Skoda Has Begun Testing Its Successor To The Rapid In India

Image used for representational purposes

• The increase in dimensions seem to have come from the rear. 

• Highlights include a reflector-style LED headlight setup, a Skoda trademark front grille, and split-LED tail lamps.

• Expect features including a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital driver’s display, and wireless charging.

• It will be powered by 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI engines with manual and automatic transmission options.

• It will be positioned at the premium end of the segment. 

Skoda is preparing to introduce the successor to the Rapid in India by the end of this year and now, we’ve finally got a glimpse of what it could look like. Test mules have been spotted testing in India for the first time and despite the heavy camouflage, there’s plenty to dissect from these spy shots.

We already know the Rapid successor will be bigger, based on the VW Group’s localised version of the MQB-A0 platform, dubbed MQB-A0 IN. So the wheelbase should be similar to the Kushaq, at 2,651mm, which is 99mm longer than the existing Rapid. The increase in dimensions, mostly at the rear, should translate to a more spacious second row. The notchback-like design could also mean a bigger boot. 

Notable design bits include Skoda’s trademark Butterfly front grille and what looks like reflector-style LED headlamps (similar to the new City). The camouflage on the lower part of the headlight may be hiding LED DRLs. The black wheels are simple and most likely test units. So we may get a better set of wheels for the production-spec model. At the rear, the sleek LED tail lamps seem to be inspired by its bigger sibling, the Octavia.

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We are yet to get a look at the cabin, but we expect it to get everything from the Kushaq including a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, connected car tech, wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and a sunroof. Safety kit may include six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, parking sensors, and ESP. 

Under the hood, the Rapid successor will have the same engine and transmission combinations as the Kushaq. The first combo is a 115PS/175Nm 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. For enthusiasts, there’s a 150PS/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Image used for representational purposes

The Skoda Rapid successor will be priced at a premium over the current Rapid that retails from Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 13.29 lakh (ex-showroom). It will go up against the Volkswagen Vento successor, Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. 

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