Spotted: 2017 Skoda Rapid Dressed In Red At Dealer Yard

The pictures were snapped at a dealer yard. The model in the pictures has red skin and it seems to be the top-end variant owing to the presence of projector headlights, foglights and alloy wheels.

Recent spy shots revealed that the new model has a more angular styling upfront, which includes a wider butterfly grille directly flanked by angular headlamps and new bumper design.

These changes make the 2017 Rapid very similar to the Euro-spec Rapid. At the front, the styling cues are borrowed from its elder siblings; Octavia and Superb, the rear end is still the same as the outgoing model.

When it comes to the interior, it offers the same dual-tone black-and-beige cabin like the current model. The top variant will have a touchscreen entertainment system with the MirrorLink and Bluetooth support, sat nav and reverse camera.

On the safety side, the car will have dual airbags, ABS and EBD. These come as standard equipment across the lineup.

Powering the vehicle is a new 1.5-litre TDI diesel unit; the same powerplant that powers the Volkswagen Ameo diesel variant as well as the Vento. This motor produces 110bhp of power, thanks to the heavy modifications and a bigger turbocharger.

There is also a 1.6-litre petrol motor which remains unchanged. The petrol engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and the diesel motor with either 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.

Skoda is ready to heat up the battle in the entry-level sedan segment. The 2017 Rapid is all geared up to compete against Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and the Fiat Linea. We can expect Skoda to price in the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).