When Skoda introduced the BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) range of the Rapid sedan last year, it had underestimated the demand for the entry-level variant. As a result, it had to stop accepting bookings for the said derivative for multiple months. Now, however, the Skoda Rapid is again available in Rider form. But the asking price has shot up from Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 7.79 lakh. It still costs Rs 40,000 less than the next-in-line variant – the Rider Plus MT – which, along with a few others, has received a price hike by Rs 20,000. The new price list paints the picture:

As you’d expect, the Rapid gets the least number of features in Rider form. The list includes a rear defogger, ABS, rear parking sensors, dual airbags, remote keyless entry, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, a Bluetooth-enabled music system mated to four speakers and all four power windows. Also, the Rapid is not available with an automatic transmission in Rider form. That option opens from Rider Plus trim level, which also packs a few additional features such as a 6.5-inch infotainment system and window chrome garnish.

All variants of the Skoda Rapid get the same 1.0-litre TSI engine which produces 108bhp/175Nm. You can have it with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. With the former, the Rapid can return up to 18.97kmpl. Opt for the two-pedal setup, and the claimed mileage figure drops to 16.24kmpl. For the uninitiated, the same set of engine-transmission combinations are also available with two Volkswagen models – the Polo and Vento.

In India, the Rapid competes with the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Toyota Yaris and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Later in the year, Skoda plans to replace the Rapid with a new and bigger model. Like the current model, that too will have a petrol-only line-up. However, it will offer a much lengthier list of creature comforts. Besides that, Skoda will make headlines with the Kushaq compact SUV. That will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and the Nissan Kicks.