The 2020 Skoda Rapid arrives as a petrol-only model. However, to keep enthusiasts interested, the 1.0 TSI engine is being offered with a 6-speed manual for ultimate driving fun.
After much anticipation, the now petrol-only Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI has been launched at a competitive starting price of ₹7.49 lakh and the range goes up to ₹11.79 lakh. The 2020 Rapid range consists of five variants - Rider (₹7.49 lakh), Ambition (₹9.99 lakh), Onyx (₹10.19 lakh), Style (₹11.49 lakh) & the top-spec Monte-Carlo (₹11.79 lakh). These variants have been carried over from the previous-gen model. All prices are ex-showroom, pan-India. Bookings for the Rapid 1.0 TSI had opened in March and were again resumed in April.
The biggest change on the 2020 Skoda Rapid is that it will only be available with the VW Group's new BS-VI 1.0 TSI petrol motor. This 999cc, three-cylinder turbocharged unit develops 108bhp & 175Nm of torque and has an ARAI-claimed fuel-efficiency of 18.9km/l. This is the same unit recently introduced on the 2020 VW Polo and Vento as well. This also means the end of the road for the Rapid's old engine options - the 1.6 MPI petrol and the 1.5 TDI diesel units. For now, the 2020 Rapid will be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox option, though a 6-speed torque converter automatic will be introduced in the coming months.
Visually though, the 2020 Skoda Rapid (all variants) remain near-identical to their previous counterparts. Noticeable changes for 2020 include a revised design for the alloy wheels and a spoiler on the boot lip. Inside too, the changes are hardly noticeable, with some updates made to the upholstery design.
In terms of features, the top-spec version of the Rapid offers an appreciable number of high-end features like auto headlamps, rear-view camera, four airbags, ABS with EBD, LED DRLs, cruise control, rear AC vents & a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers Android Auto/Apple CarPlay/Mirrorlink connectivity. However, on the downside, features that can now be easily found in its segment rivals, like LED headlamps, sunroof and perhaps even wireless charging, are still missing in the Rapid.
As before, the 2020 Skoda Rapid finds itself surrounded in the ring by numerous competitors like the VW Vento, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Honda City. The Verna is currently the only sedan in this segment to offer a BS-VI diesel engine though. Apart from the Rapid 1.0 TSI, Skoda has also launched the all-new Karoq SUV as well as the 2020 Superb facelift in India. You can read about them by hitting the links below.
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