New Skoda Rapid 1.0 TS ಐ Style AT

New Rapid 1.0 TSI Style AT ವಿಮರ್ಶೆ

The Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Style is the most expensive petrol automatic iteration of the car. Priced at Rs 11.36 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi as of 5 May, 2017), this variant gets you all the bells and whistles the Rapid has to offer.

Compared to the equivalent manual variant, it commands a premium of just over Rs 1 lakh.

The Rapid received its first major facelift in November 2016, with the new design making the car look more polished and classier. Apart from what you get in the mid-range Ambition variant, it gets features like chrome moulding on the boot-lid and chrome door handles. A big addition come in the form of projector headlights and daytime-running LEDs. For safety, like the lower variants, it gets dual front airbags and ABS with EBD as standard. Specific to the AT variant is the inclusion of hill-hold control (HHC) and the electronic stability program (ESP). The model also benefits from the inclusion of an auto-dimming interior rear view mirror.

Enter the cabin and apart from what you get in the Ambition grade, you are welcomed by features like chrome trim on the steering wheel, leatherette upholstery and driving aids like cruise control and auto-wipers. The infotainment system gets quite the upgrade too, as you now get a 6.5-inch touchscreen which enables MirrorLink connectivity as well. Adding to the feel-good factor are a cooled glovebox and amber glow footwell lighting.

The Rapid also has quite a potent heart under its bonnet. Powering the car is a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine that makes 105PS of power and 153Nm of torque. The motor comes paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox that features a manual mode as well. Skoda claims the Rapid 1.6 MPI AT will deliver a fuel economy of 14.84kmpl, which is just over half a kmpl less than the manual Rapid petrol.

The Rapid automatic rivals the likes of the Maruti Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and even its own cousin, the Volkswagen Vento.