Skoda Rapid CNG Variant In The Works; 4 New Launches Planned In Next 12 Months

The Skoda Rapid compact sedan is likely to get a CNG variant in India soon. The information was recently announced by the company's Director for Sales and Marketing, Zac Hollis while replying to a Twitter user's query. Hollis has confirmed that the company is currently testing the CNG version of the Skoda Rapid sedan, and the details will be announced once they have more information to share. In one of his tweets, Hollis also confirmed that the company is launching four new models in the next 12 months, starting with the Skoda Kushaq, which is slated to be introduced on March 18, 2021.

Also Read: Skoda Rapid CNG Spotted Testing In India

Yes CNG is in testing. We at Skoda are launching 4 new products in the next 12 months, starting with the World Premier of Kushaq this month.

— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) March 4, 2021

Now, we have already shared spy photos of a Rapid test mule at a CNG station. However, it's not confirmed whether the Rapid CNG will be part of the four new launches or not, but, we would not disregard the possibility. This year, Skoda will also be launching the new-generation Octavia along with the performance-spec Octavia RS sedan. The customer queries, received by Zac Hollis on Twitter, mainly voiced their concerns around rising petrol prices in India, especially considering Skoda no longer offers diesel models in India.

The new-gen Skoda Octavia is also expected to be launched in India this year.

Yes we are testing CNG

— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) March 6, 2021

Thus, adding a CNG variant to its volume-oriented model, like the Rapid, become a smart move for the company. Globally, Skoda even offers a CNG version of the new-gen Octavia, christened - Octavia G-Tec, however, we do not see that coming to India anytime soon. Sold exclusively in the European markets, the Octavia G-Tec comes with three tanks installed in the underbody which store a total of 17.33 kg of CNG, and a 9-litre petrol tank, offering a combined range of 690 km.

The Skoda Rapid CNG will continue to come with the same 1.0 TSI motor, however the power output could be less compared to the petrol version

As for the Rapid, the CNG trim is likely to get the same 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI turbocharged petrol mill. In the petrol version, the engine is tuned to produce 108 bhp of maximum power against 175 Nm of peak torque, however, the CNG trim is likely to offer reduced output. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard along with an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The Skoda Kushaq is slated to be introduced on March 18, 2021, and it's the first product to be built on the MQB-A0 IN platform

As for the upcoming Skoda Kushaq, it's the first model to be built on the company localised MQB-A0 IN platform. The compact SUV has been specifically designed for the Indian markets, and it will come in two turbocharged engines - the 1.0-litre unit from the Rapid and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine borrowed from the Karoq. The latter will get a 7-speed DSG unit as standard.