Post pulling back the cult Skoda Octavia, much to the displeasure of many enthusiasts, Skoda has had no presence in the mid-sedan segment. Well, now that is about to change.

“India is the first market in which we will introduce the new Rapid. It highlights the significance of that country for our company,” emphasizes the Chairman of the Board of ŠKODA, Prof. Dr. h.c..Winfried Vahland. “We want to step on the pedal all over the world in the coming years. In order to do so, we will clearly increase our activities outside of Europe. In this context, the Indian market plays a central role, because, besides China and Russia, it is among the markets with the greatest potential. The new Rapid is the right car at the right time for these growth markets. It is an important step on our growth path for the coming years.”

“We want to continue to grow & are putting the pedal to the metal in India. With investments in the production, in the dealer and service networks, and, of course, primarily in the new products,” emphasizes Prof. Vahland, “the new Rapid plays a major role in these plans.”

The Rapid is to be manufactured in both petrol and diesel fuel variants. The petrol version will flaunt a 1.6-litre producing 77kW of power while the diesel version features a turbo diesel with common rail technology also with a displacement of 1.6-litre and max power of 77kW.

'The Rapid, manufactured in Pune, is a car built in India and for India. The vehicle offers generous space, attractive design, good safety equipment, and modern, advanced technology all in equal measure. A car that carries the ŠKODA brand promise of being “simply clever” in its genes and onto the road! With a length of 4.39 meters, a width of 1.70 meters, and a height of 1.47 meters, the vehicle is positioned between the models Fabia and Laura/Octavia. It will ensure the brand’s future presence in the largest vehicle segment of the Indian market.' says the company in a press release.