Skoda Rapid TSI

EXTERIOR

The Skoda Rapid 2017 exterior flaunts modern crystalline styling, adorning the Czech Republic-based automaker’s signature design language. The designing cues have been borrowed from the Euro-spec Rapid and Fabia hatch. The new quartz-cut halogen projector lens headlights with chrome eye lashes, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and manual levelling function are the biggest highlight of the striking front fascia. They are flanked by a refreshed bumper, signature chrome grille and angular lines on the bonnet.

The side profile remains the same, while the rear end gets new C-shaped smoked tail-lamp cluster. The overall appearance is further accentuated by the inclusion of chrome molding on the deck lid and chrome-finished door handles. The Skoda Rapid 2017 colour schemes include Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Carbon Steel, Silk Blue and Flash Red.

INTERIOR

The Skoda Rapid 2017 interior features a cabin finished in dual-tone Ebony-Sand theme with premium perforated leatherette seats. The sedan boasts of a plethora of premium features, such as AmberGlow Footwell Illumination, Leatherette lined door armrests, height and length adjustable multifunctional steering wheel, electrically-foldable and adjustable mirrors with side turn indicators, cooled glove box, Climatronic Technology with adjustable dual rear AC vents, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, and 6.5-inch colour MirrorLink touchscreen central infotainment system with USB/Aux-in/Bluetooth/SD Card compatibility.

The Skoda Rapid 2017 features a boot space of 460 litre, which can swallow a large chunk of luggage. In addition, the company has incorporated bottle holders in the doors, storage compartment under the front Centre armrest, and cup holders at the front as well as rear for coping up with the small belongings.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

The Skoda Rapid Facelift comes in both petrol and diesel fuel trims. The diesel variants are powered by a new 1.5 L 4-cylinder TDI engine, which develops 110 PS of top power and 250 Nm of peak torque. Earlier, the aforementioned engine used to deliver 103 bhp. It is available with 5-speed manual and 7-speed DSG automatic gearboxes. The petrol variants get their power from the same 1.6 L MPI engine, which generates 105 PS and 153 Nm, and are offered with 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The Skoda Rapid 2017 mileage figures are pretty decent in both petrol and diesel fuel trims. The petrol manual and automatic variants deliver a mileage of 15.41 kmpl and 14.84 kmpl (both ARAI specified), respectively. The diesel variants with manual gearbox and automatic transmission return 21.13 kmpl and 21.72 kmpl (both ARAI specified), respectively.

The Skoda Rapid 2017 is a decent performer on the highways as well as narrow city roads. It sails effortlessly at high speed. The diesel automatic, particularly, is a delight to drive. It sprints to the 100 kmph mark from standstill in just 12 seconds, which is a rather good feat, considering the segment. The handling is fairly good due to the light steering wheel, which responds instantly to the driver’s fingertips.

BRAKING AND SAFETY

The new Skoda Rapid gets disc brakes with inner cooling, with single/piston floating caliper at the front, while drum brakes are at the helm of affairs at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and dual airbags are offered as standard safety features across the entire variant lineup. In addition, several sophsticated safety features, such as Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Control, Parktonic Rear Parking Sensors, automatically-dimming rear view mirror, etc., are on offer with the top-end grades.

CONCLUSION

Skoda has been making decent cars right from the beginning, and Rapid has been one of the company’s best-seller in India due to its exquisite appearance, premium cabin and power-packed performance. The Skoda Rapid 2017 price is also aggressive, with a lot more features added. However, the company needs to work heavily on the after-sale department as it is where Skoda is crippled. The non-availability and expensiveness of spare parts is a major issue that Skoda needs to address as early as possible, if it intends to consolidate its position in the Indian market and retail higher volumes.