Skoda Rapid TSI AT launched at Rs 9.49 lakh

The base manual variant of Skoda Rapid TSI is the most affordable turbo-petrol offering in the country, making enthusiasts go absolutely bonkers and now Skoda has added another feather to its hat by introducing an automatic transmission. The Rapid TSI AT has been launched and prices start at Rs 9.49 lakh, ex-showroom for the base Rider Plus variant.

The much loved twin-clutch automatic is no longer on offer on any of Skoda-Volkswagen’s affordable range and that includes the Rapid as well. The DSG has now been replaced with a new six-speed torque converter automatic, a gearbox that we already reviewed in the Polo GT TSI a couple of weeks ago. The Rapid TSI AT retains the same 999cc three-cylinder turbo-petrol heart with 108.5bhp and 175Nm of torque. Skoda claims that this new TSI engine delivers improved power, torque and fuel efficiency in comparison to the older BS4 MPI unit. The automatic variants deliver an ARAI certified fuel-efficiency of 16.24kmpl.

They also demand a premium of roughly Rs 1.5 lakh in comparison to the similarly specced manual variants. The Rapid’s rivals, Verna and Honda City are also offered with automatic transmissions, but their starting prices are higher. The Verna IVT starts at Rs 11.95 lakh while the Verna DCT is priced Rs 14 lakh. Meanwhile, the Honda City petrol with the CVT starts at Rs 12.20 lakh. Prices for the Vento TSI AT are not out yet, so let's wait and watch if Volkswagen can undercut Skoda's aggressive pricing.