Skoda is soon going to introduce an automatic transmission in the Rapid sedan. The company has started accepting bookings for the same. Interested customers can book it at any authorized dealership across the country or on Skoda's website at a refundable amount of Rs 25,000.
Deliveries of these pre-booked units will begin from September 18.
2020 Skoda Rapid Automatic: Powertrain
Skoda Rapid will get a new 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This unit will be paired to the current 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine (110PS/175Nm), which was launched during the BS6 update. The same engine is available with a manual transmission as well.
The ARAI tested fuel efficiency of the Rapid AT is 16.24 kmpl, while the petrol-manual combination returns a claimed mileage of 18.97kmpl.
Which variants will get automatic transmission?
The Czech automaker has revealed that all variants except the base-spec Rider variant will get an automatic transmission option. This simply means that Rider Plus, Ambition, Onyx, Style, and Monte Carlo will be offered in AT.
Also Read: Skoda Rapid Rider Plus Variant Launched At Rs 7.99 Lakh
Will there be any cosmetic or feature upgrades?
Besides the obvious mechanical change, Skoda might offer different designs of alloy wheels with AT variants. Apart from that, there will be no changes. The color options that will be offered with the automatic variants are as followed:-
- Rider Plus, Ambition, Style:- Silver, white, grey and brown
- Onyx:- White and blue
- Monte Carlo:- Silver, white and red
Expected Price
The prices of Rapid AT is likely to demand a premium of around Rs 1-1.5 lakh over the manual variants. For reference, we have stated the prices of its manual variants below:-
|
Skoda Rapid Manual Variants |
Ex-showroom Price |
|
Rider (won't get AT) |
Rs 7.49 lakh |
|
Rider Plus |
Rs 7.99 lakh |
|
Ambition |
Rs 9.99 lakh |
|
Onyx |
Rs 10.19 lakh |
|
Style |
Rs 11.49 lakh |
|
Monte Carlo |
Rs 11.79 lakh |
Author's Take
With the introduction of the automatic transmission, Rapid sedan will play more fiercely against its rivals like Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento, Hyundai Verna, and Toyota Yaris.