New-Generation Skoda Rapid to Be Launched in 2015-16

Other than the updated version of the Rapid sedan that Skoda India will launch by the end of this month, the company is also planning to bring in a thoroughly refurbished version of the sedan. The comprehensively tweaked version of Rapid is expected to be introduced here by 2015-2016. Until this copiously revised Rapid sedan is launched in India, the upcoming Rapid facelift will act as a buffer.

Moreover, Skoda plans to intensify localisation of this facelift; several parts are expected to be heavily localised in order to curb price. Production of the new-generation Rapid will be carried out at the company's manufacturing facility located in Chakan in suburbs of Pune.

The Rapid will look completely different from the Volkswagen Vento and might come powered by a new set of turbo petrol and diesel engines. The current Rapid shares striking resemblance with Volkswagen Vento sedan, which is not serving either of the two very well and their sales have dropped to quite a low. The Vento's sales declined drastically after the launch of Rapid, hence Volkswagen officials hinted at barring cross badging between Volkswagen and Skoda in India just a few days ago. That said, you ought to know that the cross-badging between the two carmakers works well in other international markets.

Note: The image used above is for representational purpose only.