ஸ்கோடா ரேபிட் 1.5 TDI AT Ambition BSIV

The Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Ambition is the most affordable diesel automatic iteration of the car. Priced at Rs 11.61 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi as of 5 May, 2017), the Ambition variant is the mid-range option in the variant lineup of the Rapid.

Compared to the equivalent manual variant, it commands a premium of around Rs 1.21 lakh.

The Rapid received its first major facelift in November 2016, with the new design making the car look more polished and classier. Unlike the base Active grade, on the outside, it gets features like 15-inch alloy wheels, a chrome surround for the radiator grille and fog lights at the front and rear. It also gets electrically folding wing mirrors, which are useful in protecting your parked car from swiping bikers. For safety, like the Active variant, it gets dual front airbags and ABS with EBD as standard. Specific to the AT variant is the inclusion of hill-hold control (HHC) and the electronic stability program (ESP). The model also benefits from the inclusion of rear parking sensors, the child-proof rear window lock function and in the event of a crash, the fuel supply will automatically cut off to reduce the threat of a fire.

Enter the cabin and you are welcome by features like a height-adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control and leather around the steering wheel, gear-lever and handbrake lever. You even get the 2-DIN Skoda audio system, steering-mounted audio controls, AUX/USB connectivity and an SD card slot.

The Rapid also has quite a potent heart under its bonnet. Powering the car is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine that makes 110PS of power and 250Nm of torque. The motor comes paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Skoda claims the Rapid 1.5 TDI AT will deliver a fuel economy of 21.72kmpl, which is just over half a kmpl less than the manual Rapid diesel.

The Rapid automatic rivals the likes of the Hyundai Verna and even its own cousin, the Volkswagen Vento.