Skoda Rapid to get minor facelift

Skoda has announced that the Europe spec Rapid will get a minor facelift and a new 1.6-litre TDi engine. The Rapid will now follow the Octavia in terms of design language and will flaunt Skoda’s redesigned front grille. Unveiled first at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the car will be on sale from August this year in the European markets. 

Apart from the refined fascia the facelift will include new optional features like xenon headlights and ‘Green tech package’ that adds a start/stop system, regenerative braking and low-rolling resistance tyres. The package is aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emission figures. It is expected to up the mileage to 26.64kmpl and CO2 emissions of 104 g/km. 

The European spec Rapid now gets the 1.6-litre TDI engine that develops 103PS and 250Nm of torque found on the Indian spec diesel variant. The makeover also includes a new three-spoke steering wheel, updated upholstery, revised trim and improved infotainment systems. The top-end Active and Ambient variants will also get a higher quality lava grey dashboard.

Details of when the upgrades will come to India are not out yet, but with the new Octavia scheduled to come in India by September and the eagerness that Skoda has been showing to streamline their global models give an impression that the update will arrive in India soon. Unfortunately, the ‘Green tech package’ and the Xenon headlights will not make their way to India as these technologies will give the Rapid a hefty price tag and Skoda has to ensure that the car is priced below the Octavia. The new Rapid though will definitely get the exterior and the interior modifications when the car eventually reaches the Indian market.