Skoda Auto has confirmed that it will launch the Rapid 1.0L TSI automatic on 17th September, 2020. It will be a virtual launch event that’s slated to begin at 11.00 am. Deliveries of the sedan’s new variant will begin a day after its price announcement. The carmaker started accepting pre-bookings last month for a refundable token amount of Rs 25,000. Commenting on the upcoming launch, Zac Hollis, brand director, Skoda Auto India has revealed that the new Rapid TSI automatic will come “at a very competitive price point”.
For power, the Skoda Rapid automatic will use the same 1.0L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine matched to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The gasoline motor delivers a claimed power of 109bhp between 5,000rpm – 5,500rpm and 175Nm of torque at 1,750rpm – 4,000rpm. The carmaker has already revealed that the Rapid automatic returns an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 16.24kmpl. The same turbo-petrol motor with manual gearbox offers 18.97kmpl.
While its official prices will be announced next week, the Skoda Rapid automatic is estimated to cost around Rs 1 lakh – Rs 1.5 lakh premium than its manual counterpart. At present, the sedan model lineup comes in five trims priced from Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 11.79 lakh (all, ex-showroom). The carmaker temporarily closed bookings for the entry-level Skoda Rapid Rider variant due to its high demand. The base model has been priced at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Czech car manufacturer aims to introduce 2 new locally-developed models in India sometime next year. While the first one will be a mid-size SUV based on the Vision IN concept, the second one will be a mid-size sedan. The latter will be introduced as a replacement to the Rapid sedan. Both models will underpin the heavily localized MQB AO IN platform and use a 109bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol engine. The mid-size SUV will also be offered with a 148bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol motor.
