Skoda Rapid 2011-2014 Leisure 1.6 MPI AT

Rapid 2011-2014 Leisure 1.6 MPI AT Review

The Czech Republican automaker and the subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group has silently introduced the Leisure Edition version of its sedan Skoda Rapid. The company will sell this limited edition version of Skoda Rapid in three variants starting with a price tag of Rs. 7.79 lakh (ex showroom price New Delhi). Out of these three variants Skoda Rapid Leisure 1.6 MPI AT is the automatic version available with 1.6-litre petrol engine as standard. The company has launched this version in order to maintain the sales momentum in the Indian automobile segment. Presently the company is riding high on the success of its premium sedan and is looking to make it big by launching its Leisure edition, which will be available across the country for limited period only. Skoda has introduced this version with a very competitive price tag of Rs. 8.79 lakh (ex showroom, New Delhi), which will certainly help the manufacturer to witness more sales in the auto market. On the other hand, this Leisure edition comes with five additional features inside the car. These new additional features will make the Rapid brand more attractive in the automobile segment. Now this version from Skoda will compete with the likes of Honda Civic, Nissan Sunny, Maruti Suzuki SX4, Hyundai Verna and several others in the premium sedan segment.

Exteriors:

The limited Edition Skoda Rapid Leisure 1.6 MPI AT retains the same body panel and exterior design as other existing variants. Its entire design is much identical to the rest of its variants but the new style alloy wheels will bring a fresh new look to the car. To start with the frontage, this Leisure special edition gets a beautiful front facade with a design cues inspired from other Skoda Cars. It gets the same headlight cluster that is large and incorporated with turn indicators. Its front radiator grille remained to be the same as with black colored vertical slats. On top of the hood, it gets a beautifully designed chrome plated strip, which further incorporates company logo. On the bottom of its frontage, it is fitted with a body colored bumper, which accommodates an air dam and fog lights. When it comes to the side profile, this Leisure edition gets a spanking new set of 15 inch stylish alloy wheels as an additional feature, which is complimented by the expressive lines on its body. In addition to this, the side profile also gets classy door handles and rear view mirrors in body color. Its entire rear design remains to be the same as its existing variants with stylish tail lamp cluster and body colored bumper.

Interiors:

This new Skoda Rapid Leisure special edition received few of additional features inside the cabin that compliments its plush interiors. The interior cabin section of this sedan is spacious and the design of its cabin is beautifully that would surely provide a premium feel to the occupants. This Leisure edition's inside cabin gets some additional features that include a portable navigation system with rear view camera , rear parking sensor, door sill covers and leatherette seat covers that brings a fresh new feel inside. It gets a four spoke steering wheel and a stylish gear shift knob wrapped in leather upholstery. On the other side, you can adjust the outside rear view mirrors manually by sitting inside. Its inside cabin can host seating arrangement for at least 5 passengers with top class convenience aspects. On the other hand, this sedan also gets some of the most significant features that include driver seat height adjustment, front and rear armrest, height and length adjustable steering wheel and few others, which makes it one of the most desirable sedans in the automobile segment.

Engine and Performance:

This special edition Skoda Rapid Leisure 1.6 MPI AT gets the same 1.6-litre petrol mill that is currently under the hood of existing petrol variants. This powerful petrol mill has the ability to displace at 1598cc, which allows it to churn out a commanding power of about 103.6bhp at 5250rpm and yields 153Nm of superior torque at 3800rpm. This commanding power is transmitted to the front wheels through an advanced six speed automatic transmission gearbox, which also contributes for the enhancement of fuel efficiency. Its engine comes with MPFI fuel supply system which works along with DOHC valve configuration. The company claims that this high performance sedan has the ability to return 14.3 Kmpl of maximum mileage, which is impressive.

Braking and Handling:

When it comes to the most important braking aspects, this sedan is offered with superior hydraulic dual-diagonal circuit braking system with vacuum assist that functions in the most effective way. This sedan's front wheel gets disc brakes with inner cooling with single/piston floating caliper that functions with the combination of drum brakes fitted to the rear wheels. This braking mechanism is further assisted by ABS along with dual rate brake assist.

Safety Features:

This leisure edition Skoda Rapid comes with some unbelievable safety functions that takes care of the safety of passengers, while protecting the car. Its sophisticated safety functions include front and rear fog lights, anti glare interior rear view mirror, rear windscreen with defogger, ABS with brake assist, rough road package, fuel supply cut off in crash , engine immobilizer system with floating code system, remote control with foldable key, central locking, driver air bag and many other mind blowing features.

Comfort Features:

The occupants inside this new Skoda Rapid Leisure Edition will experience top class comforts and conveniences inside it. There are tons of features inside this version that assures redefined luxury inside this car. The company is offering this sedan with a list of features that include manual air conditioner with adjustable dual rear air conditioner vents on rear central console, dust and pollen filter , height adjustable driver seat, front and rear arm rest, a 1-din audio system, illumination of luggage compartment, a 12V power socket, vanity mirror for the front co-passenger sun visor, remote control release of boot lid.

Pros: Improved features, luxuriant interiors.
Cons: Mileage can be improved, price can be competitive.