Skoda India has started production of its Vento-based compact sedan, the Skoda Rapid. Earlier we said the upcoming sedan from Skoda’s stable is known as Rapid, later we said it will be called the Lauretta. Now the confusion is finally cleared, Skoda Chairman Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland said, “The Rapid is a true reflection of our motto ‘Simply Clever’.”
The production of the car has started at Skoda’s Chakan plant and is expected to be launched by end of this month just in time for the festive season. The car is based completely on the VW Vento sharing the platform, interiors and engines. To help the Skoda and VW bits blend, there’s a new bonnet, new fenders and a mildly altered chin. 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 Vento’s beautifully executed wheel arches. The rear is different from the VW Vento too. Granted, you’ll have to look even closer at these pictures and compare it directly with a Vento, but you can tell that Skoda has inserted its ‘C’ motif in the tail-lights, the area where the numberplate sits has been altered and there is a new, more sculpted bumper.
As we said above the engines will be shared with the Vento, which means there will be a 1.6-litre, 105bhp petrol and a 1.6-litre 105bhp diesel, both making class-leading torque figures. Differences, if any, from the Vento’s engines will lie in their state of tune. Also expect the interiors to offer the same sort of space and comfort as the VW. Plenty of legroom, generous width and well-supported front seats.
Keeping the positioning of the two brands in mind, you can also expect the Rapid to be priced slightly below the Vento. And there’s also the possibility of Skoda launching an even cheaper version, with some kit deleted. Looks like the hole left by the exit of the Octavia will be filled after all. Expect a competitive price and a strong sales push from Skoda.
“Today is the official Start of Production for the Indian variant of our new Rapid compact saloon. Effective immediately, the first unit of the ŠKODA Rapid will be rolling off the line in this plant. The car will be introduced in the market shortly. It is an attractive car with lots of space and room for five persons,” Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Management, Skoda Auto, said.
Also see – Spied – Skoda Fabia Sedan in Mumbai
Image credit – AutoCarIndia
