The Skoda Rapid received a new lease of life earlier this year with the entry of the 1.0-litre TSI engine, and now, the Rapid lineup has grown with the addition of an automatic gearbox. The Skoda Rapid TSI automatic has been launched, with prices ranging from Rs 9.49-13.29 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

• Skoda Rapid automatic range starts at Rs 9.49 lakh
• Automatic variant lineup tops out at Rs 13.29 lakh
• 6-speed torque convertor is an all-new unit

While the automatic versions cost about Rs 1.5 lakh more than the equivalent manual variants, the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic’s starting price of Rs 9.49 lakh undercuts that of all its rivals, making the Rapid the most affordable automatic midsize sedan on sale in India today.

What’s the most important thing to know about the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic?

Launched earlier this year with only a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Skoda Rapid TSI now also gets the option of an all-new, 6-speed torque convertor automatic. This is the same gearbox that was first introduced in the Volkswagen Polo and Vento earlier this month, and the Rapid automatic continues to be powered by the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol – which makes 110hp and 175Nm of torque – as the manual Rapid.

What about the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic’s fuel efficiency figure?

Skoda has previously revealed the Rapid automatic’s ARAI-rated fuel efficiency is rated at 16.24kpl; the Rapid TSI manual is rated at 18.97kpl. It’s worth noting the BS4-compliant 1.6 MPI petrol engine – paired with a 6-speed automatic – had an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure of 14.84kpl.  

 

What are the variants the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic will be available in?

Save for the base Rider variant – which is “virtually sold out” for 2020, in the words of Skoda Auto India brand director Zac Hollis – the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic is available in the same trim levels as the manual version. The automatic range starts with the Rider Plus and includes Ambition, Onyx, Style and the range-topping Monte Carlo variants.

Equipment levels are exactly the same as the manual Rapid, so the Rider Plus gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, while the higher-spec Style and Monte Carlo pack in cruise control, reverse camera, automatic headlights and wipers, 8.0-inch touchscreen and an auto-dimming interior rear view mirror. The Rapid Style also gets side airbags.

Which cars will the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic rival?

Now armed with an automatic gearbox option, the Skoda Rapid TSI can compete on a more even footing with the likes of the new Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Toyota Yaris and its cousin, the Volkswagen Vento, all of which are already available in automatic form.

*Prices, ex-showroom, Delhi

What are your thoughts on the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic’s pricing? Let us know in the comments.