All-New Skoda Rapid Notchback and Vision IN SUV launch in 2021
Czech automaker, Skoda is readying a wide range of cars for the Indian market. This year, the company will introduce the long-awaited Karoq C-segment SUV in India. Adding to it, Skoda is readying 2 locally developed cars – Vision IN based SUV and the next-gen Rapid sedan.
Both cars will be based on the heavily localised VW Group’s MQB AO IN platform. This platform will also be used by Volkswagen AO SUV and the next-gen Vento sedan. Skoda will showcase the Vision IN SUV concept on February 3, while public debut will take place at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Skoda has already released the exterior and interior sketches of the upcoming SUV. Inspired by the Kamiq, the new SUV will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Kia Seltos. The SUV comes with India-specific changes and has a bolder and more upright front, featuring signature chrome-embellished Skoda grille upfront and split projector headlights. Other design highlights include LED tail-lamps, three-slot skid plate, plastic cladding all around the body, prominent roof rails and large alloys.
The new Skoda Vision IN SUV will feature 2,651mm of wheelbase, and will measure around 4.26 meters in length. Inside the cabin, the SUV will have a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a virtual cockpit digital instrument console, a panoramic sunroof, automatic AC, ambient lighting, etc. It is likely to be offered with a BSVI compliant 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 130bhp.
The next-gen Skoda Rapid will come with a notchback-like styling. To be based on the MQB AO IN platform, the new model will share the interior with the Vision IN based SUV. It will challenge the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Ciaz. The new Rapid is likely to be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre petrol.
