Skoda is soon set to launch Volkswagen’s Vento challenger by Diwali this here. For its Indian market, however, this saloon car will go by the moniker of Rapid, which it has used many times now. The Rapid, built on a similar platform as Vento, will share many of its mechanical features with the VW Vento saloon. This includes even the engine.
As a result, the Rapid will feature the same diesel and petrol 1.6 liter engines, both delivering 105 bhp. However, keeping both the brand positions in mind, the manufacturer will price the Rapid slightly lower than the Vento. Skoda could also delete some of the features from the Rapid models equipment list.
Some sources from Skoda also claim that this Czech motor company could shock the market with an affordable Rapid version, which will be priced close to the price of Maruti SX4. This translates into an ex-showroom Delhi price of Rs.7 lakh approx. for the petrol version, while the diesel is priced at Rs. 7.80 lakh.
The design of Rapid is apparently based on the concept Vision D car which was recently previewed in Geneva. With simple yet bold lines, wider grille and crafted surfaces, the Rapid could outdo the Vento when it comes to style. The one Skoda attribute which will, however be missing is the hatch, which has been removed to keep down the cost.
The Rapid, will instead feature a conventional boot. It is also likely to feature Skoda’s new updated chrome black logo, which is more contemporary and stylish.
When skoda launches Rapid skoda should realise that features is a necessity during launch such as keyless entry, push start, stearing controls, avudiosystem, parking sensors, climate control, rear ac vent(B pillar), front and rear arm rest,power windows, Parking sensors,abs,ebd, cruise control, rear top light,dicky light at least in the higher version and also an automatic( This may be the features in higher priced models but even the middle incomegroup must enjoy these features with a premium rather than going fgor high priced models. I hope skoda will take these points before launching rapid.
i have fabia n i suggest if some one is lookining for a hatch back then he must go with fabia ,really i njoyed allot with this lovely car, fabia makes u feel dabaang a real dabaang ,the way fabia moves is verry confident .till yet i didnt get any of rivlers near it.
I have a rider model of skoda , I m satisfy customer of skoda there is only one weak point of skoda that is steering ,steering is very heavy, so skoda should remember that at the time of launching new model of skoda steering is soft and the price is between 7-8lacs feactures and shape like rider then I will sure that model beat every model of another makes
Glad to know that skoda is going to launch lauretta sedan with vision d concept. This is a good move and the european company should introduce the latest design and front and back designs as seen in the pictures and if you dilute and introduce with the looks of fabia front and back i hope it will be a failure. Skoda should give customers latest and feature ridden models also as a top end variant with a premium. Market is flooded with models and attractive designs and inorder to keep customers in skoda fold they should think! and act!
Though fabia is a very good car skoda should think why no large volumes? The front and back design is dated and should be revamped to attract more customers and donot keep old designs in this changing world.
Hope skoda will listen. Prof. Devakumar Samuel