Skoda Rapid automatic prices will be announced on September 17, 2020. The Czech brand has announced that the Rapid 1.0 TSI AT launch will take place virtually, which has become something of a trend now in the industry.
- 2020 Rapid 1.0 TSI to gain 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox on September 17
- Bookings for the Rapid AT had opened last month for Rs 25,000
- Claimed ARAI mileage pegged at 16.24kpl
2020 Skoda Rapid automatic: Bookings and launch details
The new Rapid AT’s launch announcement has come through Skoda Auto India’s social media channels just two weeks after bookings had begun on August 27 for a refundable deposit of Rs 25,000. Deliveries are slated to start from September 18, 2020.
Commenting on the upcoming launch, Zac Hollis, brand director, Skoda Auto India said, “An overwhelming response from brand loyalists and auto enthusiasts from across the nation has obligated the Czech marque to push the yardstick further and introduce the convenience of an AT transmission across the Rapid TSI range, at a very competitive price point.”
2020 Skoda Rapid automatic: Engine and gearbox details
The Rapid automatic will be equipped with the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine as the manual version. At 110hp and 175Nm, power and torque figures will remain unchanged, but drive will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.
Skoda has also revealed that the Rapid automatic’s ARAI-rated fuel efficiency is pegged at 16.24kpl. The same 1.0 TSI engine delivers a claimed 18.97kpl with the manual gearbox. For reference, the erstwhile BS4-compliant, 105hp, 1.6 MPI petrol mill was good for only 14.84kpl when allied to a 6-speed auto gearbox.
2020 Skoda Rapid automatic: Price estimate and rivals
Skoda launched the BS6 Rapid manual earlier this year in five trim levels, with prices ranging from Rs 7.49-11.79 lakh (ex-showroom, India). However, due to high demand, it temporarily halted bookings for the entry-level Rider variant and also brought in a new Rider Plus trim at Rs 7.99 lakh.
Expect the Czech carmaker to introduce the Rapid auto at a premium of Rs 1-1.5 lakh over the manual version.
With the upcoming launch, the Skoda Rapid will be on a more even footing with its rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Verna and the new Honda City, all of which are available with their own varieties of automatic transmissions.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
