Skoda launched the Rapid Matte Edition today, with prices starting from Rs 11.99 lakh for the manual version, going up to Rs 13.49 lakh for the automatic version – both prices ex-showroom, India. The Skoda Rapid Matte Edition is a limited-run model with only 400 units and was first showcased as the Rapid Matte Concept at the 2020 Auto Expo.

• Rapid Matte Edition comes finished in an exclusive carbon steel matte shade
• Interiors finished in dual-tone Tellur Grey with black leatherette and Alcantara inserts
• Matte Edition is mechanically unchanged

Skoda Rapid Matte Edition: what’s different on the exterior

The Rapid Matte Edition has been finished in an exclusive carbon steel matte grey shade that’s further complimented by several gloss black trims all around. The front grille, the lip spoiler on the front bumper, door handles, side body moulding, rear diffuser, tailgate spoiler and trunk lip garnish have all been meted out a gloss black treatment.

The 16-inch alloy wheels are also gloss black, although the design is similar to the standard car. The Rapid Matte Edition is only the second mass market car after the Kia Seltos X-Line to be offered with a matte colour shade right from the factory.

Skoda Rapid Matte Edition: interior and feature add-ons

On the inside, the Rapid Matte Edition gets new dual-tone Tellur Grey interior with black leatherette upholstery and Alcantara inserts. This edition also exclusively gets high visibility performance bulbs.

Apart from this, the equipment list remains identical to the standard car. This includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear-view parking camera, automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control, auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors and much more.

Skoda Rapid Matte Edition: powertrain options

Mechanically, the Rapid Matte Edition is identical to the standard car and comes with a 110hp, 172Nm, 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine. Skoda is offering the Matte Edition with both the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Skoda Rapid Matte Edition: pricing and rivals

At Rs 11.99 lakh for the manual, the Rapid Matte Edition is priced at par with the current top-spec manual variant in the lineup – the Rapid Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, it costs Rs 30,000 more than the second-from-top Style manual variant of the Rapid. However, for the automatic version, the Matte Edition costs Rs 20,000 more than the Monte Carlo automatic variant, but it is still good value for money given its exclusivity.

In terms of competitors, the Skoda Rapid Matte edition will continue to rival the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Skoda India car and SUV line-up: 2021 and beyond

The Rapid will see a successor in the form of an all-new Slavia sedan that will be unveiled by the end of the year and go on sale early next year. Additionally, Skoda will also re-introduce the facelifed Kodiaq SUV in India this year.