In a digital launch, which now seems to be the norm of the future, Czech carmaker, Skoda has launched a total of three cars – the Rapid and the Superb with new engine options and the all-new Karoq SUV. The company also announced that from the future, all new Skoda cars will be powered by a range of their TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) engines.

These new-generation engines will not only comply with the new BS-VI emission norms, but they also aim to provide the optimum balance between power and economy. The engines are built to have a compact design and offer enough low-end grunt to make overtakes easier. To further improve the economy, the engines are also capable of running on two out of four cylinders. These new TSI engines would be offered with a capacity of 1-litre, 1.5-litre and 2-litre in the Indian market.

The Rapid will now come with a new 1-litre TSI engine. Tuned to generate 110 PS of power and 175 Nm torque and will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. A torque converter type automatic gearbox will soon be offered as an option with this engine. The economy is also considerably higher, compared to the 1.6-litre MPI it replaces, rated at 19 kmpl with the six-speed manual gearbox. Other changes in the car include a new 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto connectivity. The ex-showroom prices of the car and its five variants are as follows.

  • Rapid Rider – INR 7,49,000
  • Rapid Ambition – INR 9,99,999
  • Rapid  Onyx – INR 10,19,000
  • Rapid Style – INR 11,49,000
  • Rapid Monte Carlo – INR 11,79,000

Skoda’s flagship sedan for the Indian market, the Superb will now be sold in a facelifted avatar. Apart from redesigned bumpers, the car will also come with a restyled LED headlamp assembly on the outside. Things get a refreshment on the inside too, with equipment like a virtual pedal, virtual cockpit, power nap package and some more on offer. The car will be powered by a 2-litre TSI engine, generating 190 hp of peak power and 320 Nm of torque. This power would be sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. To be sold in two trim levels – Sportline and L&K. The ex-showroom prices of these cars are listed below.

  • Superb Sportline – INR 29.99 Lakh
  • Superb L&K – INR 32.99 Lakh

Going forward, the company feels confident that customer sales will rise, with a vision of selling one lakh cars annually, by the year 2025. The company also announced that they are confident enough to sell cars through their online portal as they did with the Octavia RS245. Additionally, the company has also announced some attractive finance schemes for new cars. Apart from offering a low rate of interest, there will also be an EMI waiver scheme where customers can make the purchase now and pay their first EMI post six months from now. The company will also offer loyalty and corporate benefits on the Superb sedan. Stay tuned for a review of these cars as and when the situation normalises.

Author: Videh Vora