Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus

Established in 2001, Skoda Auto India Private Limited has seen a tremendous growth over the last years, thanks to the trio of Laura, Fabia and their latest entry Rapid models. Under just one year Skoda Rapid has been gained numerous nominations and awards for its dominance in Indian automobile market. This specific Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus variant has been classified under the high end category mainly due to the rich features and luxury class offered by it. This is a petrol variant and is equipped with almost similar engine which is seen under the hood of Skoda Rapid range. The outer appearance or the exteriors are exciting and in an instant gives you the SUV look. Now as it is a top notch model, it is expected that it should not compromise in any aspect, let it be performance or safety or the comfort features and it surely delivers in these areas with ease.       

Exteriors

This car possess a very durable and tough built. Skoda has certainly lived up to its expectations on this and provided a good job. Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus is available in five color variants namely Cappuccino Beige, Candy White, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver and Deep Black Silver. It has got the same dimensions as the active and elegance models have. The overall dimension measures out to be 4386mm X 1699mm X 1466mm respectively. Plus it has got the same wheel base i.e. 2552mm. The steel wheels too are of good quality and comes with a Comoros full wheel cover. Also to give a metallic finish for the car, radiator grille has been chrome trimmed and chrome surround is also there for grille. There are many small things to add luster to the car such as chrome décor for gear shift indicator, locking button of handbrake and body colored external mirrors and door handles. Outside rear view mirrors are manually operated in this variant.     

Interiors

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus has very rich interiors. The car feels very spacious and comfortable. Dual tone of Mocca/Ivroy has been used extensively for dashboard and for door panels too. The centre console of the car has Mocca interior. Also there are head restraints for both front and rear passengers. Air conditioner cum heater, adjustable steering column, tachometer, multi trip meter, digital clock and odometer etc are some good additions. The total storage capacity of the car comes out to be the equivalent of 460 liters. Windows and windscreen has already been tinted and Official Skoda audio player comes equipped in car along with the speakers too.  

Engine and Performance

This C+ segment sedan comes with a 1.6L MPI petrol engine which is very powerful and has 4 in line cylinders along with a liquid cooling system. It also has a 16V driver overhead camshaft which is traverse in front. This petrol engine has a displacement of 1598cc which is exactly of the diesel engine of the other rapid versions. And the maximum power output is of 103.18bhp at 5250rpm and the maximum torque generated is 153Nm at 3800rpm. This model too is a front wheel drive. It has a 5 speed manual transmission which raises the performance of the car. The Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus has a top speed of 188kmph. It provides a decent good fuel consumption of 15kmpl as tested by the rule of 115 of CMVR.           

Braking and Handling

The braking and steering system are also of great quality. The front axle is of McPherson suspension and rear axle is a compound link crank axle. Also the front axle comprise of a torsion stabilizer and lower triangular links. Both the front and rear axle protects the delicate parts of the car quite efficiently. The front brakes are disc brakes which support inner cooling and have a single/piston floating caliper while the rear are the drum brakes. Both these forms a hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system which is vacuum assisted. The power steering comes from the direct rack and pinion steering. It has a 5.0J x 14 wheels and the tyres size is of 175/70 R14 and provides a good action against the resistance offered by the roads.    

Safety features

Skoda has installed many safety and security features which were missing from the below and low class models. These safety features includes front and rear fog lights, anti glare interior rear view mirror, rear defogger with timer, Rough road package and many more things. This model has just one driver front airbag which is kind of disappointing. But it has the ABS (Anti lock braking system) with dual rate brake assist. One better thing about this car is that the fuel supply cuts off in any event related with crash. The front seatbelts and the head restraints are height adjustable. Skoda Rapid Ambition Plus also has some security features in its bag such as an engine immobilizer with floating code system. An additional security code lock for audio player and remote control locking and unlocking for doors and boot lid also. It comes with a foldable key and anti pinch windows.       

Comfort features

The Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus is quite rich in providing comfort and convenience to the passengers and the driver too. There are front and rear arm rests and height adjustable driver seat. A very powerful Skoda 2 DIN audio player with large format display comes factory fitted. And the front and rear speakers are also there. Also there is an auxiliary audio input and SD/MMC data card reader to further enhance our in car entertainment. An adjustable dual rear air conditioning vents are a great option for rear passengers. Plus the outside mirrors can be electrically adjusted as our needs. Other small things include remote control release of boot lid, 12V power socket, illuminated luggage compartment, bottle holders and cup holders etc. Also there is seat lumbar support to allow the driver or passenger to increase pressure in the back of seat to provide more comfort.        

Pros

Powerful engine.

Amazing Build quality.

Cons

Looks similar to Vento.

High Price.