LUXURIOUS CARS

Skoda India has launched its latest updated “Skoda Rapid” residing in the C-Segment. With Skoda India having presence in most of the car segments, the company has under went quite a lot of update with the Rapid line up. From prices to variants of Rapid, all have under gone changes. The number of variants have been reduced, now only two trims are available- Ambition Plus and Elegance, while the Leisure trim remains the same, since it was launched as the special edition model. Overall the range of Skoda variant comprises of six petrol versions and two diesel versions, and this includes the Leisure trim as well. Skoda Rapid boasts of offering good competition to other cars present in this segment, and now the upmarket versions of Rapid are all set to pump up the sales for Skoda. The Skoda Rapid price at Rs 8.04 lakh for the base petrol variant will act as a spark for the sales of the sedan and stir the competition within the C segment sedan cars in India. After the launch of Skoda Yeti – in the SUV segment, “Skoda Rapid” had been marching forward in the Skoda’s parade. Skoda India has installed some high-end features in Skoda Rapid making it more upmarket in the sedan car segment and thus it costs little higher than before. Skoda Auto started its operations in India as Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd in November 2001. In India, the company is currently selling following car models - Skoda Laura, Skoda Fabia (manufactured in India) and Skoda Superb, Skoda Yeti (Imported) with Skoda Octavia model discontinued in 2010. It is a known fact that Skoda India never compromises on comfort, technology and looks, and this time also it is evident that they have delivered better version of Rapid. The Czech car maker seems to be on the track to further revolutionize India with Skoda Rapid.

Skoda Rapid comes in both petrol as well as the diesel variants. The diesel Skoda Rapid is powered with 1.6 litre of TDi with 1598 cc displacement unit that produces 103.6bhp of power along with 250 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the petrol variant of Skoda Rapid comes with 1.6 litre-1598 cc of MPI unit, which churns out 103.6bhp of power together with 153 Nm of torque. This engine is more powerful than rival Honda City which displaces only 1497 cc under its hood. The diesel version has 5 speed manual gearbox whereas the petrol version has a choice of 6 speed automatic gearbox and a 5 speed manual standard gearbox as options. Skoda Rapid petrol boasts of delivering 12-14 kmpl from the automatic version. The Diesel engine might get you 13.4 kmpl under extreme driving conditions; while around 16 kmpl will be possible in routine running. Being positioned in the premium car category, Skoda has pitched in an aggressive strategy with Rapid in order to capture the market. With the superior branding and a sales backup of previous Skoda Rapid, the Czech car maker will experience less effort in popularizing its updated version of the same. Helping this is the fact, that all the parts are highly localized because of the platform sharing with parent company Volkswagen.

The new Skoda Rapid has received maximum of feature updates, while the exteriors and mechanical specs remain the same as before. Skoda Rapid has solid and rich exteriors and has got a prominent nose structure accompanied with huge stretched headlamps making it look more delightful. The Ambition Plus model sports projector headlamps in order to offer superior visibility specially when driving in unsuitable or less light conditions. The centre grille of the sedan has a chrome band, which runs all around it together with the traditional Skoda slats in black color placed just under the band. Well, this is absolutely cop pasted from Skoda Fabia. The new sedan also sports a bonnet that has a little pouted design. Massive fog lamps and the front bumper with slot in air dams are decently placed wide and low. The rest of the side profile and belt-line of Skoda Rapid is also quite similar to Volkswagen Vento. The waistline of the sedan is very sophisticated and decent. Now the rear part of the car incorporates tail lamps accompanied with a C shaped glow on brake lamps. The rear bumper appears to be more clean; rear parking sensors upgrades the quality. In all the exterior of Skoda Rapid are excellent in their own way, despite being similar to Volkswagen Vento.

The interiors of Rapid have received quite a few additions, which makes the sedan an upscaled one, while it retains the classy and plush feel to it. The features added to it which makes the sedan in competition includes a list comprising of, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear-shift selector and hand-brake lever, again in leather. The Ambition Plus model gets ABS, dual front airbags, steering mounted audio controls, music system with USB, Aux-in, MP3, SD card slot and Bluetooth connectivity. Rest other interiors remains the same with the light and dark beige colored dash board that sports all advanced equipments including instrument cluster, glove box, music system and air conditioning. The air conditioner also has automatic climate control feature. The 4 spoke steering with telescopic adjustments is clad in leather with chrome insert. On the safety front, now the Ambition Plus model has got ABS with dual front airbags, which were earlier part of higher variants. Otherwise, Skoda Rapid already comes with front fog lamps and Electronic BrakeForce Distribution, Engine Immobilizer, Height adjustable 3 point seat belts and high stop LED center brake lights. Among the comfort features, Rapid features an adjustable power steering, internally adjustable ORVMs with power fold feature, central locking, power windows, adjustable front seats, upgraded music system with Aux-In, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 and FM integrated with four speakers. The audio player can be protected by a security code. Overall, Skoda rapid is a decent offering with competitive pricing and can create a lot of action in the C-segment cars. Symbolizing Skoda’s brand value – “Simply Clever”, the Rapid is ideal for the Indian streets with an attractive design, ample space, excellent safety equipment and modern proven technology. With this offering, Rapid is expected to become the cornerstone for brand Skoda in India.

Diesel Models

Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Active

The diesel engine does its duty in this base variant. The Rapid 1.6 L engine is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission gearbox. Since it is the base variant, customers will have to be satisfied without speakers, automatic AC, Climatronic, alloy wheels etc.

Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus

Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus comes with Rough road package, Child-proof rear door locking, Child-proof rear window locking, Fuel supply cut-off in a crash, Door-open indicator and Emergency triangle in the luggage compartment with Dual-tone warning horn. To keep the occupants happy the German auto major has adorned the car with Height adjustable head restraints at front and rear, Two three-point outer seatbelts and centre lap belt at rear and Height-adjustable three-point seatbelts at front.

Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus

This mid range variant is equipped with a proficient braking and suspension mechanism. The company has given it a vacuum assisted hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system. The front wheels are equipped with disc brakes with inner cooling system, which has been fitted with a single piston floating caliper, while the rear wheels are fitted with drum brakes. On the other hand, the front axle of this sedan is assembled with a McPherson strut with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer, whereas the rear gets a compound link crank axle type of mechanism. At the same time, it is integrated with a power steering for smoother maneuvering of the sedan in heavy traffic conditions as well.

Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance

This is the highest graded model in the diesel line-up. Automatic AC with climate control, security code for audio player, AUX ports for media player with 4 speakers and memory card, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable mirrors, MID (Mobile Internet Device) makes the car looks lavish.

Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 TDI Elegance

This is the top end trim in its model line up. In terms of comfort and convenience, this variant is blessed with some top of the line features. The list of some aspects include an air conditioner system with AC vents and air purifier, power steering with height and length adjustment function mounted with call control buttons, all four power windows, height adjustment function for driver seat, electrically adjustable ORVMs and several others. Apart from these, the car manufacturer has given this variant quite a few utility based features such as cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, a large glove box, remote fuel lid opener, arm rests, sun visors with vanity mirror and many other such aspects for the comfort of the occupants.

Petrol Models

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Active

This is the base variant with 1.6 L petrol engine. It has manual central door locking, manual AC with adjustable rear AC vents, anti glare rear view mirrors, rear defogger, rough road package, engine immobilizer, front center armrest, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, and anti pinch system.

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus

Skoda Rapid Active Plus comes loaded with features like chrome trim on radiator grille, chrome décor for interior door handles,Ivory interio and dual tone Mocca/Ivory front dashboard and door panels, Mocca centre console, Ivory upholstery with body color bumpers and more gloss décor on B-pillar.

Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus

This variant comes with some crucial safety features, which gives a stress free driving experience. It is incorporated with an airbag for driver and front passenger and seat belt with pre-tensioner and load limiter, which adds to the safety aspects of the occupants. It also has an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code, foldable key with remote control, central locking system and many other such aspects as well. The company has also given this variant anti lock braking system, which further enhances the braking mechanism of the vehicle. Apart from these, the rear windscreen of this sedan is integrated with a defogger and a high mounted brake light as well.

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance

This is the top-end version with petrol guise and manual transmission. 15 inch alloy wheels dress the lower part of this variant. Front passenger airbags are also added. A security code for audio player, AUX ports for media player and memory card, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable mirrors, MID (Mobile Internet Device).

Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI Elegance

The company has fitted this variant with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. This power plant is skillfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gearbox, which transmits the engine power to its front wheels. This petrol motor is integrated with four cylinder and sixteen valves as well. This double overhead camshaft based petrol engine can churn out 103.5bhp of power at 5250rpm along with a maximum torque of 153Nm at 3800rpm. It is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which allows it to generate 15 Kmpl of decent mileage on the highways.

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus

The automatic transmission variant of the Skoda Rapid Ambition Plus comes with chrome surround radiator grille, Chrome decor for front centre console, gear-shift selector, locking button of hand-brake, Chrome trim on air conditioning vents and duct sliders, Body colour external mirrors and door handles. In terms of safety the car is adorned with Front and Rear fog light, High level LED third brake light and Halogen headlights with manual leveling.

Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus

The car manufacturer has given this Limited Edition variant a few additional exterior features such as roof and side foil, headlight cluster with projector lens headlamps, seven spoke alloy wheels and so on. Then it is also equipped with body decals that runs along the bonnet, roof, doors and also the boot lid. At the same time, the side profile of this vehicle is equipped with body colored door handles and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, which are integrated with a turn indicator as well. Then the rear end is fitted with a chrome plated boot lid, a radiant tail light cluster and bumper with fog lamps.

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance

The top-end petrol version, Elegance, is also available in automatic version. The 1.6 L petrol engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission.

Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Elegance

This automatic sedan comes with Garmin and Tom-Tom navigation system, advanced music system with Bluetooth connectivity, parking sensors, 'Ultima' branded floor mats and door sill moldings. Then for the convenience of the driver, the company has bestowed this trim with a multifunctional steering wheel, which is mounted with audio control buttons and it also has an On-board computer with a lot of functions as well. For keeping the cabin and cool and purified, this sedan is bestowed with an air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter. The seats of this Limited Edition variant are covered with leather upholstery and provides ample leg room for all the occupants inside.

Skoda Rapid is available in two trims-Petrol and Diesel engine options. As per the engine specs, the new Skoda Rapid will return fuel economy of 12-14kmpl with the petrol automatic versions. The manual version is able to deliver 12 kmpl in the city and 16 kmpl on the highways . The Diesel engine returns 13.4 kmpl under extreme driving conditions; while around 16 kmpl is possible in routine running.