The facelifted Skoda Rapid has finally been unveiled in Russia, bringing significant styling and equipment updates to the existing generation.
On the outside, the 2020 Skoda Rapid gains a new face with triangular LED headlights that are very similar to Europe’s Scala hatchback, a redesigned bumper with a sportier design, and the brand’s hexagonal corporate grille.
At the rear, the Skoda Scala served as inspiration for the shape of the L-shaped LED taillights too, which are now horizontal, giving the car increased visual width. Also new are the subtle deck lid spoiler, the refreshed bumper, and the “Skoda” lettering on the tailgate. Very little has changed on the sides of the car compared to the previous version, however.
Related: 2020 Skoda Rapid For Russia Teased Again In Official Images
The interior overhaul has Skoda Scala written all over it too, featuring a very similar layout and gaining several new features. Those include a digital instrument panel, the latest infotainment system featuring a 6.5-inch “floating” touchscreen display (optionally available as an 8-inch unit), two USB-C outlets on the center console, heated steering wheel, heated windscreen, and more.
On the safety front, the facelifted Skoda Rapid offers features such as the Front Assist distance control system, emergency braking, driver fatigue recognition, cruise control and parking sensors.
The engine lineup stays the same and includes naturally aspirated 1.6-liter MPI and turbocharged 1.4 TSI four-cylinder gasoline units. The former is available in 90 PS (89 HP) and 110 PS (109 HP) flavors, while the latter produces 125 PS (123 HP). Available transmissions include a five-speed manual or six-speed auto for the MPI and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch for the TSI.
The 2020 Skoda Rapid will be built at the Volkswagen Group Rus factory in Kaluga, Russia. The model will arrive in local dealerships in the first quarter of 2020, with a base price of 829,000 rubles ($13,050). Besides Russia, the facelifted Skoda Rapid will be sold in several other countries with market-specific modifications. In China and India, for example, it will be a sedan and not a liftback.