Skoda Launches Flagship Rapid Sedan in India

MUMBAI – Skoda Auto India launches its Rapid sedan in India as the flagship of the Volkswagen Group subsidiary’s brand.

Rapid key to Skoda’s India strategy.

The Rapid’s competitors include the Honda City, Nissan Sunny and Maruti Suzuki’s SX4 and Swift Dzire. Within its own range, it is positioned between the Fabia hatchback and Laura luxury sedan.

Designed specifically for Indian motorists and traffic and road conditions, Rapid prices range from Rs6.75 million to Rs9.2 million ($12,900-$17,600).

Skoda offers five gasoline-powered and three diesel Rapid models. All eight have 1.6L engines generating 150hp. The gasoline version generates 114 lb.-ft. (155 Nm) of torque at 3,800 rpm and the diesel produces 184 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) at 1,500-2,500 rpm.

Skoda has ambitious plans in India for the Rapid, part of VW’s goal of selling 10 million units annually by 2018 and taking over as the world’s biggest auto maker. VW is aiming for monthly deliveries of 2,000 Rapids and boosting annual overall Skoda sales from 30,000 to 45,000 in 2012.

Exports from India to European cities also are planned for next year.

The Rapid sedan shares a platform with VW’s Vento, but the two brands vary in styling and available features. Because they occupy differing market segments and target different customers, Skoda does not expect the two to cannibalize each other’s sales.