Skoda Rapid Rider Plus Variant Discontinued In India: Base Automatic Variant Price Increases

The Skoda Rapid Rider Plus variant has been discontinued silently by the brand in India. The company introduced the new Rider Plus variant on the Skoda Rapid last year, which was available in both Manual and Automatic variants.

The Skoda Rapid itself will be soon replaced by the new sedan model based on the underpinnings of the Kushaq. However, now the company has reshuffled the variants of the sedan.

The reason behind the discontinuation of the Rapid Rider Plus variant is yet to be announced officially by the company. However, we reckon that the ongoing shortage of semi-conductors in the country could be the reason.

For now, the Rapid is the best-selling model for the brand in India. The sedan retails between Rs 7.79 lakh and 13.29 lakh, ex-showroom (India). As mentioned earlier, the Rapid Rider Plus was offered with manual and automatic variants retailing at Rs 8.19 lakh and Rs 9.69 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Rapid Rider Plus AT was the base-spec automatic trim available in the sedan's lineup. After the trim has been discontinued, the base-spec Rapid AT variant cost has gone up by Rs 1.8 lakh, which is the Ambition AT retailing at Rs 11.49 lakh, ex-showroom.

Although the Rapid Rider Plus AT was one of the base-spec trim in the sedan's line-up, it featured a couple of creature comforts. This includes:

  • Front & armrest
  • Tilt & telescopic steering wheel
  • 6.5-inch infotainment
  • 4 speaker audio system
  • Climate control
  • Rear AC vents
  • In terms of safety, the Rider Plus trim was offered with several features including

    • ABS with EBD
    • Electronic Stability Control
    • Hill Hold Control
    • Rear parking sensor
    • Dual airbags
    • Height adjustable seat-belts
    • Rough road package
    • However, the engine and transmission options remained the same as other trims in the sedan's lineup. The Skoda Rapid is powered by the brand's 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter unit.

      • Max power: 108.6bhp 5500rpm
      • Peak torque: 175Nm 4000rpm
      • Future Plans

        As mentioned earlier, the Skoda Rapid will soon be replaced by an all-new sedan codenamed Slavia, which is expected to arrive sometime next year. The overall dimensions of the new sedan are expected to remain similar to the Rapid. However, the exteriors and interiors will be completely new.

        The Slavia is expected to carry forward the Rapid's 1.0-litre TSI engine with manual and automatic transmission options. Additionally, it could also receive the powerful 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine option targeting enthusiast buyers in the country.

        While there are talks about the new sedan, in a recently concluded Skoda Anniversary event, the brand has teased the launch of the Skoda Rapid Matte edition, which was showcase first time at the 2020 Auto Expo. Whether this is the final trim in the Rapid's line-up before it is removed from the market, remains to be seen.

        Thoughts About The Skoda Rapid Rider Plus Variant Discontinued In India

        Skoda has removed the newly launched trim in the Rapid's line-up, the Rider Plus. The company is yet to officially announce the trim getting discontinued in India. However, after the removal of the trim, the base-spec AT variant now costs well above Rs 10 lakh mark.

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Read more on: #skoda
Article Published On: Saturday, September 18, 2021, 11:58 [IST]
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