After a decade-long run, Skoda Auto India has finally pulled the plug on the Rapid compact sedan in the country. Zac Hollis, Director - Sales and Marketing, Skoda Auto India, confirmed the development while responding to a user query on Twitter. Hollis revealed that the last batch of the Rapid sedan rolled out recently with the Matt edition. The company sold over 100,000 units of the sedan during its lifetime, while it registered a 10 per cent market share in the segment this year. The development isn't surprising though considering the company is set to replace the Rapid with the Skoda Slavia compact sedan soon.
Also Read: Skoda Slavia Compact Sedan To Be Unveiled In India On November 18
undefinedHi Som. Rapid production has now finished with last batch of cars the incredible Matt effect cars now in showrooms. Rapid has garnered 100,000 customers in India and even this year attracted 10% segment share.
— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) October 29, 2021
Responding to a Twitter user, Zac Hollis wrote, "Hi Som. Rapid production has now finished with last batch of cars the incredible Matt effect cars now in showrooms. Rapid has garnered 100,000 customers in India and even this year attracted 10% segment share."
This also clears up rumours about Skoda retailing the upcoming Slavia alongside the Rapid in its portfolio. While operating in the same segment, both models could've been positioned in different price brackets given the Rapid's highly attractive starting price of Rs. 7.79 lakh (ex-showroom). The Rapid Rider variant particularly was a value-friendly turbo petrol sedan on sale with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit developing 108 bhp and 175 Nm.
The recently launched Skoda Rapid matte edition marks the end of the Rapid's decade-long production run
First launched in 2011, the Skoda Rapid shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Fabia and is built on VW's PQ25 platform. The model over the years saw a number of engine options on offer right from the 1.6-litre petrol and diesel to the 1.5-litre diesel, and more recently the 1.0-litre TSI. Transmission options included a standard manual, DSG and more recently a torque converter too. As much as the Rapid was always a driver's delight, the car had its fair share of shortcomings. The rear legroom was substantially less compared to rivals, while the maintenance costs on the earlier examples can be quite high.
Also Read: 2021 Skoda Rapid Matte Launched In India
For those looking to get the last examples of the Skoda Rapid, now would be a good time to cash in on some festive deals. The remains a hoot to drive and is decently loaded on features too packing modern bits like climate control, multi-function steering, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MirrorLink, four airbags, and more.
Meanwhile, those looking at an all-new offering, the Skoda Slavia is set for a world premiere on November 18, while sales will begin in early 2022. The model will arrive with a more powerful version of the 1.0-litre TSI motor churning out 113 bhp, while there will also be the 1.5-litre TSI with 148 bhp on tap. Transmission choices will include the 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter and a 7-speed DSG. It needs to be seen if Skoda will be able to price the Slavia as competitively as the Rapid was.
