As you can see from our exclusive spy photo, the Rapid’s interiors borrow heavily from the Vento; bits like the dashboard, switches, gauges, buttons for the audio, climate control are shared with VW saloon; however the Rapid gets a four-spoke steering wheel similar to the Fabia and Laura. Like the Vento, the Rapid may also get the lever to adjust the front passenger seat from the rear.
As we’ve seen from earlier pictures, exterior bits like the headlights, grille and fogs are similar to the Fabia. The side profile is a lot like the VW Vento, though 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 beautifully executed wheel arches. The rear is somewhat different from the VW Vento too. Skoda has inserted its ‘C’ motif in the tail-lights, the area where the number-plate sits has been altered and there is a new, more sculpted bumper.
Apart from the Vento, the Rapid will also compete with the likes of the Toyota Etios and Maruti Swift Dzire at the lower end while with the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Fiat Linea on the upper end of the segment. Expect a competitive price and a strong sales push from Skoda.
The Rapid will be available for sale this November.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Lenny D'sa
Ameya Dandekar
