- The Rapid has been immensely successful for Skoda Auto. We look back at all the special editions over the years
- Skoda Rapid 2014, 2019 and 2021
- The Skoda Rapid Leisure special edition
- The Skoda Rapid Rider limited edition
- The Skoda Rapid Matte Edition
- Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition
The Rapid has been immensely successful for Skoda Auto. We look back at all the special editions over the years
The Skoda Slavia was recently unveiled and has received a lot of attention and praise as it looks to move the game forward for the compact sedan. Having said that, the Rapid isn’t going anywhere just yet and will sell along the Slavia for now.
Now, the Skoda Rapid has been one of those cars that have remained true to the Czech brand’s identity and a continuum of Skoda’s Legacy for over 10 years. We look back at the special editions that Skoda has, over the years, generously rolled out from its Chakan facility in Pune, to keep up in the race against time.
Skoda Rapid 2014, 2019 and 2021
The automotive industry has been at the pinnacle of success especially in India, thanks to the advent of vehicles that are characterised by the likings of customers. The passion and inevitable propositions to create a car that not only looks great but serves the customer for years to come has indeed led to some of the greatest creations. This general ideology that automakers like Skoda follow, has resulted in 10-year long production run, well beyond a typical life-cycle. Yes, it’s the Skoda Rapid that we are pointing our fingers at, a vehicle of marvel, a representation of pure freedom that has stood the test of time.
However, the Skoda Rapid’s journey in India has finally come to an end after a 10-year long stint battling all the odds that were thrown against it. Skoda India Brand Director Zac Hollis had recently confirmed the production of the final batch of Rapids in response to the queries of its customers who were also seeking an updated model for 2022. He also had pointed out that it has achieved around one lakh customers during its journey in India and attracted a 10 percent segment share too.
Regardless, during its lifetime, the Rapid was introduced in various special edition models to attract buyers and keep up with the car market that was evolving rapidly. Let us take a look at them for one last time:
The Skoda Rapid Leisure special edition
The Leisure edition of the rapid was introduced in the year 2014. It was basically Rapid’s Ambition variants loaded with extra features- 1.6litre petrol MT, 1.6litre petrol AT Ambition, and 1.6litre diesel MT Ambition. The Leisure edition was offered at a premium of Rs.36,000 than the regular ambition variants with goodies like a portable navigation system, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels, door sill covers, and leatherette seat covers.
As for the engine, the petrol variant had a maximum power of 105PS at 5250rpm with maximum torque of 220Nm at 3800rpm. On the other hand, the diesel variant had a maximum power of 105PS at 4400rpm with maximum torque of 250Nm at 1500-2500rpm.
In terms of pricing, the vehicle was sold in three variants, starting from a price of Rs. 7.79 lakh for the 1.6 petrol manual version, Rs. 8.79 lakh for the automatic, and Rs. 9.06 lakh for the diesel manual version. (all prices indicated are ex-showroom).
The Skoda Rapid Rider limited edition
Fast-forwarding to the year 2019, the Rapid was launched with a limited edition model called the Skoda Rapid Rider which presented a powerful engine and comfortable ride
The Rider edition of the Rapid was introduced in the year 2019. The car was priced at Rs 6.99 lakh which made the Skoda Rapid Rider cost about Rs.1 lakh lesser than the base Rapid Active petrol variant. The vehicle had an all-black grille, black decals on the side door panels, and even got a blacked-out B pillar, however, it had retained the same 15 inch-wheels with wheel covers instead of alloy.
In terms of features, the vehicle had dual front airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, an anti-glare rearview mirror, and a rear defogger for safety. It also received tilt and telescopic adjustable power steering, a 2-DIN audio system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth coupled to four speakers, and rear AC vents for added convenience.
As for its engine, the Rapid Rider was only offered with the 1.6-litre petrol engine that churned out 105hp and 153Nm of peak torque, coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Skoda Rapid Matte Edition
The final special model to be launched was the Matte Edition which featured an 8,0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlamps and wipers among others
The Skoda Rapid Matte Edition is the final model on sale in 2021. It is offered from a starting price of Rs 11.99 lakh for the manual version and goes all the way up to Rs 13.49 lakh for the automatic version. The brand rolls out this model as a limited edition product, meaning that only 400 units will be on sale. Also, the vehicle gets gloss black treatment on the front grille, the lip spoiler on the front bumper, door handles, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and boot lip.
As for features, the Rapid Matte Edition gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control, rear-view parking camera, dual airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors, and auto-dimming inside rear-view among others.
In terms of powertrain, it rolls out the factory with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine that churns out 110hp of power and 172Nm of torque. The brand offers this vehicle two transmission options to choose from- a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition
Nonetheless, the vehicle which stole our hearts is the 2017 Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition launched at Rs.10.75 lakh
However, before we end this article, we would also like to talk about the hot red Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition introduced in the year 2017. Yes, we have not forgotten about it, instead, we have saved the best for the last simply because we love its performance and unique design elements.
The Rapid Monte Carlo came with two engine options- a 1.6-litre petrol-powered motor mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox and a 1.5-litre diesel-powered motor mated to either a five-speed MT or a seven-speed DSG gearbox. The two engines churned out an impressive 105hp and 110hp of power respectively. In terms of design, you get a sportier-looking exterior with blacked-out trim which helps the vehicle look way more aggressive than its stock models. This is after all the Monte Carlo edition and the racing theme makes its presence felt.
Conclusion
The Skoda rapid has been a continuum of the brand’s legacy for over 10 years. The vehicle is said to be replaced by a newer and much more premium sedan that goes by the name Savia. Stay tuned to TopSpeed to know more!
Image source: Autocar, Carwale
Keyword: Here’s A Brief Insight Into The Skoda Rapid’s 10 Year Run In India