Skoda in December 2020, discontinued the Skoda’s most affordable sedan in the Indian market the Skoda Rapid Rider after the variant was sold out. The Skoda Rapid Rider was replaced by the Rapid Rider Plus variant which was priced at INR 7.99 lakh ex-showroom, INR 50,000 more than the Rider which was priced at INR 7.49 lakhs ex-showroom, India. The brand has now silently reintroduced the Skoda Rapid Rider to the Indian market priced at INR 7.79 lakh ex-showroom.
The price has been increased across all variants with effect from January 1st 2021. The brand hiked the prices of Skoda cars by 2.5% citing the increase in the input cost, the drop in the currency exchange rate and volatility of the commodity. The new base variant of the Rapid is now approximately INR 30,000 more expensive than it was in 2020. The Rider Plus variant is also priced approximately INR 20,000 more than what it used to cost last year.
The new entry-level variant is available in only the Manual Transmission option and comes powered by the same BS6 emissions-compliant 1.0-litre TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) petrol motor that produces 110 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque. The car comes with a 6-speed transmission unit. The Rider Plus, however, comes with the option of a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Rider Plus AT variant is priced at INR 9.69 lakh ex-showroom.
The Skoda Rapid Rider comes with features such as steel scuff plates with Skoda inscription, automatic climate control air conditioning, Dual-DIN Skoda Audio player with Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear electronically adjustable windows with one-touch operation, Parktronic reverse sensors, electrically operated ORVMs, dual front airbags, ABS etc.
Recently, Skoda also launched the refreshed Skoda Superb priced starting at INR 31.99 lakh ex-showroom, India for the Sportline and INR 34.99 lakh ex-showroom for the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim. The 2021 Skoda Superb comes with new equipment on the exteriors, new elements on the interiors and updated features.