ஸ்கோடா ரேபிட் 2011-2014 1.6 MPI Ambition பிளஸ்

Skoda Auto, the Czech Republic based luxury car maker has officially rolled out the 2014 version of its entry level sedan, Skoda Rapid. It is an entry level luxury sedan that has some modern as well as innovative features. This sedan comes in quite a few trim levels among which, the Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus is the mid level variant in its model line up. This latest version comes with lots of new features including the Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, airbags, on board computer, and an advanced multi-functional steering wheel. Powering this sedan is the same 1.6-litre, MPI, in-line petrol engine that generates a good power output of 103.8Bhp that results in producing a maximum torque of 153Nm. This engine comes with Bharat Stage IV emission standards and returns a maximum 15 Kmpl of mileage. The company is offering this sedan with a set of 14-inch steel wheels that are covered with with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres.

Exteriors:

This latest version has a scintillating appearance in comparison to other sedans in its class. The frontage of this sedan is fitted with a signature radiator grille with vertically positioned slats that also has a lot of chrome treatment. It is surrounded by a large headlight cluster equipped with powerful halogen lamps along with turn indicators. The front bumper is very decent and it comes with an in-built air intake console and a pair of dynamic fog lights. On the side profile, the wheel arches of this sedan have been fitted with 14-inch steel wheels that are further fitted with Comoros full wheel covers. Here, the door handles along with the ORVM caps have been painted with body color while the window sills gets a gloss black treatment. The rear end of this sedan looks quite decent where it has stylish taillight cluster with C-shaped contours that gives it an elegant look. The company has rolled out this latest sedan in a total of five exterior paint options, which are Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Flash Red, Cappuccino Beige, and Deep Black Pearl. This sedan comes with a total length of 4386mm, overall width of 1699mm and 1466mm of decent height. Its has a generous ground clearance of 168mm and a very large wheelbase of 2552mm, which is quite good.

Interiors:

The company has not made any changes to the interiors of this variant. It comes with the same two tone Ivory and Mocca color scheme. The space inside the cabin is huge, especially the shoulder and leg room that provides more comfort to the occupants. This latest version comes with a lot of chrome inserts, especially on the dashboard, AC vents, central console, door handle and on the steering wheel as well. Here the steering wheel has been wrapped with leather upholstery and have mounted buttons for calls and volume control. The manufacturer has fitted wide and well cushioned seats, which are covered with premium leather upholstery. This mid level variant also comes with advanced equipments including a Climatronic AC unit with pollen filter that keeps the interiors pleasant. In addition to these, the company has also incorporated an advanced 2-DIN music system with Bluetooth compatibility and support for portable USB devices.

Engine:

Despite being the refurbished variant, this Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus trim comes with the same 1.6-litre petrol mill that used to serve the earlier variants. This in-line petrol engine comes with 4-cylinders, 16-valves with DOHC valve configuration. It comes with a total 1598cc displacement capacity and incorporated with a liquid cooling system, and a turbocharging unit that enables it to churn out a maximum power output 105Bhp at 5250rpm, while generating a peak torque of about 153Nm at just 3800rpm. The company coupled this engine with a fully synchronized 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that delivers the torque output to the front wheels and returns a maximum of 15 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

This luxury sedan is blessed with a highly proficient hydraulic dual-diagonal circuit braking mechanism with vacuum assistance that ensures precise stopping of the vehicle. Its front wheels have been fitted with disc brakes accompanied with single piston floating calipers, while the rear wheels comes equipped with a reliable drum brakes. This proficient combination is further reinforced by the anti-lock braking system with brake assist system and electronic brake-force distribution system. On the other hand, the company has fitted the front axle with McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer while the rear axle comes fitted with compound link crank-axle type of mechanism. This will improve the stability of the vehicle by enabling it to absorb all the shocks caused on uneven roads. On the other hand, it comes with a direct rack and pinion steering with electro mechanic power steering system that offers a crisp steering feel at all speed levels.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus is the mid level variant in its series yet, it comes with an array of comfort features. The list includes a driver seat height adjuster, front and rear center armrest, height and length adjustable steering wheel, sun visors, vanity mirror, cup holders, glove box unit and many other such features. Apart from these, the manufacturer is also offering a Climatronic AC unit , power windows with driver side one touch operation, leather seats, remote boot and fuel lid opener are just to name a few. It also comes with an information display featuring average fuel consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval, outside temperature display, digital clock and so on. In addition to these, this sedan also comes with a 2-DIN music player with controls mounted on the steering wheel.

Safety Features:

The company is offering this sedan with innovative safety aspects including an anti-lock braking system with brake assist function, dual front air bags, height-adjustable three-point seat belts at front, height adjustable head restraints, front fog lights, high level LED third brake light along with various other sophisticated aspects. It also comes with engine immobilizer system with floating code, security code for audio player, remote control with foldable key, automatic locking of doors on overrun speed and much more.

Pros: Spacious interiors, new features.

Cons: Expensive price tag, fuel efficiency.