The project was no easy feat, but the students were determined to complete it on time and with immaculate attention to detail. The end result is a car that exudes sportiness and elegance, with several eye-catching customizations. One of the most impressive features is the retractable Skoda badge on the bonnet, which elevates elegantly from the hood and retracts at the touch of a button. The car also boasts sleek LED lighting on the front bonnet and an illuminated ‘Skoda’ inscription on the boot lid, giving it a distinct appearance.

Inside the cabin, the students upgraded the standard radio to a modern touchscreen infotainment system and crafted the seats in top-quality scarlet-red leather for a premium feel. To ensure an exhilarating driving experience, they replaced the factory-fitted exhaust with a sporty system that induces goosebumps at the slightest blip of the throttle.

This project not only showcases the exceptional abilities of Indian engineers but also validates the Group’s commitment to empowering the next generation of skilled professionals. By supporting India’s Skill India initiative, Skoda - VW is investing in the country’s future and contributing to its growth. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a series of exceptional student car projects by the Group in India.

The Skoda Rapid Matte Edition sports many new features which makes the car distinctive and adds dynamism to the line-up. The new glossy black radiator grille and spoiler in the front coupled with the carbon steel matte colour enhance the emotive design. The glossy black door handle is exclusively for the matte edition and uplifts the side profile of the car. In addition, the black body side moulding also accentuates the side profile.

At the rear, the addition of the rear diffusor, glossy black tailgate spoiler and the black trunk lip garnish give a sporty avatar to the car. This new edition of the Rapid comes with all-black alloy wheels making it a complete head-turner from the outside.

The Skoda Rapid Matte Edition gets a dual-tone Tellur Grey interior and wears a premium black leatherette upholstery with Alcantara inserts. The interior also sports the same 16.51 cm Drive Audio Player Central Infotainment System. The car is also equipped with a USB Air Purifier. The stainless-steel scuff plates with Rapid inscription adds to the sportiness of the interior. Additionally, high visibility performance bulbs are exclusively provided for the Rapid Matte Edition.

The safety nets in the Skoda Rapid Matte Edition include the Parktronic rear parking sensors, anti-glare interior rearview mirror, rear windscreen defogger with timer, height-adjustable three-point seatbelts at the front, rough road package and engine immobilizer with a floating code system.

We will not launch a new Rapid. We will unveil at the end of the year a new mid sized sedan that will be positioned above the current Rapid.

— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) June 20, 2021

Moreover, he also said that the supply of spare parts for the Rapid will continue to be on offer for at least the next 15 years after the production halts. Talking about Skoda’s upcoming mid-size sedan, it will be based on the company’s MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins Skoda Kushaq. One can expect the vehicle to draw inspiration from the new-gen Rapid, which is on sale in several foreign markets. The upcoming Skoda sedan will be larger compared to the outgoing model of the car, which means that it will offer a more spacious cabin. The recent spy images reveal that it will get a two-spoke multi-functional steering wheel.

The same steering wheel is offered with new Skoda models. Moreover, it is also expected to feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, six airbags, connected car tech, premium leather upholstery, sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging pad, ventilated seats and much more. Furthermore, the new Skoda sedan will also get gearbox and engine choices like Kuhsaq. It will derive power from a 1.0-litre turbocharged gasoline mill and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The former develops 115 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque, while the latter shreds out power and torque outputs of 150 PS and 250 Nm. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine will come paired with a 6-speed MT or 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit will be offered with a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DSG.

Read More: All-new Skoda Kushaq Deliveries to Start From 12th July

As per previous reports and trademark filings, the next-gen Rapid will likely be called the Skoda Slavia in India. In terms of design, the Skoda Slavia is expected to be largely similar to the new-gen Rapid that's on sale in Russia, although it will have a longer wheelbase. The Russia-spec Rapid already has a 50mm longer wheelbase than the current India-spec Rapid. The Slavia is likely to stretch the wheelbase by a further 49mm to 2,651 mm, giving it best-in-class wheelbase. Like most upcoming Skoda/Volkswagen cars, the Skoda Slavaia will also be based on the localized MQB-A0-IN platform.

Also Read : Fourth-Generation Skoda Octavia Launched In India

Based on previously seen spy images, and drawing references from the Russia-spec Rapid, here we have a digital rendering of the Skoda Slavia, as imagined by our in-house digital rendering artist, Shoeb R. Kalania. Here in this rendering, the Slavia's design looks mostly similar to the Russia-spec Rapid, but there are a few notable differences for the India-spec model. The most obvious of them is the visibly longer length of the sedan, which also brings with it longer rear doors. Other changes will mostly be concentrated on the soft parts with country-specific front and rear bumpers.

Here in this rendering, we can see the Skoda Slavia with a unique front bumper with a chrome strip running in between. It also additionally gets a Skoda badge on the front fender. The upcoming sedan features much sharper and edgier styling, with the face characterized by the signature Skoda butterfly grille and sleek, swept-back LED headlamps. In typical Skoda fashion, the lines and crisp and clean and there's an inherent sense of sophistication in the design. Like the new Octavia, the Slavia will also be a notchback, which means it will get a liftback tailgate, and that should give it class-leading boot space.

Under the hood, the Skoda Slavia will share its powertrain options with all upcoming Skoda/VW cars. That means VW Group's 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine will be the mainstay, which produces 115PS of power and 175Nm of torque. This engine will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Skoda will also be offering a larger 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine that will come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. This engine produces 150PS and 250Nm of peak torque. The Skoda Slavia is expected to reach showrooms in early 2022.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Given its more premium positioning, it opens up the possibility that Skoda could be selling the new sedan right alongside the current-gen Rapid, just as Honda sells the fourth-gen and fifth-gen City alongside each other. While the upcoming sedan will not be called the Rapid, Skoda trademarked the name 'Slavia' in India sometime ago, which we believe could be the official name of the upcoming sedan. Skoda will announce the official name sometime in 2021, while the car is slated for a launch in the market by early 2022. Unsurprisingly, the upcoming Skoda sedan will also spawn a Volkswagen sibling, which will likely be the VW Virtus-based sedan - replacement of the VW Vento.

Also Read : Skoda Kushaq (Hyundai Creta-rival) Enters Production - Details

Like most upcoming Skoda/Volkswagen cars, the Skoda Slavaia will also be based on the localized MQB-A0-IN platform. Interestingly, the global-spec new-gen Rapid already has a 50mm longer wheelbase than the India-spec Rapid. The Slavia is likely to stretch the wheelbase by a further 49mm to 2,651 mm, resulting in class leading interior and room and best-in-class boot capacity of 530 liters. Like the Octavia, the new sedan will be a notchback, which means it will get a liftback tailgate. Although the test mule is heavily wrapped in camouflage in the above video, there are still some details that can be made out.

The upcoming sedan features much sharper styling, with the face characterized by the signature Skoda butterfly grille and swept-back LED headlamps. The front bumper has provisions for fog lamps and we also get a little glimpse of the tail lamps at the rear. Overall, the design is much edgier and sleeker. We also get a slight glimpse at the interior of the Skoda Slavia, and the most noteworthy takeaway is a new two-spoke steering wheel from the Kushaq. While most of the interior was under wraps, top-spec variants of the upcoming sedan will get 6-airbags, digital instrument cluster, 10-inch infotainment screen, with the overall design likely to have a resemblance with the Kushaq for a family look.

Under the hood, the Skoda Slavia will share its powertrain options with all upcoming Skoda/VW cars. That means VW Group's 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine will be the mainstay, which produces 115PS of power and 175Nm of torque. This engine will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Skoda will also be offering a larger 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine that will come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. This engine produces 150PS and 250Nm of peak torque. While we were really drooling over the new-gen Rapid that's sold abroad, we are now more excited for what Skoda has in store for us.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

The mid-spec Onxy trim has been updated with several silver accents on the outside. This includes a new silver cap for the ORVMs, a silver split lip spoiler along with a new silver strip running down the sides of the sedan that replaces black highlights that were offered previously. The silver treatment has also been extended to the roof, which was previously offered in body color. The Rapid Onyx variant also comes with gloss black alloy wheels. We will admit that the silver and blue (standard color for Onyx trim) color combination along with gloss black alloy wheels create a very unique look.

Also Read : Skoda Confirms Rapid CNG Is On The Cards; 4 New Launches Coming Up This Year

The top-spec Monte Carlo trim has also been adorned with a similar set of updates. The Rapid Monte Carlo is already a very smart and handsome looking sedan, thanks to the beautiful red shade that contrasts well with several blacked out elements. The Rapid Monte Carlo gets a gloss back grille, a rear diffuser, black ORVMs, a rear lip spoiler, dual-tone alloy wheels, blacked-out window surrounds and a contrasting black roof as well. It now additionally comes with a split lip spoiler on the front (same as the Onyx, only finished in black) and new side skirts as well.

There are no changes to the interior or to the equipment list on either variants of the Rapid. The Skoda Rapid is solely powered by a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 110hp and 175N of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Currently, the Rapid retails from INR 7.99 lakh to INR 13.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The Skoda Rapid rivals the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Volkswagen Vento.

The current-gen Skoda Rapid is nearing the end of it's lifecycle in India as it will be replaced by a brand new car towards the end of this year or early next year. The Skoda Rapid replacement will be a completely new and bigger sedan that will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. While it will carry over the current 1.0L TSI engine, the next-gen Rapid could also be offered with a larger 1.5L TSI engine that already does duty on bigger Skoda and Volkswagen cars. Like all other upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars, the new sedan will be part of VW Group's India 2.0 Project.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Although Skoda has already debuted the next-gen Rapid for markets abroad, this will not be the model that makes it to India. Instead, the Skoda Rapid replacement will be a completely new and bigger sedan that will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. Sometime ago, Skoda trademarked the name 'Slavia' in India and we believe it could be the official name of the upcoming sedan. Skoda will announce the official name sometime in 2021. Like all other upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars, the new sedan will be part of VW Group's India 2.0 Project.

Also Read : Skoda Confirms Rapid CNG Is On The Cards; 4 New Launches Coming Up This Year

The Skoda Rapid replacement, and all other upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars, will be petrol-only models in India, powered by VW Group's TSI turbo-petrol engines. Skoda have said that the 1.0L TSI engine will be the bread and butter engine for the India 2.0 Project, and so we expect this engine to be offered on the upcoming sedan as well. The MQB-A0-IN platform, however, is also capable of handling the bigger 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol engine that currently does duty on the Skoda Karoq.

There is thus a possibility that Skoda could offer the bigger engine with higher-spec variants of the Rapid replacement. Transmission options will likely include a 6-speed manual transmission and an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic. Like the Octavia, the new sedan will be a notchback, which means it will get a liftback tailgate. However, before this all-new sedan, Skoda will be concentrating their efforts on the next-gen Skoda Octavia and the upcoming Skoda Kushaq, with the latter slated for its global debut on March 18, 2021.

So the current-gen Skoda Rapid will soldier on for some more time before it is replaced or joined by another new sedan by the end of 2021. It is currently offered with a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 110hp and 175N of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Currently, the Rapid retails from INR 7.99 lakh to INR 13.29 lakh (ex-showroom), and its replacement could be priced from INR 10 lakh onwards. It will, however, continue its rivalry with the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and even Volkswagen Vento’s replacement.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

With the Rapid CNG, Skoda will become only the third carmaker in India to offer a CNG variant of a vehicle right from the factory. The other two manufacturers are Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. CNG cars make a lot of sense for daily commuting within the city limits and are a lot easier on your pockets than even your regular diesel cars. Thus, adding a CNG variant to its volume-oriented model, like the Rapid, comes across as a smart move for the company.

Also Read : Production-Spec Skoda Kushaq Interior Previewed In New Design Sketches

Under the hood, the Rapid CNG will likely be powered by the same 1.0L TSI three-cylinder turbocharged engine as the regular petrol variant. The petrol versions of the Rapid produces 108 bhp of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque. As with most CNG conversions, the Rapid CNG is likely to produce slightly reduced outputs. Transmission options could include both the 6-speed manual and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It also remains to be seen in which trims of sedan Skoda will offer the CNG powertrain.

In one of his tweets, Zac Hollis also confirmed that the company will be launching four new vehicles in India in the next 12 months, starting with the Skoda Kushaq. It is, however, not confirmed if the Rapid CNG will be part of the four new launches or not. It could definitely be a possibility though. As for the other Skoda models that's set to launch in India this year, one of them will be the next-gen Octavia. Even the performance focused Octavia RS could be on the cards for India.

However, the most important launch coming up for Skoda in India is the Kushaq compact SUV. Slated for its global debut on March 18, 2021, the Kushaq will be the first car under VW Group's India 2.0 strategy and it will be banking high on its localization for a competitive price positioning. Later in the year, Skoda could also be replacing the current-gen Rapid with an all-new sedan that will be much larger than the Rapid and will be underpinned by the MQB-A0-IN platform.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

The new Skoda Rapid Rider is INR 30,000 more expensive than when it was first launched. There is however no change in the equipment list, both on the inside and outside. This base variant still comes decently well loaded with most features you'd need in a car. Under the hood, the Rapid Rider continues to draw power from a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 110hp and 175Nm of peak torque. The base Rider variant only comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Also Read : 2021 Skoda Superb Launched With New Features; Prices Start From INR 31.99 Lakh

Skoda Rapid Rider Equipment List

As for the features list, here are some of the key features the Rapid Rider comes equipped with a 2-DIN audio system with USB, auto climate control, rear air-con vents, all four power windows, aux and Bluetooth connectivity, power-adjustable wing mirrors, centre armrests for the front and back, remote central locking, rear defogger, adjustable headrests at the front and rear, rake and reach adjust for the steering wheel, and full-wheel covers. Safety features as standard include dual airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors.

Skoda Rapid Rider Price vs Base Price of Rivals

As before, the Rapid Rider is still the most affordable variant of any mid-size sedan you can currently buy in the country. The next most  affordable car you can buy in this segment is the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in its Sigma trim (INR 8.32 lakh), which is INR 53,000 more expensive. Even the base-spec Volkswagen Vento is over INR 1 lakh more expensive (INR 9.09 lakh) than the Rapid Rider. As for other sedans in this class, the Hyundai Verna starts from INR 9.03 lakh; the 4th-Gen Honda City starts from INR 9.30 lakh; and the Toyota Yaris starts from INR 9.16 lakh.

Prices of a few other select variants too have been revised

Apart from the reintroduction of the Rider variant, Skoda has also mildly revised the prices of a few select variants from the Rapid range. The Rapid Rider Plus manual and automatic are now INR 20,000 dearer, costing INR 8.19 lakh and INR 9.69 lakh, respectively. The prices of the Rapid Ambition automatic and Rapid Onyx automatic have also gone up by INR 20,000, thus now costing INR 11.49 lakh and INR 11.69 lakh, respectively (all prices, ex-showroom, India).

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Instead, the Skoda Rapid replacement will be a brand new, bigger sedan that will be based on the MQB A0 IN platform. In fact, Skoda trademarked the name 'Slavia' in India sometime ago and we believe it could be the official name of the upcoming sedan. Skoda will announce the official name sometime in 2021 while the car is slated for a launch towards the end of 2021. Like all other upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars, the new sedan will be part of VW Group's India 2.0 Project.

Also Read : Skoda Announces 2.5% Price Hike For All Models from January 2021

The Skoda Rapid replacement, and all other upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars, will be petrol-only models in India, powered by VW Group's TSI turbo-petrol engines. Skoda have said that the 1.0L TSI engine will be the bread and butter engine for the India 2.0 Project, and so we expect this engine to be offered on the next-gen sedan as well. The MQB AO IN platform however is also capable of handling the bigger 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol engine that currently does duty on the Skoda Karoq.

There is thus also a possibility that Skoda could offer the bigger engine with higher-spec variants of the Rapid replacement. Going ahead into 2021, Skoda have their hands quite full for next year. They will be concentrating their efforts on the next-gen Skoda Octavia and the production-spec Vision IN, both of which are set to launch next year. There could even be facelift for the Karoq and some more products could be in the pipeline, given Skoda's recent trade filings.

So the current-gen Skoda Rapid will soldier on for some more time before it is replaced by the end of 2021. With that, it will be the end of the Skoda Rapid nameplate in India and it never got a generation update. It is currently offered with a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 110hp and 175N of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. While we were really drooling over the next-gen Rapid that's sold abroad, we are now more excited for what Skoda has in store for us.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Skoda's lineup in India currently includes the Rapid sedan, the Octavia RS 254, the Karoq SUV and the Superb sedan. Of these, only the Rapid is locally built here in India. All three other cars either come to India as CKDs or as full imports. Unlike Volkswagen, who only hiked the prices of the locally-made Polo and Vento, Skoda's price hike will be applicable on all four vehicles that the company sells here in India. Earlier in November, VW Group's luxury brand Audi also announced a price hike across its range.

Also Read : Could Slavia Be The Name Of The Next-Gen Skoda Rapid In India?

Skoda Auto India spokesperson said,

"There has been a surge in the cost of our inputs for production due to significant volatility in the global commodity prices and foreign exchange rates in recent times. SKODA AUTO India has been absorbing these incremental costs, all this while, but is now considering a price increase of up to 2.5 per cent with effect from 1st January 2021 across its model range."

Price revisions towards the end of the year have almost become a norm in the automotive industry. Almost every manufacturer marginally increases the price of their vehicles at this time of the year. This price hike comes about due to increasing input costs across the spectrum, including input costs for steel, aluminum, plastics and other affiliated cost increases during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, prices anyway saw a strong uptick due to the transition to the BS6 norms. The lockdown and the pandemic also caused supply-chain disruptions for components and raw materials, which further contributed the uptick in prices of vehicles.

Going ahead into 2021, both Volkswagen and Skoda will be going into a product offensive strategy. The first model to come out of VW Group's India 2.0 Project will be the production-spec Skoda Vision IN which will then be followed by the Volkswagen Taigun. These two are very important products for both the brands in India. The later half of 2021 will also see the next-gen Vento from Volkswagen and the next-gen Rapid from Skoda in India.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

The current-gen Rapid has been on sale in India for almost a decade now. Although Skoda has been updating the model with facelifts all along, it never got a generation update. Skoda is now working on a replacement for the Rapid in India and it has been codenamed the ANB sedan. Although Skoda has already debuted the next-gen Rapid for markets abroad, it remains to be seen if that's the very model that makes it to India as well. As for the name 'Slavia', it has a certain history with the Czech carmaker. Slavia was the name of the first motorized bicycle that was manufactured by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement , founders of the Skoda company, back in 1899.

Also Read : Base-Spec Skoda Rapid Rider Variant Discontinued in India

More recently, in July 2020, Skoda even used the Slavia name for the 7th Skoda Student Concept Car. Commemorating the company's first vehicle, the Skoda Slavia was a two-door open-top roadster that was designed by 31 students attending the renowned Skoda vocational school. The Skoda Slavia was based on the Skoda Scala, again a replacement for the Rapid Spaceback in Europe. The Rapid replacement for India will be a part of VW Group's India 2.0 Project, and like several other cars under this strategy, it too will be underpinned by the heavily localized MQB AO IN platform.

However, the Rapid replacement (or Skoda Slavia) could still be some time away. It was originally planned for a debut in 2021 but it now could be pushed to 2022, thanks to disruptions and delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Skoda anyway have their hands quite full for next year. They will be concentrating their efforts on the next-gen Skoda Octavia and the production-spec Vision IN, both of which are set to launch next year. There could even be facelift for the Karoq and some more products could be in the pipeline, given Skoda's recent trade filings.

So the current-gen Skoda Rapid will soldier on for some more time before it is replaced by 2022. It is currently offered with a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 110hp and 175N of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Skoda have said that the 1.0L TSI engine will be the bread and butter engine for the India 2.0 Project, and so we expect this engine to be offered on the next-gen sedan as well.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

The reason why the Rapid Rider was great value for money is because it was equipped quite well for a base-spec compact sedan for just INR 7.49 lakh. It was larger than some sub-compact sedans for similar money and with a very potent powertrain under its hood, it really seemed like a bargain. It included features like a 2-DIN audio system with USB and Aux IN, climate control, power windows, remote locking, tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel and electronic adjustable ORVMs. Yes, it wasn't extravagant but it covered all the essentials quite well.

Also Read : Next-Gen Skoda Octavia Will Be The Most Powerful Sedan In Its Class

The base Rider variant even got dual airbags and ABS and rear parking sensors as safety features. In fact, the Skoda Rapid Rider became so popular that Skoda had to temporarily halt bookings for the base variant to meet up with pending. Skoda was also very quick to add some more value to the Rider variant seeing good demand and taking customer feedback. They soon launched the Rider Plus varaint, which for INR 50,000 more at INR 7.99 lakh, added a touchscreen infotainment system and body decals. This too was very positively received by customers.

Under the hood, the Skoda Rapid is powered by VW Group's 1.0L TSI engine that produces 110hp and 175 Nm of torque. In the Rider variant, the engine solely came mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Skoda Rapid Rider was a whole INR 4.3 lakh more affordable than the top-spec Monte Carlo variant. If you really liked the Rapid for its driving dynamics, the Rider variant was ideal to be a project car to save some cash and use that money to put on some aftermarket parts or enhance its performance.

The new base Skoda Rapid Rider Plus variant still continues to be extremely good value for money as well. The Rider Plus variant further adds the convenience of a 6-speed automatics gearbox and it gets that very essential touchscreen system of modern times. Skoda also has a brand new-gen of the Rapid coming up in India by the end of 2021 and that should be something to really watch out for. Here's a look the BS6 Skoda Rapid Price list now.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Hence, if you are in the market looking for a new sedan, here are your best options that fall under INR 20 lakh* in India-

Maruti-Suzuki Dzire

The Maruti Dzire is the most sold compact-sedan in India. Launched back in 2008, sales of the Dzire are still going strong thanks to its pricing and packaging. The prices for the 2020 Maruti Dzire start at INR 5.89 lakh*. With it latest facelift, the sedan comes with features like cruise control, automatic LED headlamps, auto-folding ORVMs, push-button engine start-stop, and auto AC with rear AC vents. It also gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and cloud-based services as well.

The Dzire facelift is offered with Maruti’s 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine that produces 90 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox but also gets the choice of a 5-speed AMT as well. This engine is the first to offer idle start-stop function in the segment, helping it be more fuel efficient. It has a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.26 kmpl with the MT and 24.12 kmpl with the AMT. The Dzire comes with dual front airbags and rear parking sensors as standard. Its AMT variants also get electronic stability control and hill-hold assist. while features like rear-view camera and rear defogger are also offered in higher-spec variants.

Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna is one of the most feature-packed and good-looking sedans of India. In terms of design, the new Verna features the latest Hyundai design language with sharper-looking headlamps, a wide grille; and additional styling elements like a twin exhaust, gloss-black grille-finish and all-black interiors. As for the features, the new Verna gets ventilated seats at the front, TPMS, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging pad, electrically-operated sunroof and paddle shifters as well. The car comes with Vodafone-Idea eSIM-integrated Hyundai Blue Link services that are offered complimentary for first 3 years and post which, the customers can choose to further renew these services.

The Hyundai Verna is available with three powertrain options including a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers 115 PS with 144 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre diesel engine is rated at 115 PS and 250Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine has an output of 120 PS and 171 Nm of torque. Prices for the Hyundai Verna starts at INR 9.03 lakh*. It competes under the mid-size sedan category with players like Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Honda City.

Honda City

The all-new Honda City delivers a sporty design, new-age features and refined engine options to its customers. It's one of the longest running and most known nameplates in India, and has been a choice for people who love classy design and ultra-reliability. The design of the new City has a bold, chrome-finished grille with sharp LED headlamps which are coupled to a chiseled hood in order to accentuate the car’s length. The Honda City is the longest and widest sedan in its segment. In terms of features, the Honda City is India’s first connected car with Alexa remote capability. It also gets an electric sunroof, automatic headlamps and paddle shifters with the CVT variant.

There's also an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting in the front footwell and a 7-inch colour TFT instrument cluster that displays a world of information and also gets a G-force meter. The Honda City is available with two engine options including 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine delivers 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque and is available with two transmission options - a 6-speed manual and a CVT. On the other hand, the diesel powertrain is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Prices for the Honda City starts at INR 10.89 lakh*.

Skoda Rapid

Another offering in the mid-size sedan category is the Skoda Rapid. While reliability issues plague its reputation, people who drive a Skoda will always swear by its driving dynamism and the classic Czech charm it offers. Recently, the company had to temporarily halt bookings for the newly-launched Rider variant due to its overwhelming demand. In terms of features, the Rapid comes with automatic climate control, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. However, The top-spec variants get a new 8.0-inch touchscreen unit.

Skoda has discontinued all its previous engines and is now offering the Rapid with only a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that delivers 110 hp and 175 Nm of torque. The engine comes with two transmission options – a 6-speed manual unit and a 6-speed automatic unit. Prices for the car starts at INR 7.49 lakh* for the Rider variant and go up to INR 11.79 lakh* for the Monte Carlo manual variant. The automatic variants starts at INR 9.49* lakh and go upto INR 13.29 lakh*.

Honda Civic

Last on our list is the Honda Civic. While sales of the new-gen version haven't been groundbreaking, the Civic is among the few badges that have cemented the brand’s popularity in India. Since its inception, the Civic has garnered nothing but positive response and all because of the underlying formula that Honda has gotten right through the generations. After missing out on the 9th-gen in India, Honda launched the 10th-gen after 8 years of its absence.

In terms of features, the new Civic gets LED headlamps, DRLs and tail lamps,; along with that you get an 8-way adjustable driver seat, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Its safety palette includes safety features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and rear parking sensors. For the first time, Honda offers a diesel engine with the new Civic. Prices of the Honda Civic starts at INR 17.94 Lakh*.

*Ex-showroom

Specs

Powering the new Skoda Rapid TSI AT is the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine that comes fitted in the Rapid MT variant. This motor is a brand-new unit which can also be found in under the hoods of the new Polo and Vento. It produces 110 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque. In the new Rapid TSI, this mill is mated to a 6-speed torque converter. As for the fuel economy, Skoda claims a figure of 16.24 km/l.

Variants & Prices

The new Skoda Rapid TSI AT is available is a total of 5 variants - Rider Plus, Ambition, Onyx, Style, and Monte Carlo. The price of the new sedan starts at INR 9.49 lakh* for the base trim and goes all the way up to INR 13.29 lakh* for the range-topping model. Overall, the new Rapid TSI AT is around INR 2 lakh costlier than the manual variant of the car.

Bookings & Deliveries

Like we already said, the Skoda Rapid TSI AT bookings started last month. Interested buyers can make their reservations by paying a refundable token amount of INR 25,000. The bookings can be made either by visiting any Skoda dealership across the country or online via the company’s official website. As far as the deliveries are concerned, Skoda has said that they will commence from tomorrow, 18 September.

Also Read: Skoda Rapid Rider Plus launched, priced at INR 7.99 lakh

Features

Some of the key features of the new Skoda Rapid TSI AT include an 8.0-inch Android-based touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, rear-view camera and automatic climate control. In terms of safety equipment on board, there are six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

*Ex-showroom, India

Skoda started accepting bookings for the Rapid TSI AT last month. Interested buyers can make their reservations by paying a refundable token amount of INR 25,000. The bookings can be made either by visiting any Skoda dealership across the country or online via the company’s official website.

Apart from opening its order books for the Skoda Rapid AT, the company had also announced that the deliveries of the new sedan will commence from 18 September. While the exact launch date was not revealed, the delivery date did give us a hint.

Well, Skoda has now confirmed the Rapid TSI AT launch date via a teaser video. The new car will finally break cover in the domestic market on 17 September. The launch event will be held digitally, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the name suggests, the biggest change in the new Skoda Rapid TSI AT will be the gearbox. Powered by the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine that comes fitted in the Rapid MT variant, the new AT model will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine is a brand-new unit which can also be found in under the hoods of the new Polo and Vento. It produces 110 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque. Skoda says that the new Rapid TSI AT can give a fuel economy of up to 16.24 km/l.

Also Read: Skoda Rapid Rider Plus launched, priced at INR 7.99 lakh

The other features of the upcoming Skoda Rapid TSI AT will be identical to that of the manual variant. It would come equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist. Also, an 8.0-inch Android-based touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, rear-view camera and automatic climate control would be found in the cabin.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Apart from opening its order books for the Skoda Rapid AT, the company has also said that the deliveries of the new sedan will commence from 18 September.

Speaking about the new Skoda Rapid AT, Zac Hollis, Brand Director – Skoda Auto India, said:

The new Rapid AT will offer a compelling combination of the brand's timeless design ideals, unmatched performance, superior build quality, exemplary ‘value for money' proposition, and enhanced safety and security. It is deemed to be the best seller in its class, setting the benchmark for functionality, practicality, spaciousness, and convenience.

The Skoda Rapid AT will draw power from the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine that comes fitted in the Rapid MT variant. This is a brand-new motor which can also be found in under the hoods of the new Polo and Vento. It is capable of producing 110 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque. For the transmission, there will be a 6-speed automatic. The official fuel efficiency of the Skoda Rapid AT is said to be 16.24 km/l.

Apart from the 6-speed automatic transmission, no other changes are expected to be implemented in the new Skoda Rapid AT. Features such as an 8.0-inch Android-based touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, rear-view camera and automatic climate control would be found in its cabin. In terms of safety, there would be six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist.

Also Read: Skoda Enyaq iV All-Electric SUV Global Premiere To Be Held On September 1

In other news, Skoda launched the Rapid Rider Plus last month at INR 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The latest variant in the company’s Rapid TSI series gets the state-of-the-art 16.51cm colour touchscreen central infotainment system with SmartLink technology that is compatible with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Speaking at the introduction of the new Skoda Rapid Rider Plus, Mr Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said:

Skoda Auto India recently introduced the new Rapid TSI range of products that now boasts state of the art 1.0 TSI petrol engine offering exceptional power output and excellent fuel economy. An overwhelming response from brand loyalists and auto enthusiasts from across the nation has obligated the Czech marque to push the yardstick further and broaden the Rapid range. The Rider Plus offers a compelling combination of the brand’s emotive design, exquisite interiors and class-leading safety features, at a very competitive price point. It is deemed to be a best seller setting the benchmark for functionality, practicality and spaciousness in its segment.

In terms of styling, the new Skoda Rapid Rider Plus is similar to that of the other variants in the company’s Rapid TSI range, however, to set it apart from the rest of the lot, Skoda has added a few elements on the outside. The exterior of the new Rapid Rider Plus is accentuated by the black facade of the Skoda signature grille, decorative side foils, glossy black decor on the B pillars, complementary trunk lip garnish as well as new window chrome garnish.

The interior of the new Skoda Rapid Rider Plus comes with a plush dual-tone ebony sand theme with ivory slate upholstery. To give a premium touch, the company has also added stainless-steel scuff plates with Rapid inscription. And, of course, there is the new 16.51cm colour touchscreen central infotainment system that enhances the overall user experience. Also, the revolutionary Climatronic technology along with dust and pollen filter adds to the comfort and convenience.

The new Skoda Rapid Rider Plus draws power from a 1.0 TSI 3-cylinder engine which pumps out 110 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque. The transmission here is a 6-speed manual unit. Skoda has tuned this powerplant to provide high levels of refinement and an optimal combination of performance and fuel economy.

Also Read: All-new Skoda Octavia RS Revealed In Petrol And Diesel Guise

For safety, the new Rapid Rider Plus features dual-airbags, ABS, Parktronic rear parking sensors, anti-glare interior rearview mirror, rear windscreen defogger with timer, height-adjustable three-point seatbelts at the front, rough road package, fuel supply cut off in a crash, and engine immobiliser with a floating code system.

The new Skoda Rapid Rider Plus is available in four colour options - Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, and Toffee Brown.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

*Ex-showroom, India