Skoda India is said to be working towards the launch of the Rapid facelift that is due to be launched in India later this year. Introduced in 2011, this will be the first major update for the Rapid apart from some minor updates that it had received earlier. The Rapid facelift is due to arrive in the second half of 2016.
The upcoming Rapid facelift is likely to take cues from the Euro spec version (above and below) that bears a completely different profile from the Indian version. The exteriors would be in-line to that of the current range. Upfront, the rapid facelift would receive an all new grille, a redesigned bonnet and new headlights.
Coming to the interiors, the Rapid facelift is expected to receive features such as those introduced in the 2016 Volkswagen Vento, such as a new touch-screen infotainment system, auto dimming IRVM, rain sensing wipers and Mirror link connectivity.
Currently powering the Rapid facelift is a 1.6 litre petrol engine and a 1.5 litre diesel engine and while the 1.6 litre petrol engine would be carried on, the updated 1.5 litre TDI diesel engine from the Polo will replace the conventional diesel engine. Transmission duties are expected to be performed by the conventional 5 speed manual gearbox and the 7 speed DSG gearbox.
The Skoda Rapid facelift is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2016, mostly around the festive season and once launched, will lock horns with the Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento, etc. Expect the facelift version to come with a minor price hike once it arrives.