Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI bookings open ahead of mid-April launch

Skoda has opened bookings for the new BS6-compliant Rapid 1.0 TSI ahead of its launch next month. The booking amount for the carmaker's midsize sedan has been set at Rs 50,000 with deliveries to begin from April 14, 2020.

Skoda revealed the new 1.0-litre TSI at the Auto Expo 2020 earlier this year. Last year, we broke the news about the new engine being offered in the Rapid. The new unit is the same 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol unit recently introduced in the BS6-spec Polo and Vento with output expected to remain an identical 110hp and 175Nm of torque.

As with the Vento the Rapid 1.0 TSI is also expected to be offered with a choice between a manual or torque converter automatic gearbox. The 1.5-litre diesel is being dropped from the line-up, as seen in its sister models.

Commenting on the occasion, Zac Hollis, director, sales, service and marketing, Skoda Auto India said,“ The state-of-the-art 1.0 TSI petrol engine, to be introduced with the Škoda Rapid, is central to our BS6 powertrain and fuel strategy – offering an exceptional power output as well as excellent fuel economy.”

Moving to changes, Skoda has said that the BS6 Rapid will get a new touchscreen infotainment system though cosmetically, the BS6 model seems to differ little from the sedan currently on sale.

The Rapid 1.0 TSI will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and the Hyundai Verna – the last of which is set to receive a facelift in the coming weeks.