The Skoda Rapid debuted in 2011, and since then it hasn't received any generation update. Though, we know that Skoda is gearing up to launch an all-new mid-sized sedan/notchback, codenamed as 'ANB'. And this new car is likely to succeed the Rapid in the Indian market and will carry a new name, confirmed by Zac Hollis (Skoda India’s Director of Sales and Marketing) in response to a tweet.
For beginners, the new Rapid successor model will be based on a heavy localized VW group's MQB AO IN modular platform, and it will be a part of VW group's 'India 2.0' plan. To be precise, this new Skoda car will be notchback with a liftback tailgate, just like the Octavia. It is likely to share its designing cues from the new Superb sedan.
The new Skoda sedan will be a petrol-powered model only and will feature a turbocharged stratified injected (TSI) engine. The current generation Rapid is powered by a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder TSI engine, churning out 110PS and 175Nm. This new sedan could also get the same engine alongside the same transmission options as Rapid: 6-speed manual & 6-speed torque converter automatic. It will be launched by the end of 2021.
Skoda ANB sedan: likely to be named as 'Slavia'
Skoda has recently trademarked the 'Slavia' nomenclature in India. We believe this to be the name of this new sedan in India. In our opinion, it is likely to be sold alongside the Rapid. A similar strategy has also been adopted by many other carmakers in the past, and the recent example of this is the Honda City, which is available in both 4th & 5th generation versions.
The new Skoda offering is likely to be priced around Rs 10 lakh, somewhat pricier than the existing model of Rapid sedan, which retails between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 13.29 lakh (ex-showroom). In the Indian market, it will lock horns with new Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Vento.
In other news, Skoda will also bring the VISION IN compact SUV in the Indian market, which will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos. Besides this, Skoda's sister brand Volkswagen will also bring a replacement for the Vento in the next year.
