality of Monaco and many racing fans will surely be familiar with the name. And Skoda has been paying royalty to Monaco (the principality, not the salty biscuit brand. Whew!) to use the name all across the world, except in India thanks to the case referred above. So does Monte Carlo Apparels pay royalty to Monaco. No, but that’s just the way bureaucracy works.

Leave All That Behind? Tell Us What’s So Special About The Rapid Edition Then

Hmm… The Rapid Edition, like the Monte Carlo edition, continues to be sold with petrol and diesel engine options mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox. It is based on the Style variant and costs Rs 30,000 over the latter. That’s still Rs 20,000 lesser than the Monte Carlo edition that came before it, mind you. For the extra dough, you get goodies such as a Android Auto and Applay CarPlay-compatible 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system which the Style variant misses out on. That’s not all. You even get 16-inch machine-cut alloy wheels too.

Is That It?

Well, the above two features alone would cost you around Rs 30,000 in the aftermarket. But to enhance its appeal, Skoda is offering the Rapid Edition with a glossy black finish on the grille and ORVMs along with a contrast black roof and smoked headlamp and tail lights.

On the inside, you get a much more sportier all-black interior with red contrast stitching that lifts up the ambience. Enthusiasts would be happy to note that it gets a sportier, flat-bottom steering wheel as well. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, we don’t know what will? Oh yes, a newer model based on the MQB platform would help, maybe.