Skoda Rapid 2011-2014 Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus

The Czech Republican automobile manufacturer Skoda Auto has launched the 'Ultima' edition of its popular sedan, Skoda Rapid in the car market. The company has added six new variants in this portfolio with both petrol and diesel engine options. This Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus trim is the mid range variant, which is fitted with a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. This power plant is coupled with a six speed automatic transmission gearbox, which powers the vehicle to attain a maximum speed of 188 Kmph, while it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in about 10.7 seconds from a standstill. The company has not made any significant changes on its exteriors besides black stripes (decals) and an 'Ultima' sticker on the rear fender. This sedan comes with a few additional features such as projector headlamps, multifunctional steering wheel with audio control buttons, alloy wheels, GPS navigation system with camera, 'Ultima' floor mats and so on. Then the advanced music system of this trim is equipped with USB interface, Aux-in port along with Bluetooth connectivity. Apart from these, this sedan also gets leather covered seats, additional airbags and rear parking sensors.

Exteriors:

This 'Ultima' edition variant gets a few additional features, which makes it look captivating. For the sporty appearance of this sedan, the company has given it a body decal. Starting from the rear end of this vehicle, it comes with a body colored bumper with a couple of fog lamps, a stylish tail light cluster with C-shaped design, an expressive boot lid, which is is garnished in chrome. The windshield is integrated with a high mounted brake light and a defogger. Coming to the side profile, it is equipped with body colored door handles and ORVMs, while the door sills are painted in black color. The wheel arches of this particular trim has been fitted with a set of 14 inch alloy wheels , which are covered with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. On the other hand, the front fascia is designed with a bold radiator grille that is fitted with a thick chrome plated strip. This grille is surrounded by a well designed headlight cluster that has been fitted with projector lens headlamps and turn indicator. The body colored bumper is incorporated with fog lights and a large air dam for better air intake. The windscreen of this sedan comes with a set of intermittent wipers.

Interiors:

The two tone internal cabin of this Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus trim comes with chrome plated center console, gear shift knob and hand brake locking button. The seats are very comfortable and provide enough leg space for all the occupants. These seats are covered with leather upholstery. It also has a 12V power socket on the center console for charging gadgets . Apart from these, this trim is bestowed with a few utility based features such as map pocket and bottle holders in all doors, storage compartment under front center armrest, front and rear cup holders with flip frames, front seat back pockets, foldable roof handles with coat hook and many other such aspects. It also has an illuminated luggage compartment, vanity mirror along with sun visors, multifunction display (MFD) with quite a few features and so on.

Engine and Performance:

This Ultima edition variant is fitted with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves. This power plant has the ability to produce about 1598cc displacement capacity and it comes with liquid cooling system. This double overhead camshaft based petrol mill is skillfully coupled with a five speed automatic transmission gearbox with tiptronic manual gear changing function. This motor has the ability to produce about 103.5bhp at 5250rpm, whereas it can generate a maximum torque of 153Nm at 3800rpm, which is quite good. The car manufacturer has incorporated it with a multipoint fuel injection supply system, which allows the sedan to return a maximum mileage of 15 Kmpl on bigger roads. While in the city traffic conditions it gives close to 12 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

The company has blessed this sedan with an efficient braking and suspension mechanism. The front wheels are fitted with disc brakes that comes with inner cooling system along with a single floating caliper. Whereas the rear wheels are equipped with drum brakes. The hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system of this sedan comes with vacuum assistance function and it is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist . Meanwhile, the front axle is equipped with a McPherson Strut type of mechanism with torsion stabilizers and triangular links, while the rear axle is assembled with a compound link crank axle type of system. At the same time, the company has given this vehicle a direct rack and pinion steering with electro mechanic power steering, which makes it easy to handle.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus trim is bestowed with a number of features for the comfort of the occupants. The advanced air conditioning system is equipped with rear AC vents and automatic climate control function as well. It also has an audio unit that comes with a few functions such as USB and Aux-in input for a portable media player , SD/MMC data card reader along with four speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. Then for the convenience of the driver, the multifunctional steering wheel is integrated with audio and call control switches. Apart from these, the company has also given this variant rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, all four power windows, satellite navigation system, power steering and several other aspects.

Safety Features:

In terms of safety, this variant comes with front and rear fog lamps, windscreen with defogger, a high mounted brake light, ABS with brake assist, rough road package and central locking system with child proof rear door locks. Then it has seat belts for all occupants, airbag for driver and front co-passenger, an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code system, security code for audio player , automatic door locking function, fuel supply cut-off, driver seat belt reminder notification and so on.

Pros: Comfortable internal cabin, lots of safety features.

Cons: High price tag, poor fuel efficiency.