Skoda starts Rapid production from Pune

Skoda India has started production of its Vento-based compact sedan, the Skoda Rapid and we’re expecting a commercial launch soon. The Skoda Rapid will be manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Chakan, Pune and the first units are already rolling out of the factory floor.

We expect similar equipment levels as on the Vento along with a similar range of engines on offer. 1.6-litre diesel and petrol variants will be available along with possible automatic variants. The front-end is very Fabia-like, along with a tail section that will be more or less identical to the Vento’s rear.

The Rapid is expected to sport a price tag of under Rs 7 lakh and will go all the way up to Rs 9-9.3 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai.

Skoda is also developing a car based on the MissionL concept that was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. A wider and longer version of the Rapid, the MissionL will be positioned in the Rs 10-12 lakh price bracket to fill in the gap left behind by the previous-gen Octavia. The MissionL may sport a notchback design like the last Octavia/current Laura and could have a bit more space on the inside than the Rapid while boasting of more features. It is quite possible that Skoda will badge it the Octavia given that the original car still commands good brand value. The car is expected to hit Indian showrooms by late-2012/early-2013.