Back in May this year, Skoda introduced the BS6-compliant range of the Rapid. And up until now, the sedan was available in five variants – Rider, Ambition, Onyx, Style and Monte Carlo. The starting price of Rs 7.49 lakh looked good too. But, there was a considerable gap between the Rider and Ambition variants. In monetary terms, that gap was Rs 2.5 lakh. To break that gap down a bit, Skoda has now introduced the sixth variant for the Rapid. Dubbed as Rider Plus, it costs Rs 7.99 lakh.

Skoda Rapid – Representational Image

So, what do you get for the extra Rs 50,000? As you might have guessed, the difference between the two variants is in their list of features. The Rider Plus receives the addition of a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, some window chrome garnish and that’s about it. The obvious question – isn’t the price difference a bit too steep for just two added features? Yes, it is. You’re better off taking the entry-level variant (Rider) and spend the difference buying aftermarket stuff.

The above recommendation holds for those who don’t mind buying the Rapid in Candy White or Carbon Steel shades. Those who want additional colour options – Brilliant Silver or Toffee Brown – will have to settle for the Rider Plus variant.

The Rapid, which is currently available only with a 108bhp/175Nm 1.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, is the least-expensive sedan one can buy in the segment. Skoda will soon introduce the option of a 6-speed automatic transmission for the Rapid. That’ll come from its direct rival and step-sibling – the Volkswagen Vento. Other cars to consider in the same category are Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Hyundai Verna. Out of the lot, only the City and Verna offer the option of a diesel engine.