Skoda Rapid 2011-2014 1.6 TDI Active Plus

Rapid 2011-2014 1.6 TDI Active Plus Review

Skoda Rapid is considered as one of the bets sedan available in the Indian market today. The car is true art work that has been amalgamated with technology and science. With superb exteriors accompanied by thoughtful interiors, the car comes out to be a great one overall. The car is available in both diesel and petrol versions. Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus is the second highest variant in the diesel line up of Skoda Rapid. The car maker has given the model with a perfect balance between comfort and space, while the drive becomes absolutely delightful with correct technical specifications. Under the bonnet, the car model comes with 1.6 litre TDI diesel engine producing ideal power and torque. The five speed manual transmission mated with the engine takes away the driving experience to a whole new level. Being a diesel engine, the mileage delivered lands around 13.4 to 16 km per litre. Even the acceleration and pick up of the car is top-class. Coming to the price, Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus is priced competitively keeping in mind the high competition in the Indian car market today. On the whole, Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus is a great sedan, which can be taken home for an affordable price and is loaded with numerous features.

Exteriors

Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus exteriors are very alluring and attractive. The carmaker has designed the exteriors of the car keeping in mind the persona of Skoda cars. The muscular frame of the car comes with body colored ORVMS and door handles that has been positioned correctly. The cleverly done headlamps bless the car with attractive appearance. On the other hand, the chrome laced grille on the front gives an exclusive charm to the car. The 15 inches of alloy wheels are strong and give the car a bold stance. The stability during the drive is also increased with these wheels. The sleek body, and chic tail lights enhances the overall appearance on the car. The boot lid as well has been given a unique shape that adds on more luxury to the looks of this one. On the whole, Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus is a good-looking sedan.

Interiors

The interiors of Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus have been designed thoughtfully, keeping in mind the comfort of the passengers in terms space and convenience. As soon as you step inside the car, the first thing you notice is the ambiance. The car’s interiors are designed with utmost sophistication and elegance. The use of beige color has been done wisely, while the combination of Mocca and Ivory just steals the show . The chrome hints all through the interiors including the inner door handles, gear shift selector, air conditioning vents, front centre console and hand brake lock button gives a bit of shine to the interiors. The gloss black décor on the B-pillar is also interestingly done.

Comfort and Convenience

Talking about the comfort in Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus, the car is blessed with numerous features. Being the second highest variant in the diesel range of Rapid, the car is fitted with many comfort features, which are absent in other models of the car. The height adjustment for the driver’s seat along with front and rear armrest enhances the comfort for the passengers as well as for the driver. Even the power steering wheel is height and length adjustable. The 2-Din Skoda Audio player comes with large display, Front and rear speakers, Aux-in support and SD/MMC car reader connectivity. The Manually regulated air conditioning is impressive that is accompanied by Adjustable dual rear air conditioning vents on rear centre console and Dust and pollen filter. The Ivory fabric upholstery for the seats with Leather wrapped gear-shift selector is more impressive. The ORVMs are electrically handled, while the power windows for front and rear come with the One-touch automatic operation and Bounce-back system. the other miscellaneous features of the car comprise of 12V power socket in centre console, Front sun visors, Foldable roof handles, for front and rear passengers, Lights-on acoustic signal, Remote control release of boot lid and Illumination of luggage compartment.

Engine

Under the bonnet, Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus comes with 1.6 litre TDI diesel engine with a displacement of 1598cc . this engine is capable of producing high power of 105PS at the rate of 4400rpm along with generating peak torque of 250Nm at the rate of 1500rpm. This engine is further united with five-speed manual transmission coupled that helps the car to deliver a decent mileage of 13.4 kmpl on the city roads and 16kmpl of fuel economy on the highways. Talking about the acceleration and pick up, the car is not a disappointment. Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus is a front wheel drive, therefore, when accelerated the car pickup a top speed of 170-185kmph and goes from 0-100kmph in around 12.4seconds .

Braking and Handling

The braking and handling system of Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus is impressive. The car has Disc brakes with inner cooling, with single/piston floating caliper on the front, while rear is blessed with drum brakes. the handling of the car is amplified by Direct rack and pinion steering with electro mechanic power steering wheel along with sophisticated suspension system comprising of McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer for the front axle along with Compound link crank-axle for the rear.

Safety Features

Skoda rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus is equipped with many safety features. It comes with remote control locking and unlocking of doors and the bootlid. It also has child-proof rear window and door locking. Furthermore, the car is installed with an Engine Immobilizer with a Floating Code System, anti-lock braking system, height adjustable head restraints, fog lamps, and airbags for the driver and front passengers and seat belts for all occupants. All these things make the car impressive on the safety front.

Pros  

Brand name, comfy interiors

Cons  

Pricey