Skoda Rapid range culled
Czech brand reduces its small hatch line-up to one model but adds a top-shelf Kodiaq dieselSkoda Australia has introduced the facelifted Rapid Spaceback hatch that debuted ahead of the Geneva motor show in February and added a range-topping diesel version of the seven-seat Kodiaq SUV it launched here in May.
Priced at $48,990 plus on-road costs, the Kodiaq 140TDI arrives at a $6000 price premium over the $42,990 petrol model, but adds a 400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that consumes just 5.9L/100km.
Available to order now but not due for delivery until the end of the year, the Kodiaq 140TDI comes with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic, and brings a number of model year 2018 upgrades that will also apply to the existing Kodiaq 132TSI.
These include a 9.2-inch digital display with gesture control and DAB+ digital radio, plus a standard Sleep Pack including airliner-style adjustable rear head restraints.
Meantime, the Czech car-maker’s Rapid hatch range has been culled to just one variant for the upgraded 2018 model – the 92TSI DSG, which is now available and priced at $23,990 drive-away.
Previously, four versions of the small European five-door – first launched Down Under in May 2014, priced from $18,990 -- were available, including the 92TSI for $21,190 plus ORCs.
While the Rapid 92TSI continues with a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four and seven-speed DSG auto, the entry-level 82TSI manual has been axed, there’s no sign of a facelifted Rapid Monte Carlo and the small hatch line-up continues without the sedan body style sold overseas.
“To provide greater simplicity for customers and reducing complexity, Skoda Australia has realigned the Rapid range to just one value-packed model: a 92TSI with DSG transmission,” said the company.
Apart from a revised front-end featuring Skoda’s new corporate identity, the 2018 Rapid 92TSI brings an extended glass tailgate, 17-inch Black Savio wheels, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake low-speed autonomous braking, privacy glass, SmartLink phone mirroring, LED daytime running lights, 6.5-inch Swing touch-screen infotainment and black side mirrors.
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