Czech automobile manufacturer, Skoda Auto has discontinued the entry-level Rider variant of the Rapid sedan in India. It was the most popular variant among Rapid's lineup, appealingly priced at Rs 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The Skoda Rapid is now priced from Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 13.29 lakh. Here’s a look at the updated variant line-up & their pricing: –
Skoda Rapid Price (ex-showroom) | Manual | Automatic |
Rider (Discontinued) | Rs 7.49 lakh (Discontinued) | – |
Rider Plus | Rs 7.99 lakh | Rs 9.49 lakh |
Ambition | Rs 9.99 lakh | Rs 11.29 lakh |
Onyx | Rs 10.19 lakh | Rs 11.49 lakh |
Style | Rs 11.49 lakh | Rs 12.99 lakh |
Monte Carlo | Rs 11.79 lakh | Rs 13.29 lakh |
The Skoda Rapid Rider trim was so popular among buyers that its high demand forced the carmaker to halt its bookings, and so to fill up the gap between the Rider & Ambition variants, Skoda had launched the Rider Plus variant in July 2020, which is now the new base-spec model of the Rapid sedan. It is Rs 2 lakh cheaper than the Ambition variant and Rs 50,000 more than the discontinued Rider trim. However, despite this move, the Rapid remains the most affordable sedan in its segment.
The Skoda Rapid Rider was the most value for money variant thanks to its attractive pricing & decent feature list. The key features of the Skoda Rapid Rider included a 2-DIN audio system with USB, Aux-In, & Bluetooth connectivity, 4-speakers, automatic climate control, rear AC vent, all-power windows, power-adjustable side mirrors, manual day/night IRVM, keyless entry, remote locking, tilt & telescopic-adjustable steering wheel, front & rear armrests, adjustable headrests in both rows, dual airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors, etc.
The 110PS 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine powered the Rider trim like the other variants. However, it was only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Skoda also offers an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission unit from the Rider Plus variant onwards.
The new base-spec Rider Plus variant also offers great value for money. It gets all the whistle & bells of the older Rider trim along with some added features such as exterior body-decals, trunk-lid garnish, chrome trimming around the windows, scuff plate, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with android auto, apple carplay & mirror link connectivity, a multi-information display (MID), which display various driving information.
The Skoda Rapid rivals the likes of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Verna, and the Volkswagen Vento. In other news, Skoda is expected to reveal the next-gen Rapid sometimes in the next year.
