Skoda Rapid Facelift Launched In China, India Launch Soon

by Mohit Bhardwaj | 16/03/2020
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Skoda has launched the Rapid facelift in China with the refreshed exterior. It is expected to be launched in India since it gets underpinned by the same platform as the India-spec car.

The India-spec Skoda Rapid is long due for a generation change, as the sedan feels dated in the company of its fresher rivals. The carmaker showcased the current-generation Rapid with a new 1.0L TSI engine at the recently concluded 2020 Auto Expo. On the other hand, a facelifted version of the China-spec model has just been introduced.

Also Read - Skoda Showcases BS6 Rapid at Auto Expo 2020.

Skoda Rapid Facelift Launched In China, India Launch Soon

The China-spec Rapid ooks far more premium than the India-spec car.

The Rapid was replaced with the Scala in some international markets, but in India, China, and Russia, Skoda continues to sell the respective versions of the original model. It's, however, worth noting here that the Rapid sedans sold in these countries are different form each other. Russia received an updated Rapid with a notchback-like styling last year, while the China-spec Rapid has received its share of updates now.

It gets some significant updates on the styling front. There is a new front fascia with a Skoda-signature radiator grille and much more angular headlamps than the pre-facelift version of the car. The headlamp units are sleeker than before and are more like the Scale sold in the European market. Lower down, the front bumper is also a resculpted unit now, with a wide air dam that stretches along the width of the car. On the sides, it now gets a new design for the 16-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. The rear is also updated with new sleeker C-shaped LED tail lamps, faux exhaust tips, and redesigned bumper profile.

Inside, the changes are not as prominent as on the outside. It continues with a similar dashboard layout as the pre-facelift version of the car. However, it gets colour coordinated AC vents, and a new texture for the upholstery to spruce up the overall appeal of the interior. The biggest change on the inside is a new 8.0-inch touchscreen unit for the infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Also Read - Skoda Could Export Production-Spec Vision IN To Sri Lanka.

Skoda Rapid Facelift Launched In China, India Launch Soon

Since it is underpinned by the same platform as the Indian version of the Rapid, it is expected to be launched in India as well.

Powering the facelifted Skoda Rapid is a 1.5L four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor that has a peak power output of 111 HP and a max. torque of 145 Nm. The transmission options offered with this engine are a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed AT. Under the skin, the China-spec Rapid is underpinned by the PQ25 platform that also underpins the Rapid sold in India. Thus, it is expected to make its way to our shores as well, but sometime late this year.

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