Skoda to launch new 2016 Rapid tomorrow in India, pricing expected to start from Rs 8 lakhs

Czech automaker Skoda will be launching the refreshed version of its compact sedan Rapid tomorrow in India. The new Rapid will be based on the European version and will join the latest generation of Octavia and Superb. Bookings for the new sedan began last week with an upfront payment of Rs 1 lakh. The new Skoda Rapid will come with cosmetic changes including Skoda’s signature style butterfly grille, updated headlamps, new front bumper, new sculpted bonnet, new rear bumper and rear spoiler.The interiors will also see changes including a plush cabin space with new leather upholstery.  Other features include a new touchscreen MirrorLink infotainment system, automatic headlamps along with auto dimming IRVM, reverse parking sensors with camera, rain sensing wipers, dual front airbags & ABS as standard along with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Control.  The sedan will come in petrol and diesel engines; a 1.6-litre MPI four-cylinder petrol engine an updated 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine. The petrol engine will produce 103bhp and 153Nm peak torque while the diesel engine will produce 108bhp with a peak torque of 250Nm. The pricing is expected to be between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom).