The Skoda Rapid Sedan goes to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show for its European debut!

After becoming the best seller for Skoda India, the Rapid C-segment sedan is all to wow the international audience at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show, where the car will be unveiled for the European market. Also, the Skoda Rapid sedan’s pricing is expected to be announced during the unveiling, which by the way is just weeks away. The Skoda Rapid sedan is anticipated to be priced at 13,000 Euros, which isn’t too different from the price at which it sells in the Indian market. The Rapid will be positioned as an entry level, budget sedan for the European market.

2012 Skoda Rapid Diesel Sedan

Just like in the Indian market, the Rapid will sit between the entry level Fabia hatchback and the full size Laura(Called the Octavia in international markets) sedan. Stylistically, the European Rapid is expected to be very similar to the Indian version. However, expect a few changes under the hood. The petrol engines are expected to be Volkswagen’s acclaimed 1.2 or 1.4 liter TSI, turbo petrol units with direct injection. Power outputs could vary from 85 to 105 Bhp. The 1.6 liter-105 Bhp TDI turbo diesel unit could be joined in by the 2 liter 140 Bhp TDI unit that the larger Octavia(Laura) comes with.

2012 Skoda Rapid Diesel Sedan

Also in the offing is a dual clutch gearbox, to appeal to the more sophisticated and demanding European car market. In Europe, the Rapid will be pitted at the Hyundai Accent(Verna in India) and the Ford Fiesta sedans. Incidentally, India was the first market to get the Skoda Rapid sedan, which is based on the Volkswagen Vento platform. The Skoda Rapid has been a big success for Skoda India, with the car becoming the highest selling car in Skoda’s Indian line up. The Skoda Rapid sedan in India comes in 8 variants with 2 engine options and 2 transmission options.