Reference Auto

Launch of special editions is slowly gaining ground to enhance brand value in a fiercely competitive car market and the latest to join the fray is Skoda with the roll out of its Prestige edition priced at Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom price in Delhi) but will Skoda see a surge in Rapid sales with just a few deals and discounts?

The Prestige variant comes in only the 1.6 TDI diesel engine that churns out maximum power output of 104 bhp @ 4,400 rpm along with peak torque of 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm.

The Prestige variant is nearly Rs 3,000 cheaper than the mid-variant Ambition Plus, which comes for Rs 9.02 lakh.

In line with Skoda’s brand value ‘Simply Clever’, the Rapid Prestige comprises a slew of unique features like front passenger seat adjustment from rear seat using ergo lever, anti pinch windows, one touch operation for electrically adjustable windows and adjustable dual rear air conditioning vents.

It has a security code for audio player, height and length adjustment for steering wheel, foldaway cup holders, rough road package, key product content, driver and front passenger airbags, Anti-lock Braking System or ABS, 2-DIN integrated audio player w/aux-in socket + SD/MMC data card reader along with adjustable dual rear air conditioning vents on rear centre console.

The mid-sized sedan is being offered with a slew of additional features such as a navigation system, parking sensors, wind visors, textile floor mats and the Prestige badging on the sides to give it a unique and distinct look.

Rapid slugs it out in a very competitive category (the mid-sized sedan segment) where competition is intense with Hyundai’s Fluidic Verna leading the pack, followed by Honda City and other competitors being Nissan Sunny and Renault Scala, among others, along with Toyota Etios.

Skoda is determined to see the Rapid among the top two cars in the category and is mainly focusing on buyers flocking for the Honda City.

The Rapid sedan came with a litany of deals and discounts, including a recent one, where 100 per cent finance was being offered on the showroom price at 10.75 per cent interest and with no down payment at all.

The auto giant had also rolled out an innovative scheme, whereby a buyer could own a car today and start paying EMIs exactly after a year.

These deals and discounts along with brand enhancement could help Skoda Rapid climb the mid-sized sedan ladder but would it achieve the coveted number two slot by dislodging Honda City?