Skoda launched the 2020 Rapid a few days back and the car drives via a peppier motor now. As far as the looks are concerned it pretty much carries with the old design but now gets a huge mechanical upgrade. In this first look review of 2020 Skoda Rapid, we will be discussing everything on the inside as well as the outside, it's pricing, competition and a detailed overview!
What's new?
Well, aside from the new colour options and noticeable changes to the alloys in Monte Carlo edition, there's not much changed in the exteriors. The biggest overhaul change is the exclusion of the powerful 1.5L diesel engine for a turbocharged petrol engine. Like the oil burner, the 1.6L naturally aspirated MPI is also out of the picture now.
Skoda's 1.0L turbo petrol engine is the same as seen on Volkswagen Polo TSI and Vento. This one pumps out 109 bhp of power with a peak torque of 175 Nm. Currently, the Rapid is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission but soon it will get a 6-speed torque converter. The ARAI certified mileage of this one is 18.97 km/l.
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Interiors
Like before, all Rider, Rider Plus (new variant), Ambition and Style offer dual-tone beige and black colour scheme. The Onyx variant gets a dual-tone Tellur grey leatherette upholstery as standard while the top-spec Monte Carlo gets an all-black interior with red stitching to contrast the look.
Both Style and Monte Carlo editions also receive an updated 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rest of the variants except the base Rapid comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen unit. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered in this one.
Prices
The biggest flex of the new Skoda Rapid 2020 is its prices. With the base 'Rider' variant starting from as low as Rs 7.49 lakh, it is the most value for money package who is buying a car for themselves. The prices are such that it clashes with some of the hatchbacks, compact sedans and the inclusion of a turbo petrol engine makes it a better buy. A new Rider Plus variant was added post the launch as well.
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To further increase the sales, Skoda has also launched the new Rider Plus variant of the same. This comes handy with new features like a touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, chrome garnish for all four windows and trunk, glossy black B pillar, decorative side foils and the interiors get climatronic technology with dust and pollen filter.
Variants and Colour Options
| Variant | Colour Options Available |
| Active | Candy White and Carbon Steel |
| Ambition | Brilliant Silver, Toffee Brown, Candy White and Carbon Steel |
| Style | Candy White, Brilliant Silver and Carbon Steel |
| Onyx | Lapiz Blue and Candy White |
| Monte Carlo | Flash Red and Candy White |
Prices, Rivals and Warranty Period
| Variants | Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Rapid | Rs 7.49 lakh |
| Rider Plus | Rs 7.99 lakh |
| Ambition | Rs 9.99 lakh |
| Style | Rs 11.49 lakh |
| Onyx | Rs 10.19 lakh |
| Monte Carlo | Rs 11.79 lakh |
Skoda Rapid is fiercely priced with its competitors and offers decent features on board. It might not be connected with the technology as such but surely gives you a better rated global NCAP safety, driveability, turbo petrol engine and the best in segment prices. It rivals with Maruti Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and Toyota Yaris.
