Skoda Rapid Facelift vs Old Rapid — Top 5 Key Changes

1. New Front Profile

Skoda has reworked the front profile of the facelifted Rapid and it is sportier than the old Rapid. The most prominent change are at the front grille which is wider and is connected to the headlamps.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta Facelift vs Old Creta- Top 5 Key Changes

The headlamps are angular and bigger in size compared to the old Rapid. Also, it houses a new projector headlamp and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) right below it.

Skoda has refreshed the bonnet reminiscent to the old Superb. It is cleaner and the muscular lines are seen in the middle of the bonnet which runs down to the front grille. The front bumper on the new Rapid has been facelifted as well and is clutter free with the black plastic cladding. The fog lamp which was round in design is now horizontal.

2. Side & Rear Profile Hardly Any Change

There are hardly any changes at the side and rear profile. Though there are some minor changes.

One the side, the Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) are new and stylish to complement the changes at the front. The ORVMs also get new turn indicators, they are electrically foldable and adjustable compared to the old Rapid.

3. Interiors & Features - Much Needed Change

Skoda keeping up with its premium image, the new Rapid facelift has gone through major changes. The eyesore brown and beige dual tone interiors have made way for a premium looking black and beige dual tone.

It is just not about the tweaks, the equipment board has been updated as well. Features such as cruise control, automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers.

On the entertainment front, the Skoda Rapid facelift features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system not seen on the old Rapid. This is available on the top variant and comes with Aux, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity among others. Also, the new Rapid gets a cooled glove box.

4. Engine & Mileage - Updated

The 2016 Skoda Rapid facelift will get a new engine with the 1.5-litre TDI diesel mill which is 5bhp higher than the old Rapid. The Rapid facelift produces 108bhp and 250Nm of peak torque which is paired with the 5-speed manual gearbox or the 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Apart from the new engine, the Rapid also gets petrol 1.6-litre engine churning out 103bhp and 153Nm of torque. The petrol engine has the option of the 5-speed manual or the 6-speed Tiptronic automatic gearboxes.

On the mileage front, there is an increase as listed by Skoda officially. The petrol manual gearbox model provides a mileage of 15.41km/l when compared to 15km/l. The automatic petrol model churns out 14.84km/l while the old Rapid provided 14.3km/l.

As for the diesel mills, the new Rapid with a fuel efficiency of 21.13km/l for the manual and the automatic at 21.72km/l. The old Rapidreturned a mileage of 21.14km/l and 21.66km/l for the automatic.

5. Pricing

Skoda has indeed increased the pricing of the new facelifted Rapid in keeping with the market trend and to be competitive with its rivals.

While the old Rapid priced in the range of Rs 7.94 lakh to Rs 12.19 lakh, the new facelifted Rapid is priced in the range of Rs 8.27 lakh to Rs 12.67 lakh. That is an increase of nearly Rs 30,000 depending on the model and the fuel type.

Observation:

Skoda has added premium value to the new Rapid, the old Rapid was considered a sedan made from the Fabia hatchback. The new facelifted Rapid seems to dust it off and looks more to its elder sibling the Octavia.

The pricing might be higher compared to the old Rapid; however, it nearly the same as its immediate competitor, the Honda City which is priced in the range of Rs 8.23 lakh to Rs 12.55 lakh.