Wednesday, June 23, 2021
By Kamal Swami
Skoda To Discontinue Its Premium Sedan Rapid From India
After a successful existence for almost 10 years in the Indian car market, the Czech carmaker Skoda has decided to discontinue its best selling sedan Rapid from the Indian car market. It is reported that the company plans to launch a new sedan (proposed name Skoda Slavia) in India to replace the Rapid. Earlier last year in December 2020, Zac Hollis, Director, Sales, Service & Marketing, Skoda India had said that the company will not launch the next generation of Rapid in India. The new sedan will be based on the company’s MQB AO IN platform developed specifically for the Indian continent. It will be identical to the upcoming compact SUV Kushaq from Skoda in India.
It is reported that recently a user on Twitter asked Zac Holis about the company's plans for launching the new 2021 Rapid in India. Replying to him, Holis said that at present it's not in the pipeline of the company’s agenda. Moving ahead, another Twitter user asked, will the company provide the spare parts of Rapid after it is discontinued from the Indian car market? In reply to this Holis said that it will continue to supply the spare parts for a minimum of 15 years after the discontinuation of the production.
According to media reports, the Skoda Slavia will be bigger than Rapid and is undergoing test drives. From the pictures captured by the spies, it looks similar to Rapid being sold in the Russian car market. The front fascia receives the signature grille, halogen turn indicators, projector headlamps, space for fog lamps, and sportier bumper. The rear section is inspired by the recently launched new Octavia.
As far as engine details are concerned nothing has been so far revealed by the company. It is believed to be equipped with two engine options of 1.0-litre TSI turbo, and a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine. The transmission will include the options of both manual and automatic gear transmission system.
