Skoda Rapid Rider Edition is now available at a price of Rs 6.99 lakh, ex-sh. With this the entry-level Active variant gets more features, and costs a full 1 lakh rupees lesser than what’s been the standard asking on the price list. In comparison, base price of Honda City is Rs 10 lakhs, and that of Maruti Ciaz is Rs 8.2 lakhs.
New Skoda Rapid Rider limited edition is fighting at base level. And this base variant takes on Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Vento in the compact sedan segment. The Rider name makes a comes back after long gone years, and was previously used on the Octavia here.
Zac Hollis, Director – Sales, Service and Marketing, Skoda Auto India said, “The Rapid Rider offers a compelling combination of the brand’s emotive design, exquisite interiors and class-leading safety features, at a very competitive price point. It is deemed to be a best seller setting benchmark for functionality, practicality and spaciousness in its segment.”
Skoda Rapid Rider base variant is available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine. Colour options are limited to two – Candy White and Carbon Steel. Its novelty lies in the gloss black finished grille, B-pillars, and black trunk lip garnish.
On the inside is a dual-tone ebony sand interior matched with ivory slate upholstery. Scuff plates bear a ‘Rapid’ inscription. And while there are great additions, it does miss out on a few feel good systems owing to its entry level status. These include alloy wheels, and touchscreen infotainment system among other features.
Skoda Rapid Rider edition doesn’t skimp on essential safety features. Dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, anti-glare IRVM, rear windscreen defogger, height adjustable front seatbelts, rough road package, and engine immobiliser feature as standard.
No mechanical changes have been made. The 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine returns max output of 103 bhp and 153 Nm of peak torque paired to a 5-speed gearbox. ARAI certified fuel efficiency continues unaltered at 15.41 kmpl. Standard warranty of four years includes roadside assistance (RSA).
Skoda Shield Plus package takes care of motor insurance, 24 x 7 roadside assistance, and extended warranty. For the year Skoda Rapid sales is down by more than a quarter. In June 2019, the company sold 612 Rapid units.
