Skoda Rapid Discontinued Ahead of Slavia Launch: Removed from Website

 The launch of Skoda's mid-sized sedan, the Slavia, is around the corner. While it was common knowledge that the Slavia was meant to replace the ageing Skoda Rapid, it was unclear if the Rapid was meant to be discontinued from the market entirely. Indirectly, Skoda seems to have confirmed that this is indeed the case, thanks to the Czech brand officially removing the sedan from their website. Only the matte edition of the Rapid is currently available on the website, probably due to remaining stock.

The only Skoda Rapids remaining with dealers currently are being offered hefty discounts. At the time of its launch, the Skoda Rapid competed with the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and the Rapid's sibling, the Volkswagen Vento, based on the same platform as Skoda's Rapid offering. Much like its sibling the Vento, the Rapid is now headed to discontinuation to make way for fresh mid-sized sedan offerings entering the market. 

 

Out Goes the Rapid

The Rapid entered the Indian market back in 2011 as Skoda's budget offering, placed under the Octavia. The Rapid was offered with a 1.6-litre petrol and diesel unit. Over its 10 years in the Indian market, the Skoda Rapid went through a few updates and facelifts. Its latest rendition offered in 2020-2021 was offered with a 1-litre turbo petrol engine, putting down 110PS of power. Transmission options included a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission option. 

 

 In Comes the Slavia

Skoda's Slavia is slated to launch next month in March 2022. The incoming mid-sized sedan is based on the new MQB A0 IN platform that underpins Skoda's Kushaq. Powering the Slavia will be a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI engine. The engine will be capable of putting down 114PS of power and 175Nm of torque. It will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission with six-speed automatic transmission options available as well. The Slavia will also be available as a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine option producing 148PS and 250Nm. Transmission options will include a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic DSG. The Skoda Slavia will be priced around the ₹10.49 - 17.59 lakhs (Ex-Showroom) mark.

 

Verdict: End of an Era

Currently, the only available Skoda Rapid variant is the 1.0-litre TSI engine Matt variant offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The remaining Rapid variant is priced at ₹11.99 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), although word is that dealers are also offering hefty discounts up to ₹80,000 on remaining stocks, that is of course until stocks last. For more information on the Skoda Rapid or the incoming Skoda Slavia, such as their on-road price and more, check out autoX.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR Facelift Incoming: What to Expect

 The Maruti Suzuki WagonR has been one of the brand's longest-running four-wheelers, first introduced in India over 22 years ago. Ever since, the tallboy hatch has seen many changes and renditions and received its last updates in 2019. It is safe to say then that the historic four-wheeler is long overdue for a modernising update. And this year, Maruti Suzuki is probably inclined to agree with this since word on the street is that the quintessential commuter hatchback is indeed getting that update. The WagonR's facelift is one of Maruti Suzuki's massive eight launches plan for the year. Read on for more information on the upcoming WagonR.

 

Exterior Updates

While the WagonR's updates are much needed, it's slated to receive only mild cosmetic ones. The WagonR is likely to get a new face in the form of redesigned bumpers, headlights and taillights. Other exterior changes may include larger 15-inch alloys for the top-spec variant and new exterior paint colours. The car may also get electric ORVMs.

 

Interior Updates

While the WagonR is most likely getting interior updates, it's unlikely that these will be major ones either. Among the updates, expect new fabric on the seating as the only refreshment for the interior. Other than that, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is going to continue in the new update, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other features to continue in the car include steering-mounted controls, power windows on all doors and keyless entry. 

Safety equipment such as EBD equipped ABS, airbags and parking sensors to continue as standard as well.

 

Powering the WagonR Facelift...

Is most likely going to be the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.2-litre four-cylinder options that currently exist. While the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine option already gets a factory-fitted CNG variant, Maruti Suzuki may offer a CNG variant for its 1.2-litre engine option this year as well. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and five-speed AMT. AMT variants may get hill hold assist as a new feature as well as engine idle start/stop.

 

Verdict

While the new updates are great for an ageing WagonR, they are still not as modernising as one would hope. Although Maruti Suzuki still hasn't shared a lot of information regarding the upcoming WagonR facelift, this is realistically what is expected of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki car. Currently, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR is priced starting at ₹5.18 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), and the facelift may be offered at a minor premium as is the norm. For more information on the WagonR facelift or other upcoming Maruti Suzuki cars, such as their on-road price and more, stay tuned to autoX.