Next-gen Skoda Rapid teased, to debut in Russia by the year-end
Just weeks after the Chinese-spec next-gen Skoda Rapid got leaked, the next-gen Skoda Rapid for Russia has been teased. The same version should be sold in Europe and CIS too. It will be revealed by the end of this year.
The Russian-spec next-gen Skoda Rapid seen here looks similar to the Chinese-spec version. The design at the front is reminiscent of the Euro-spec Skoda Scala that sits on the MQB A0 platform. Compared to the old model, the all-new has a much sharper appearance. The three-part angular headlamps should be LED units, as opposed to the oddly shaped, halogen units of the outgoing car. The new signature grille between these headlamps also elevates the modern look, while the front bumper with pronounced outer ends lends a dose of sportiness. The fog lights are also much sleeker but we doubt they're LED units. Their smaller footprint and higher positioning have allowed for a wider lower grille.
The profile of the all-new model is not all that different compared to that of the old model. The flattish roofline and bow-shaped greenhouse give a traditional sedan styling. Whether it's a liftback or a sedan, though, will be known once the rear-end is revealed. Skoda is yet to disclose if the MQB A0 platform is underpinning the redesigned Rapid or if it's the PQ25 platform of the first-gen car. Our bets are on the former. The Indian-spec version due in 2021, is going to sit on the MQB A0 IN platform, and if it ends up looking anything close to the version seen in the teaser, it should be an instant hit.
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Depending on the market, the next-gen Skoda Rapid seen in the teaser could be offered with 1.0L TSI turbocharged petrol and 1.5L TSI turbocharged petrol and 1.6L TDI turbocharged diesel engines. The Indian-spec next-gen Skoda Rapid will most definitely employ the 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine, likely in the 115 PS/250 Nm version.