By The mid-size sedan segment is crowded with lots of different options but the recent launches have kept the limelight on all models, which helped to improve overall sales. Honda is coming with the new generation of City while Hyundai launched the facelift model of Verna but the talk of the town is updated Skoda Rapid and the killer starting price of Rs. 7.49 lakh (Ex-Showroom) for its entry-level model Rider, which undercut most of its rivals and even some compact sedans too.
During an Interview, Zac Hollis Director, Sales, Service and Marketing at Skoda India said that “We had 10 per cent segment share (in midsize sedans) last year, and I see no reason why we should lose any of that segment share going forward with this new car”. When asked about lack of diesel engines he said “And you’ve also got to look at it, there are not so many diesel offerings in the marketplace now in small cars. So there is less choice for the customers also, The 1.0-litre TSI is a great alternative for the diesel lovers out there, What I would say to diesel lovers has come along, test drive the Rapid TSI and give me your opinion afterwards The total cost of ownership of TSI versus diesel is actually the same.
When compared to other models, the Rapid was popular among diesel buyers as the 1.5 L TDI engine had lots of torque and power output along with excellent DSG gearbox made it even more sweat to drive. But the company is confident that the 1.0 L TSI engine can satisfy the needs of diesel fans too. The running cost of both models are almost the same but the fuel efficiency of the diesel engine was slightly better than the petrol model.
After a long time, Skoda has finally got the pricing right which solved a major problem and the company is also addressing another major issue, which is service cost as it is expected to come down. Skoda is confident that the Rapid with new BS6 turbo petrol engine can continue to bring numbers until the introduction of the new generation model based on A0 IN platform in 2021. The Czech manufacturer has already launched Karoq and Superb facelift in India along with BS6 Rapid.
