Skoda Rapid touches 1 lakh production mark with roll-out of Monte Carlo edition

Skoda Rapid has reached one lakh unit production milestone in India since its launch in the country in November 2011. The 100,000th unit was top-of-the-line Rapid Monte Carlo and it was rolled out from Volkswagen Group manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo was re-launched in India in February 2019 by the carmaker following a trademark issue with a clothing firm and now comes at a starting price of Rs 11.39 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Available in exclusive flash red colour scheme, the variant is powered by a 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine that produces 105 PS and 153 Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, along with an option for a 6-speed automatic torque converter. There is also a 1.5-litre TDI diesel mill that delivers 110 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Apart from the 5-speed manual gearbox, it is also offered with a 7-speed automatic DSG transmission.

Rapid Monte Carlo comes with features like black Skoda signature grille, quartz-cut projector headlights, LED DRLs and dual tone 16-inch clubber alloy wheels. Inside the cabin, one gets leatherette seat upholstery, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, piano black centre console, 6.5-inch 'Drive' colour touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There is a 460-litre boot.

Competing with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City and Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid is available in three other variants apart from Monte Carlo -- Active, Ambition and Style. Currently, the range starts at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India).