Skoda Rapid facelift front spied

2016 Skoda Rapid facelift spotted during a road test, likely to launch in the festive season

2016-Skoda-Rapid-facelift-front-spied

The Skoda Rapid facelift has been spotted with minimal camouflaging during a public road test. The Rapid happens to be the VW Group owned Czech manufacturer’s most affordable offering in India and was launched in 2011. Since its launch, the sedan has not received any major update and still makes rounds in its VW Vento based skin and mechanicals. And now with the new facelift version, the Rapid now sports updated looks and refreshed power-plants. Recently, Skoda India launched their top of the line model, the 2016 Superb premium sedan.

2016-Skoda-Rapid-facelift-rear-quarter-spied

On the visual front, the facelifted 2016 Skoda Rapid looks more premium than the current version with its Octavia-like sharp styling. The front fascia is where the new Rapid boasts the game changing drama. The headlights have dropped the curves and are reworked to look sharp and aggressive; while the front grille is reshaped to look sleeker. The huge fog lamp units are shaved off their chunk and get replaced with smaller lamps in a smaller housing. The ORVMs also get turn indicators. Moving to the sides, the bodylines remain the same and no changes in the side profile.

2016-Skoda-Rapid-facelift-rear-spied

On the rear, the tail-lamp units are outlined with a dark border and the rear bumper gets a minimalist cladding. The design changes are not that substantial, but the new treatment seems enough to refresh the Rapid appeal. The interiors might borrow bits from the 2016 VW Vento and will feature new infotainment system with Mirrorlink. It will also get rain sensing wipers, cruise control, front center armrest with rear AC vent, Climatronic-automatic AC with dust & pollen filter, electrically adjustable & foldable ORVMs.

The 2016 Skoda Rapid is also expected to roll out with updated engine configurations, likely with the ones powering the Volkswagen Ameo. The current Rapid is available in engine configs – the 1.6 MPI and the 1.5 TDi. The petrol powered 1.6 MPI makes 103 Bhp at 5,250 rpm and a max torque of 153 Nm at 3,800 rpm. On the other hand the 1.5 TDi does 103 Bhp of power at 4,400rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. The power is pushed to the front wheels by 5-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic. For now there are no official words or reports stating the specs.

Reportedly, the 2016 Skoda Rapid facelift is expected to be launched in the Q4 of this year. Maybe the automaker is all set to put the Rapid in the market during the festive season. Once launched the Rapid will compete with the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and the updated Vento.

image source: MotorBeam

2 thoughts on “2016 Skoda Rapid facelift spotted during a road test, likely to launch in the festive season”

  1. Seriously Man. I was looking forward for this face lift thinking they will bring their Euro version but now they will just dump us the old and outdated shitty design. It real pity..

  2. Is it this Skoda took so long to develop? it sounded so big when it was in news that Mahindra Engineering services will be carrying out a comprehensive facelift for the Indian version of Skoda Rapid, it eventually turns out to be such a disappointment.

    It was expected that at least Skoda will make some aesthetic changes to the Rapid in line with Euro Rapid. Certainty a poor show.

    Seems that Skoda is no more interested in continuing with this segment any more. They will phase out Rapid and focus more on next segment (Octavia and above).

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