Friday, November 25, 2016
By Kamal Swami
Skoda to upgrade Rapid with 1.2 litre TSI Petrol Engine
It is rumoured that Czech car maker Skoda is speculating to upgrade the existing engine configuration of recently launched generation next Rapid sedan with 1.2 litre TSI turbo charged petrol engine, retaining the existing 1.6 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in trims that are equipped with manual transmission system. The proposed 1.2 litre TSI engine generates the power of 104 bhp and torque of 175Nm and is also offered in Vento sedan from German car maker Volkswagen. The transmission duties in this engine configuration will be taken by seven-speed DSG gearbox. According to emerging rumours it is also reported that prior to introducing the new engine line-up in Rapid’s portfolio Skoda will launch the limited edition of Rapid soon in Indian car market christened as Rapid Monte Carlo Edition to retain the interest of customers.
Another engine configuration apart from 1.6 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in Rapid is upgraded 1.5 litre diesel engine that boosts the power of 108 bhp and torque of 25Nm at 4,000 rpm and between 1,500 to 3,000 rpm respectively. The same engine is also offered in Ameo compact sedan introduced by German group Volkswagen. The price of facelift Skoda Rapid starts from Rs. 8.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra).
Talking about the cosmetic changes introduced in facelift Skoda Rapid include signature grille with chrome garnish at front fascia followed by newly developed front bumper with new honeycomb grille, newly developed projector headlamps, on the rear side it bestows rear spoiler, newly developed rear bumper and C-shaped smoked tail lights. Moving towards interior, you will find premium leather seats, dual tone interiors, 6.5 inch touchscreen infotainment system with mirrorlink, door arm rest, height and length adjustable steering wheel, cruise control and advanced rain sensing wipers among major internal features.
