Skoda Auto India Private Limited's (SAIPL) volume driven Rapid midsize sedan was linked with a possible facelift early this year. The new set of spy pictures indicates the face lifted version is getting readied and the launch can be expected in the festive season as rumoured.
The spy pictures of AutocarIndia make it clear that this India-spec facelift will not feature the design of the international spec Rapid. Notable changes from the spy pictures are the new bonnet, grille, headlamps and bumpers. Side and rear profiles largely remain untouched. Rear bumper will get tweaks in line with the overall design change. The creases on either sides of rear number plate and tail lamps have been carried as it is.
The facelift will keep the product fresh till the time Skoda launches next generation Rapid. The international-spec Rapid's India entry can be expected only in the second half of 2017.
Most importantly, Skoda will make every effort to maximise the localisation of the vehicle. The aggressive localisation effort will also result in pricing the new Rapid very competitively. The new Rapid is expected to come with carry-over engines of the current model. The 1.6 MPI petrol mill currently develops 103bhp and 153Nm of torque available in five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5 TDI diesel mill develops the same power of petrol unit with higher torque of 250Nm available with five-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions.
