Skoda Rapid TSI automatic launched at Rs 9.49 lakh

Skoda Rapid TSI automatic launched at Rs 9.49 lakh

The Skoda Rapid received a new lease of life earlier this year with the entry of the 1.0-litre TSI engine, and now, the Rapid lineup has grown with the addition of an automatic gearbox. The Skoda Rapid TSI automatic has been launched, with prices ranging from Rs 9.49-13.29 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

Variant                                        MT                                                             AT

1. Rapid Rider                               Rs 7.49 lakh                                                        –
2. Rapid Rider Plus                        Rs 7.99 lakh                                          Rs 9.49 lakh
3. Rapid Ambition                           Rs 9.99 lakh                                         Rs 11.29 lakh
4. Rapid Onyx                                Rs 10.19 lakh                                       Rs 11.49 lakh
5. Rapid Style                                Rs 11.49 lakh                                        Rs 12.99 lakh
6. Rapid Monte Carlo                      Rs 11.79 lakh                                        Rs 13.29 lakh

While the automatic versions cost about Rs 1.5 lakh more than the equivalent manual variants, the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic’s starting price of Rs 9.49 lakh undercuts that of all its rivals, making the Rapid the most affordable automatic midsize sedan on sale in India today.

Launched earlier this year with only a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Skoda Rapid TSI now also gets the option of an all-new, 6-speed torque convertor automatic. This is the same gearbox that was first introduced in the Volkswagen Polo and Vento earlier this month, and the Rapid automatic continues to be powered by the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol – which makes 110hp and 175Nm of torque – as the manual Rapid.

Skoda has previously revealed the Rapid automatic’s ARAI-rated fuel efficiency is rated at 16.24kpl; the Rapid TSI manual is rated at 18.97kpl. It’s worth noting the BS4-compliant 1.6 MPI petrol engine – paired with a 6-speed automatic – had an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure of 14.84kpl.

Save for the base Rider variant – which is “virtually sold out” for 2020, in the words of Skoda Auto India brand director Zac Hollis – the Skoda Rapid TSI automatic is available in the same trim levels as the manual version. The automatic range starts with the Rider Plus and includes Ambition, Onyx, Style and the range-topping Monte Carlo variants.

Equipment levels are exactly the same as the manual Rapid, so the Rider Plus gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, while the higher-spec Style and Monte Carlo pack in cruise control, reverse camera, automatic headlights and wipers, 8.0-inch touchscreen and an auto-dimming interior rear view mirror. The Rapid Style also gets side airbags.