ஸ்கோடா ரேபிட் 2011-2014 1.6 MPI Elegance

Skoda Automobiles, the Czech Republic automotive brand in India recently introduced the 2014 Skoda Rapid silently on the domestic shores. The company has this time introduced the revamped Rapid in two trims i.e. the Ambition Plus and the Elegance. The mid-sized sedan from Skoda has been a key player and has impressed the automobile fans to an extent. However it has been a part of tough competition with varied available sedan rivals in the same range that include – Hyundai Verna Fluidic, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento, Nissan Sunny and Toyota Etios. Skoda's quality has always been its USP in the Indian subcontinent. Getting maximum bells and whistles, the Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI variant is very significant. Manufactured tough along with the leading quality, the Rapid is Skoda's one of the premium quality products. The outfit looks classy with the modest trims all around its skin availing a feel of premium saloon and so does the interior that looks contemporary with the perfect match of quality materials used inside it. When the Rapid was launched a couple of years back, the Indian enthusiasts responded well and the company is expecting similar response with its 2014 model out in the market. Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance variant is simply the best one in the fleet and is available at the attractive price tag of Rs. 8.63 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi).

Exterior :

Showcasing the perfect combination of technology and science, the Rapid displays everything eye-catchy around it. At the front, the chrome laced front grille adds different charm to the exteriors and the body coloured front bumper with the blackened air-intake and fog lights adds further elegance to the Rapid sedan. The projector headlamps with a different shape like the Laura and the Superb looks awful enough to impress the onlookers and the tough extend hood give an appropriate stance. At the side, the five spokes 15 inches alloy wheels , body coloured door handles and sleek ORVMs are the perfect displayers of additional grace. Besides this, the rear too looks breathtaking with neatly designed rear bumper and the iconic Skoda tail lamps. The silhouette of the car is quite sober and the vehicle looks muscular from many of its angles.

Interior :

The company has been sensible enough to create the interiors with a perfect combination of comfort, space and convenience. The centre console gets in the 2-din SKODA audio player that supports CD + Auxiliary input + SD/MMC data card reader + AM/FM. Seats come mated with quality fabric upholstery and the dash-board also gets the premium soft touch plastics. Even the design of the dual tone dash board is the impressive one and the four spokes leather wrapped steering wheel looks all adorable with the company badge at the centre. Like the other Skoda cars, the tachometer of Rapid Elegance is at the perfect positioning. Comforts levels are raised up with the sufficient leg-room, head-room and shoulder width ensuring sufficient space for five passengers.

Engine and Performance :

The German engineering has always enabled every Skoda car to perform at its level best and so does the 2014 Rapid. The Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance comes powered by an efficient 1.6 Litre 16 V Petrol in-line that is calibrating enough to churn out maximum power of 105 bhp at 5250 rpm and maximum torque of 153 Nm at 3800 rpm. Added to this, the company has installed this petrol trim with a five speed manual transmission. This BS IV mill ensures lowest emission and avails decent performance thereby being a genuine choice for the buyers. Performance is extreme and this mean machine can clock the speed range of 0 -100 in just 12.4 seconds with the top speed of 185 kmph.

Braking and Handling :

Skoda Rapid not only gets the lavish interiors and raised up comfort levels but it also comes with high efficiency of braking and controlling. The company has installed the Front Disc and Rear Drum brakes to ensure proper stopping of the car. The further braking efficiency is operated by the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA) offered by the company. In terms of ride quality too, the Rapid is a phenomenal entry level product from Skoda. Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance gets the wide 185/60 R15 tubeless tyres that assist in catering stability to the car with enhanced road grip. Even the power steering of the car is quite responsive with the speed and helps in taking sharp turns with ease. The suspensions too are the best quality one and ensure jolt free ride. It is the McPherson suspension with Lower Triangular Links and Torsion Stabiliser at the front and Compound Link Crank-Axle at the rear that irons the jolts on road.

Comfort Features :

Skoda as a brand has always been recognized for its premium comforts and the company has not left any stone unturned to bless the Rapid Elegance with all possible comfort convenience features. It comes bestowed with features like Anti-glare interior rear view mirror, Rear windscreen defogger with timer, Rough road package, Child safety locks, Door open indicator, Automatic locking of doors on overrun speed, Height adjustable driver's seat, Front rear centre armrest, 2-din SKODA audio player with CD + Auxiliary input + SD/MMC data card reader + AM/FM compatibility, Automatic AC with Climate control, Power adjustable ORVMs, All four Power windows , Bluetooth, 460 Litres boot space, Bottle holders in front doors, Cup-holders and many more.

Safety Features :

This upated Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance trim comes loaded with a wide range of safety features too. It gets Halogen projector headlamps, Front rear fog lamps, High level LED third brake light, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Dual Rate Brake Assist, Height adjustable three-point seatbelts at the front, Height adjustable front rear headrests, Remote central locking , Audio player security code, Engine Immobilizer and a few other safety aspects, which ensure utmost security and protection to the occupants as well as to the vehicle at all times.

Pros : High comfort level, tough exteriors, powerful engine performance and latest features.

Cons : Mileage can be better, price can be made more competitive.