The Czech based manufacturer Skoda has been facing a downfall in sale of Sedan Rapid. The Rapid as a badge engineered product of Vento. It shares the same competent 1.6L TDI and 1.6L TSI engines, the interiors and equipment levels with the Vento and all this at a lower price. Rapid comes as a value-for-money player within the upper C sedan segment.
The top end variant of Rapid differs from Vento Highline by a nice Rs. 60,000 and the difference between SX4 to end and Rapid Top end model is a mere Rs. 20,000. The Rapid AT is the cheapest Automatic transmission (proper) sedan available. The poor after sales support, high maintenance cost and rogue attitude normally associated with Skoda brand has dented the sales of…well almost all their cars including the Rapid. Adding to their vows the slow auto market has hurt the manufacturer bad.
As a festive season sales offer, Skoda has offered Rapid 5×5 Experience scheme. This scheme reflects the Skoda effort to provide an enhanced ownership experience for the customers. The scheme is to ensure that customers can now buy the Rapid without worrying about the rising interest rates and maintenance costs.
The offer is available for all variants of the Rapid Sedan including the recently launched Rapid Leisure Edition until the end of September.
Here is the list of benefits under Rapid 5×5 Experience-
- Total Extended Warranty Package (EW) for 5 years which will also be valid for 2nd owners as well
- Car Loan up to 5 years @ 7.99%
- Preventive Maintenance Schedule (PMS) which will cover regular service schedules up to 5 yrs.
- 5 years of Road Side Assistance (RSA), valid for 2nd owners as well.
- First year insurance free and monthly payment for the consecutive months
The offer is sure impressive. The Extended warranty package, Preventive maintenance schedule, Road side assistance are sure to impress customers who were afraid of the high maintenance costs.
The availability of the offer to the second owner will also boost the resale value of the car. The offer is available only till September for now but October being the prime month for buying cars we will be happy to see Skoda extend the offer period.
We also wish if Skoda can extend the scheme to its other models. Overall with these additional benefits the Rapid now becomes a wonderful value for money package.
-by Saravana Priyan
