2020 Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI: Which variant to buy?

The 2020 Skoda Rapid was launched in five variants, with prices starting at a very aggressive Rs 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom). However, while a new Rapid Rider Plus variant was added to the line-up soon after, the brand has, for now, discontinued the entry-level Rider trim. If you’re thinking of putting down good money for the Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI but don’t know which version is right for you, here’s our buyer’s guide.

• Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI now priced from Rs 7.99-13.29 lakh
• Comes with a petrol engine, manual and automatic gearboxes and in 5 variants
• Most value-for-money variant is the Rapid Rider Plus
• Buy the Rapid Style if you have a higher budget

Is the 2020 Skoda Rapid AT worth the premium?

The Rapid TSI is powered by a punchy 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 110hp and 175Nm of torque. When paired to the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, our Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI review showed that the engine helps the car live up to its name – it even outpaces the new 121hp Honda City petrol in terms of acceleration, and goes on to a top speed of 195kph. An ARAI-rated 18.97kpl fuel-efficiency figure means the 2020 Rapid is expected to be decently frugal too.

For a Rs 1.5 lakh premium, buyers can spec the Rapid with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. Whether you’re looking for a smooth and leisurely city drive or a spirited highway sprint, this transmission ticks both boxes and is worth the extra you pay for the manual. Do remember that it won’t be as efficient as the manual – the Rapid AT is rated at 16.24kpl by ARAI.

Is the 2020 Skoda Rapid Rider Plus sparsely equipped?

The Rapid Rider variant was in such demand that Skoda had to temporarily suspend bookings for the model. Following which, the brand removed this entry-level variant from the Rapid’s line-up altogether.

With a Rs 7.99-9.49 lakh price tag, the Rapid Rider Plus is priced just above some compact sedans. There’s no shortage of kit either. Safety features such as dual front airbags, a rear defogger, remote central locking, height-adjustable front seatbelts and adjustable front and rear headrests are standard.

It’s not bare bones in terms of creature comforts either – 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, halogen headlights, front and rear centre armrests, rake and reach steering adjust, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connectivity, four speakers, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, power-adjustable wing mirrors, power windows and 12V charging sockets at the front and rear are on offer.

There’s also four exterior colour options to choose from – Brilliant Silver, Toffee Brown, Candy White and Carbon Steel.

Is the 2020 Skoda Rapid Ambition well-equipped?

Somewhat, though there’s a rather large Rs 2 lakh price gap between the Rider Plus and the Ambition (Rs 9.99-11.29 lakh) variant. For the extra outlay, features such as projector headlights, LED DRLs, front and rear fog lights, remote-operated power windows, 15-inch alloy wheels, driver’s seat height adjust, power folding wing mirrors, steering mounted audio controls, leatherette on the gear knob, steering and hand brake lever and a digital multi-info display in the instrument cluster have been added.

Is the 2020 Skoda Rapid Onyx better equipped than the Ambition?

Not really. The Rs 20,000 more that you pay for the Rapid Onyx (Rs 10.19-11.49 lakh) over the Ambition gets you black-finished, 16-inch alloys, blacked-out wing mirrors, trunk lip and side moulding, a flat-bottom steering wheel with black stitching, and grey and black leatherette upholstery. There are also just two colour options on offer – Lapiz Blue and Candy White.

Is the 2020 Skoda Rapid Style worth the Rs 1.3-1.5 lakh premium?

Simply put, yes. Along with front side airbags, the Style (Rs 11.49-12.99 lakh) gets premium kit like automatic headlights and wipers, a rear parking camera, an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, a body-coloured rear lip spoiler, an 8.0-inch Android-based touchscreen infotainment system (which does not get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility), interior ambient lighting, cruise control and a cooled glovebox. It is also available in all four exterior colours.

What does the 2020 Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo get?

As the Onyx is to the Ambition, the Rapid Monte Carlo (Rs 11.79-13.29 lakh) is purely a cosmetic upgrade over the Style variant. There are two colour options – Flash Red and Candy White – along with a blacked-out grille, roof and boot lip spoiler, 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, red highlights in the cabin and on the steering wheel, Monte Carlo badges outside and Monte Carlo stitched into the seats. Do note that the Monte Carlo makes do with dual front airbags.

Which 2020 Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI variant is the pick of the range?

The variant that offers the best value for money proposition is the Rapid Rider Plus. It checks off all the necessities in terms of safety kit and it is equipped with a decent amount of creature comforts and tech too.

If you don’t have a strict budget, opt for the Rapid Style – it may miss out on some of the visual flair of the Monte Carlo, but it gets two airbags more while costing Rs 30,000 less.

 All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India as on December 30, 2020

Also see:

Upcoming Skoda mid-size SUV spied ahead of March 2021 unveil

Skoda to go on product offensive in 2021

Skoda bolstering aftersales network for India 2.0 plan