Skoda Auto will bring the 2022 Rapid sedan by end of this year or early next year. While there are still a lot of months left in its launch, the brand has already started testing it on the Indian terrains. Earlier the Zac Hollis, Skoda India’s Director of Sales and Marketing hints that the new Skoda Rapid would be known by a new name and it will be based on the MQB-A0 IN platform. If reports are to be believed, this upcoming Skoda sedan could be named 'Slavia'.
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2022 Skoda Rapid – What do the spy shots reveal?
The testing mule of the Skoda Rapid's successor model was heavily camouflaged; however, we could notice the Skoda's typical butterfly grille, blacked-out alloy wheels, and all-new triple barrel headlamps which are likely to get LED units. One can also notice rounded fog lamps on the lower section of the bumper.
Like the current generation model, the overall profile of the upcoming Rapid is quite clean and will share a lot of resemblance with the next-generation Volkswagen Vento that is likely to be known as Volkswagen Virtus. It seems like Rapid's successor model will be longer than Rapid. This will certainly create more room inside the cabin.
The rear profile of the car has an old Octavia like profile with a squarish LED taillamp design. We believe this new Skoda car will be notchback with a liftback tailgate.
Also Read: 2021 Skoda Octavia Launch Postponed Due To COVID-19 Pandemic
Expected Features
While the interior of Rapid's inheritor is yet to be seen, we believe it will retain most of the features from the upcoming Skoda Kushaq SUV. Highlights include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, ‘My Skoda’ connected car technology, two-spoke steering wheel, auto AC with touch-based controls, rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, single-pane sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lighting, rear Type-C USB ports, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, tyre pressure monitoring, and many more.
Safety is likely to be covered by upto six airbags, hill hold control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, multi-collision braking, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors with camera, etc.
Also Read: 2021 Skoda Kodiaq Facelift Unveiled Globally; India Launch Likely In H2 2021
Expected Engine Line-up
The Rapid successor is expected to be offered with two turbocharged petrol engine choices- a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder unit. Mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the 1.0-litre TSI unit makes 115PS and 175Nm. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre TSI motor can generate a maximum output of 150PS/250Nm and is likely to be available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch transmission) options.
Expected Pricing
Expect the Rapid successor to be priced between Rs 9 to 14 lakh (ex-showroom). That said, it will be pricier than the existing Rapid sedan, which retails between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 13.29 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will go up against the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Vento.