Skoda Rapid To Feature New 1.0-Litre TSI Engine — Upgrading The Czechs

Last year AutoCar India reported that Volkswagen's sophisticated 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine would be made locally, bearing in mind that Skoda plans to achieve over 90 percent localisation for its models under the 'India 2.0' project.

The Czech auto manufacturer has confirmed that the Skoda Rapid will be equipped with the 1.0-litre TSI motor that will replace the current 1.6 MPI (EA111) engine. The new engine is expected to be early next year, and will be BS6-compliant.

This could possibly be the only powertrain on offer for the Skoda Rapid because Volkswagen's current 1.5-litre diesel will also not be upgraded to meet the stricter emission norms that will come into force from April 2020.

Zac Hollis, Director — Sales, Service and Marketing, Skoda Auto India, said, "We will not have a diesel in the Rapid but will replace that with a very efficient petrol engine – a 1.0-litre TSI. It is an extremely efficient engine giving a much better fuel economy than the current MPI, which has often been criticized a little for the fuel economy and efficiency."

Mr Hollis also confirmed that the petrol variant of the Skoda Rapid will receive a high-tech 7-speed DSG dual-clutch unit. This new 7-speed DSG dual-clutch unit will replace the current 'old-school' 6-speed torque converter automatic. The new unit will be seen only on the diesel variant.
The three-cylinder turbo-petrol model is available in two different set ups in international markets – one is 95bhp/ 160Nm version, and the other is an 115bhp/ 200Nm – and the Rapid is likely to feature the latter. If introduced in India as is, the 1.0 TSI will be more powerful than the 105bhp/ 153Nm torque output of the current 1.5-litre petrol engine that is available.

The new engine could also be used as a replacement engine for the Volkswagen Vento. The direct-injection unit is more compact, lighter, and generates less friction, making the engine more efficiently.

Mr Hollis added, "The investments in BS6 for diesel will force the price of cars to go up in the future. For a customer, it actually that makes the business case for buying a diesel a lot less weaker than before. In my personal opinion, the market will move more towards petrol going forward."

Thoughts About The New 1.0-Litre TSI Engine On The Skoda Rapid

This engine sounds powerful enough but we will have to test drive the Rapid with the new engine to know better. Just a matter of time before that happens.