Skoda Rapid set to be launched in Europe replacing Octavia/Laura
Skoda has Rapid sedan in India portfolio which is actually a rebadged version of Volkswagen Vento, its elder sibling. Skoda Auto is now all set to launch Skoda Rapid sedan in the European car market. However, there will be a huge difference between the Europe bound Skoda Rapid and that sold in India. The Europe bound Skoda Rapid could don a notchback design and the vehicle is likely to be bigger than the Rapid sold in India. If rumours are to be believed then the European Skoda Rapid will replace Skoda Octavia/Laura that in its next generation will become bigger to fill the spot of Skoda Superb premium sedan.
Skoda Superb luxury saloon will become bigger and will get more luxury features than now. Therefore this is a gist of Skoda plans that it has chalked out for itself in the coming years. Skoda Rapid to be sold in European car market will have a brand new style and will sport fresh headlamps, along with new bumpers and grille. The front grille is a perfect epitome of Skoda styling treatment. The rear also gets the typical Skoda styling. Keeping in mind that the European Skoda Rapid will replace the Skoda Octavia/Laura, the interiors of the premium sedan are likely to be spacious than the Indian Skoda Rapid sedan. The Indian Skoda Rapid is placed in the C segment while the one to be launched in Europe will be a part of the D segment that is the luxury saloon segment.
Skoda Rapid will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options in Europe. Keeping in mind the surging demand for high fuel efficiency and lower fuel emissions, the petrol and diesel trim levels are likely to be launched with forced induction and direct injection that will make it frugal. The Rapid being launched in Europe can be inducted in India too but as the next generation Skoda Octavia, and the Skoda Laura will become a larger car which will be based on the MQB platform. This sedan will be juxtaposed to other new sedans appealing to the mass segment from the Volkswagen group. Europe bound Skoda Rapid will be launched by the beginning of the year 2013. The India bound Skoda Rapid price begins at Rs 6.97 lakh for the base model of petrol guise. While the high end version of Skoda Rapid diesel is priced at Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom price).
The petrol engine is powered with in line liquid cooling, 16 V DOHC, transverse in front. The 1.6 litre MPI petrol engine comes with four cylinders, 1598cc displacement with 105 PS of power at 5250 Rpm and 153 Nm of torque at 3800 Rpm. While the diesel version is equipped with a turbocharged diesel in-line engine, with liquid cooling system, high pressure direct injection system, 16V DOHC. The 1.6 TDI diesel engine has four cylinders and 1598cc of displacement. The diesel engine also generates 105 PS at 4400 Rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 1500-2500 Rpm. The sedan is also offered in six speed automatic transmission mated to the 1.6 litre MPI petrol engine.
Skoda Rapid Reviews on Carkhabri.com can be useful for you. Also go through the Skoda Rapid Pictures gallery on Carkhabri.com.
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