Skoda India is busy readying the new Rapid facelift and we have some exclusive images. The face-lift involves a new, edgier front face to get it in line with Skoda’s new design philosophy, but all of that has been strategically hidden with camouflage, which features cut-outs and even graphics to give off an impression of the last-generation Fabia.
Contrary to what the clever disguise suggests, the headlights will become sharper, and so will the new grille’s edges. The front bumper will be completely redone, with newly designed fog lamps and a fresh air intake. New alloy wheels, revised tail lamp graphics and an oh-so-subtle rear bumper fix round off the chnages on the outside.
Inside, the Rapid facelift will get new fabrics for the seats, a new infotainment system with Mirrorlink, while other new features like rain sensing wipers, cruise control, front center armrest with rear AC vent, Climatronic-automatic AC with dust & pollen filter, electrically adjustable & foldable ORVMs are also expected.
The 2016 Skoda Rapid is also expected to continue with the same engines, which include the 1.6 MPI and the 1.5 TDi mills. The petrol fueled 1.6 MPI delivers 103 bhp at 5,250 rpm and 153 Nm of max torque at 3,800 rpm. The 1.5 TDi produces 103 bhp at 4,400rpm and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. The petrol engine is offered with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission choices while the diesel engine can be paired to a 5-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission choices.
The oil burner will be revised to produce 110 PS at much lower 4k rpm and 250 mm torque curve is extended to 3k which will definitely result in much better 0-100 and in gear acceleration and better fuel economy as well.
However the new model will disappoints us again with unchanged gasoline engines…
Atleast vw and Skoda should revise the output of their 1.6mpi too or offer a better TSI other than 1.2 TSI.