Skoda has launched the Rapid saloon in India at a starting price of Rs 6.75 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The Rapid is available in both petrol and diesel engine options, and offered with manual and automatic variants.

Built on the same platform as the Vento (code: VW251), the Skoda iteration (code SK: 251) shares most mechanical bits with the VW saloon which includes engines as well. Hence, the Rapid is powered by the same 1.6 petrol and diesel motors both of which develop 105bhp, but in a slightly different state of tune.

In the looks department, the headlights, the grille and the fogs are similar to Skoda’s Fabia. To help the Skoda and VW bits blend, the Rapid gets a new bonnet, new fenders and a mildly altered chin. The bonnet is longer, the new fender has the Vento’s sharp crease built into it and the chin is slightly altered at the corners, where it merges with the Vento’s beautifully executed wheel arches. The rear is different from the VW Vento too. Skoda has inserted its ‘C’ motif in the tail-lights, the area where the numberplate sits has been altered and there is a new, more sculpted bumper.

On the inside, the cabin is almost identical to its VW counterpart, apart from the Skoda family steering wheel (which has no steering-mounted controls), instrument panel, gearlever and audio system.

The impressive Rapid will be available in three trims – Active, Ambition and Elegance, the last of which gets 15-inch alloy wheels and driver and passenger airbags. These new variant names are part of a revised branding system for Skoda, which also includes the company’s tagline, ‘Simply Clever’.

Looks like the hole left by the exit of the Octavia has finally been filled after all.

Skoda Rapid Prices, ex-showroom Delhi

Active Petrol: Rs 6.75 lakh
Ambition Petrol: Rs 7.09 lakh
Ambition Petrol (Auto): Rs 8.09 lakh
Elegance Petrol: Rs 7.99 lakh
Elegance Petrol (Auto): Rs 8.99 lakh

Active Diesel: Rs 7.96 lakh
Ambition Diesel: Rs 8.29 lakh
Elegance Diesel: Rs 9.19 lakh

VW Vento Prices, ex-showroom Delhi

Trendline Petrol: Rs 6.99 lakh
Highline Petrol: Rs 8.23 lakh
Highline Petrol (Auto): Rs 9.21 lakh

Trendline Diesel: Rs 8.28 lakh
Highline Diesel: Rs 9.77 lakh

Skoda Rapid first drive report