New Skoda Rapid facelift has been launched in India with a price tag of INR 8.27 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi) in Active, Ambition and Style variants. Price for the base petrol variant starts at INR 8.27 Lakh and touches 11.36 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi). On the other hand, the diesel base starts at INR 9.48 lakh to 12.67 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Skoda Rapid gets upgraded design language, upgraded engine and some additional features. Let me remind you, this is the first major facelift for Rapid since it was launched almost 4 years back. Exterior styling is majorly the implementation of new design language and the ‘butterfly’ grille, directly picked up from the euro spec Fabia. Headlamps are large, equipped with projectors and adorned with stylish LED DRL’s (Day Time Running Lamps). Front bumpers are more angular and look as if they are directly picked up from its cousin VW Vento. Other small changes include ORVM now gets turn indicators, chrome boot lid and trapezoidal fog lamps. Side profile remains

Other small changes include ORVM now gets turn indicators, chrome boot lid and trapezoidal fog lamps. Side profile remains similar to the pre-facelift model.

Interiors are now finished in new dual tone black and beige colour combination with some changes to the equipment on offer. Rapid facelift comes equipped with cruise control, rain sensing wipers, auto fold ORVM, new 6.5-inch mirror link touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and GPS navigation. Other changes include AmberGlow footwell illumination, leatherette lined armrest and chrome decor.

On the safety front, ABS and dual front airbags are part of standard equipment.

Upgraded 1.5l TDi powertrain is borrowed from the recently launched VW Ameo with improved power and torque figures of 108bhp and 250Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual and 7 speed DSG gearbox. The petrol engine has been carried over without any change and churns out 103 bhp and 153 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual and 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox.

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