2014 Skoda Rapid Launch - Live Coverage

Note: The live coverage of the Skoda Rapid has finished.

14: 53 - Skoda Rapid facelift prices:

1.6 MPI (Manual)
Active - Rs 7,22,230
Ambition + - Rs 8,17,181
Elegance - Rs 8,72,017
Elegance Black Package - Rs 8,85,117

1.6 MPI (Automatic)
Ambition + - Rs 9,14,940
Elegance - Rs 9,68,583
Elegance Black Package - 9,81,683

1.5 TDI (Manual)
Active - Rs 8,38,772
Ambition + - Rs 9,24,813
Elegance - Rs 9,74,324
Elegance Black Package - Rs 9,87,424

1.5 TDI (Automatic)
Ambition + - Rs 10,34,813
Elegance - Rs 10,84,324
Elegance Black Package - 10,97,424

14:46 - Prices out. Skoda Rapid's base price is Rs 7.22 Lakh. Top end DSG will be priced at Rs 10.97 Lakh

14:44 - 7 speed automatic DSG introduced; mated to 1.5 litre diesel engine. Claimed fuel efficiency for Automatic is 21.66km/l

14:43 - Toffee Brown colour to come one month later during festive season

14:42 - Black Package - new alloy wheels, blackened headlight. Black roof will be an extra at dealer level

14:41 - New design 15-inch alloy wheels. Parking sensors are going to be a standard fitment. Skoda Remote app introduced that will control the infotainment system from the phone

14:40 - Rapid will retain its current design. Sportier design elements have been incorporated. Black Package. Rapid will be the cornerstone for Skoda on the product strategy front

14:38 - Skoda's head of communications, Denver Fonseca, on stage to speak about the product

14:37 - Sudhir Rao: "We believe the Rapid will continue to remain the centre of gravity for the industry for about 7 years or so"

14:35 - Skoda's MD, Sudhir Rao, says Skoda is taking steps to offer better ownership experience

14:33: Mr Sudhir Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, Skoda Auto India, is now on stage to talk about where the company is today and future plans.

Today it is Skoda Auto India's turn to bring in a new car to the table, i.e. the updated Rapid. While we wait for the event to begin, here's what you need to know about the 2014 Skoda Rapid: among all the changes in this version of the sedan, the most important is the addition of a new 1.5-litre diesel engine and DSG automatic transmission. The 7-speed DSG will be coupled to the new 1.5-litre TDI motor, which is the stripped down version of the old 1.6-litre diesel engine. As far as the petrol mill is concerned, it will be the 1.2-litre TSI engine that also does duty on the Polo GT TSI and Vento TSI.

Engine statistics:

a. 1.5-litre TDI: 104bhp and 250Nm

b. 1.2-litre TSI: 104bhp and 175Nm

That said, the new Rapid will feature no design changes albeit a special package that Skoda has christened the 'Black Edition'. This edition/ package includes blackened alloys, fog & head-lamps and costs Rs. 20,000.