Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus

Skoda India has amplified its Rapid sedan portfolio and added on another new variant in the range. The new variant is called Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus . There are so many highlights in the new variant, and the main one is the six speed automatic gearbox that has been coupled with the dynamic 1.6 litre of MPI petrol engine. This combination promises the driver with an amazing performance on road. The engine here is capable of churning out peak power of 103.8bhp along with producing high torque of 153Nm. the fuel economy has obviously gone down a bit as compared to the variant with the manual transmission, but it isn’t disappointing. The mileage figures of this car variant range from 10.8 to 15.8kmpl. The looks are not much different as compared to the other Skoda Rapid models. It has still the same chicness, style and sophistication. The interiors of Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus are class-apart. They actually do complete justice to the brand and load the car with posh and premium features. the power assisted steering wheel with audio controls mounted on it are cool, power windows are smooth in functioning, air cooling system  is here with climate control, instrumental panel with numerous useful things like tachometer, speedometer and so on.

Exteriors

The looks of the newly launched 2012 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus are very impressive. Its fresh, it’s stylish and well-balanced. The car certainly fills the huge gap between Skoda Fabia hatchback and Skoda Laura sedan. The exteriors of the Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus have been designed keeping in mind the need and expectations of the Indian consumers. There are few similarities between this one and VW Vento, but the company has tried to give it its own uniqueness. The stretched out headlamps are similar to Fabia but the aerodynamic design accompanied by smooth contours give the car a very exclusive look. The front grille is complementing the overall front appearance of the car along with the presence of front fog lamps. The side profile has body dipped door handles and ORVMs incorporated with turn indicator. The tined window frames, clean waistline, roof antenna and sporty roof give an enhanced look to the side profile of the car. Finally the rear part of Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus is nicely done tail lights together with a clean looking rear bumper coming with parking sensors. Overall, the exteriors of this Skoda Rapid variant are elegant and classy and have the ability to make its competitors go green with envy.

Interiors

The interiors of the 2012 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus Plus are remarkable. The lush and plush feel that you get as soon as you enter the car is just amazing. The front cabin has been given a very rich finish that adds on to the preiumness of the sedan. The seats are utterly nice looking and very comfortable on the same time. The instrumental panel is quietly neatly done, while the AC vents are positioned correctly. The front seats are adjustable, which are accompanied fabric lining on the door trims and more. Overall, the interiors of the car variant are good-looking and very elegantly done.

Comfort Features

Talking about the comfort level of Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus, it is very inspiring. The car comes with a very efficient and effective air conditioning system with heater, power steering wheel with audio controls mounted on it , smooth gear shift, comfortable seats upholstered with fine material, power windows for the front and rear passengers, rear defogger, tachometer, power door locks and the list goes on. However, the absence of CD player is a minor minus point that can always be installed after the purchase.

Engine and Performance

The engine department of new Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus is very strong and inspiring. Under the bonnet here, you would find a very strappy and stern 1.6 litre of in-line, liquid cooling system 16 Valve DOHC transverse in front petrol engine . This 1598cc of petrol engine is capable of churning out peak power output of 103.8bhp at the rate of 5250rpm along with producing peak torque of 153Nm at the rate of 3800rpm. The coupling of this engine with a six speed automatic gearbox is just fantastic. The performance of the car on road is spectacular and gives you an utterly fabulous driving experience. The mileage is also not a letdown at all. On the city roads, the car keeps the ability to deliver a mileage figure of 10.8kmpl, while on the highways this figure is hiked to 15.8kmpl . The car is a two-wheel drive, therefore when accelerated the car goes up to an impressive top speed and catches up from 0 to 100kmph in few seconds .

Braking and Handling

The braking and handling of Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus is nice and imposing. The braking system here is very responsive. The front comprise of Disc brakes with inner cooling, with single/piston floating caliper along with drum brakes for the rear. The presence of anti lock braking system further adds on to the controlling of the car. The handling here is enhanced by the power steering wheel and the superb suspension system. the suspension system here comprise of McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer for the front and Compound link crank-axle type suspension for the rear.

Safety features

The safety features of Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus are not many but are sufficient to take care of the passengers and the car. The driver’s airbags for present to keep them less harmed in case of accident, while the ABS keeps the wheels from locking up whenever the emergency brakes are applied. the seat belts are present for all the passengers. overall the safety department of the car is decent and humble.

Pros 

Good interiors, smart looks

Cons 

Petrol engine and high price.