At the Auto Expo 2020, Skoda showcased the upgraded Skoda Rapid with a new BS6 engine and the upgraded car was displayed in two versions – the Monte Carlo edition and a new Matte Concept. Rapid is one of the brand’s bestsellers in India and with the new engine upgrade and variants the car will remain in the Indian market for a prolonged time.
The upgraded Rapid retains the current-gen Rapid’s shape and design but the new editions distinguish themselves by offering a number of cosmetic changes to the exterior. The Monte Carlo edition, which was earlier sold in the Indian market has made a comeback and features a Red paint scheme with a blacked-out vertically slated grille, black inserts on the headlights and blacked-out fog lamps, black mesh grille on its wide air dam, new 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black ORVMs, gloss black B-pillars and a gloss black roof. The rear end of the car gets a lip spoiler in black and other than this there are no major changes done to the Rapid. The Matte Concept, on the other hand, comes in a new Grey Matte paint finish with red accents. The Matte Concept on the front features a black grille with chrome perimeter, black inserts on the headlights and fog lamps, gloss black alloy wheels, red brake callipers, red ORVMs, a red lip spoiler, a red stripe on the door and the boot lid.
The major change on the upgraded Rapid in under its hood. The powerplant on the Rapid is now a BS6 compliant new 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine that makes 110 ps of power and 220 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. To put things into perspective the current-generation Skoda Rapid comes with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 103.2 of power and 132 Nm of torque. It is being speculated that, Skoda may also scrap the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine that makes 108.6 hp of power and 250 Nm of torque in its transition from BS4 to BS6 emission standards.
The BS6 model is likely to receive a new touchscreen infotainment system and apart from that, there won’t be any major changes to its interiors. The Matte Concept and the monte Carlo will receive changes to its upholstery and a few other cosmetics as part of the package.
The upgraded Rapid is expected to be launched in the coming months with a slightly higher price tag than the outgoing model.