Skoda has followed the lead of VW in India and has stopped sales of the diesel-powered Rapid equipped with a manual gearbox. This voluntary pause is because these two models, the Rapid and the Vento, are very similar under the skin and share most of their mechanical components. Only a precautionary move that falls in line with that of VW, this cessation of sale has not taken place due to a directive from the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India), nor has the Rapid failed any COP test (Conformity of Production). There is also no carbon monoxide issue in the case of the Skoda Rapid, and other Rapid models, like other Vento models, will continue to be on sale. This includes the DSG or twin clutch-equipped diesel and the 1.6 MPI-powered petrol version that comes with both manual and automatic gearboxes.
VW earlier today recalled 3,877 diesel Ventos due to inconsistent carbon monoxide emissions – sometimes exceeding the maximum threshold – as observed during ARAI testing. Unlike VW, however, Skoda hasn’t issued a recall. This of course, is because its productions cars haven’t been found to emit more than the prescribed amount of carbon monoxide.
It is important to note that this current recall has nothing to do with the diesel engine issue faced by VW last year, which was caused due to the high levels of nitrogen oxide emitted.