Skoda could be adding on to its Rapid line-up in India, soon with a new CNG variant.
The information was confirmed by Zac Hollis, Skoda's Director for Sales and Marketing recently while responding to a query on Twitter.
This could be a welcome relief to many, what with the continually rising fuel process.,
The Rapid CNG is now in the testing phase; prior to launch, soon.
With the launch of the CNG variant, Skoda will join Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motors to offer a factory-manufactured CNG version. CNG cars are more cost-efficient than even Diesel Cars, especially for city commutes.
The CNG version will be powered by the same engine as that of the petrol version i.e. the same 1.0 litre TSI three-cylinder turbocharged engine. That produces a maximum power of 108 bhp and 175 Nm of peak torque. However, The CNG version would likely produce slightly lesser outputs.
The transmission options would be both the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. However, details are awaited on the trims that will be offered.
On the 4 anticipated launches, Zac Hollis confirmed that there will be four new vehicle launches in the next 12 months, starting with the Skoda Kushaq. However, it was not confirmed if the Rapid CNG is part of the 4 launches. The next-gen Octavia is sure to be part of the four. And even the Octavia RS is a possibility.
The most important launch would however be the new Kushaq compact SUV. This would be the first car under VW’s group’s India 2.0 strategy with a high level of localization and competitive pricing. The present Rapid could be replaced by an all-new much larger sedan on the MQB-AO-IN platform.