Skoda Rapid is the new Fabia Sedan. Will take on VW Vento and SX4

Skoda Auto is all set to come up with their very own budget, mid-sized sedan that will take on the Ventos and SX4s of the world. The new car that will be based on the VW Vento platform itself could be launched during the festive season of Diwali. Speculative renders of the car have been doing rounds for quite a while now but still, Skoda is yet to reveal any details about the cars design.

One thing is for sure, it will have the current Skoda corporate look be based on the new Fabia design. Skoda Auto call it the Rapid (and not Rapide, as in Aston Martin). The Rapid name is not new to the company and this will be a resurrection of an old badge. The Rapid will share a lot of bits from sister firm, Volkswagen’s Vento.

The design of the car could be based on the Skoda Vision D concept which was showcased at the Geneva Auto show. One more feature that will be unique on the Rapid is that it will have a traditional boot instead of the notchback design of the other Skodas. Engines will be same as on the Vento with two petrol and two diesel options. According to VW, the 1.6 litre DOHC diesel engine on the Vento can do 20.5 km in 1 litre of fuel.

The Skoda Rapid could be priced close to the Maruti SX4 which is the other car the Rapid will be pitted against. Thus, the Rapid will be cheaper than the Vento giving it a straight away advantage over its sister. Secondly, built quality won’t be compromised and buyers will get the same tank-like built synonymous with Skoda. Expect the Skoda Rapid to be priced at around Rs 6.5 lakh ex-showroom Delhi which will under-cut the Vento by at least half a lakh rupees.

Via Autocar

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