Manufacturer Škoda India Assembly Pune, India Body style 4-door sedan | Production 2011–present Class Subcompact car | |
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Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive | ||
The Škoda Rapid is a subcompact car produced by Škoda India, the subsidiary of the Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto, exclusively for the Indian market, introduced in November 2011. It features a similar front end design with the second generation of the Škoda Fabia, but is not directly related to it, the Rapid being based on the newer PQ25 platform of the Volkswagen Group.
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The "Rapid" name was previously used in the 1930s for the Rapid (Type 901) and in the 1980s for the rear-engine Rapid coupé. Today, the Rapid is used for several small family cars: liftback and hatchback from Europe, sedan from India and China.
Overview
In October 2011, Škoda resurrected the Rapid nameplate for its similar version of the Volkswagen Vento made in India, with sales starting in November. The cars are similar, except for the grille, headlights, bumpers, taillights and some interior and exterior trim. The car is produced by Škoda Auto India Private Limited in Pune.
On the inside, the cabin is similar to its Volkswagen counterpart, apart from the Škoda family steering wheel, instrument panel, gear-lever and audio system. The central console has vents, buttons and climate control adapted from VW; the audio system, with its large buttons and fonts, is designed by Škoda. The Rapid includes features such as an information centre, driver assist, audio system with audio input for portable media players and SD/MMC data card reader, adjustable seats, headrests, armrests, tilt steering.
The 2017 Skoda Rapid facelift comes with revised styling that makes it look sharper. New exterior changes include new front grille, headlamps, chrome door handles, smoked out tail lamps, etc. Some of the new features include cruise control, rain sensing wipers, reach and rake adjustable steering, cooled glovebox and footwell lighting. According to MotorBeam 0-100 km/hr sprint for the diesel DSG is claimed to be 10.7 seconds with 190.8 km/hr top speed and with manual 10.3 seconds with a top speed of 188 km/hr.
Selected acknowledgements
Related models
The European model of the ŠKODA Rapid is based on the Škoda MissionL concept car, and was launched in 2012. It is, however, a different design, slightly longer, with different interiors, a slightly different body shape, and different engine options. It was shown in premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012.
Engines
Overview of engines available for the Rapid (India).
Petrol engines
Diesel engines