Skoda Rapid facelift to come by 2014 end

Skoda India is on a mission to refurbish its whole vehicle lineup and as a part of it, the company launched the next gen Skoda Octavia last year. It is already known that the Czech manufacturer is introducing the facelift versions of Superb and Yeti at the 2014 Delhi Motor Show. Now, the latest developments indicate that Rapid is also going to be presented in an all new avatar by Skoda towards the end of 2014. Moreover, rumor mills are abuzz that company will firstly unveil a special edition 'Ultima' which would be more plush and up-market as far as interiors are concerned.

Skoda Rapid facelift would be able to see the daylight in India only by end of 2014. Its exterior would be modified heavily as it would get a new pair of head lamps, redesigned bumper and grille, and bonnet design. The possibilities of additions inside the cabin are also high. Skoda plans to resurrect its position in the segment of premium cars, where features are characterized through Rapid.

Skoda would not made any mechanical changes to the refreshed Rapid and more likely it is expected to retain the same 1.6-litre powertrains in both diesel and petrol guises, respectively. Both these motors churn out a reasonably fair power of 105bhp and are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Surprisingly, the company would offer Rapid with an automatic transmission with a 1.2-litre, turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine. A 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission would be equipped with it in order to maximize fuel efficiency and performance. This same set-up is already executed in Vento TSI sedan and it has resulted in some exemplary performance, thereby forcing the company to offer it with Rapid too.

Source : CarDekho - Skoda Rapid detailed review - Skoda Rapid facelift to come by 2014 end