Skoda Rapid 2011-2014 Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Elegance

Rapid 2011-2014 Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Elegance Review

Skoda India has launched the limited edition version of its mid-sized sedan Skoda Rapid in the country's car market. The company has given it several additional features for the exteriors and the inside cabin, which adds to its refined looks. The company has introduced this sedan in both petrol and diesel engine options. This Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Elegance is the top end trim in its model series. It is equipped with a 1.6-litre, In-line petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. With the six speed automatic transmission gear box, it can deliver a decent performance. The car manufacturer has bestowed this sedan with some additional aspects such as a satellite navigation system, leather covered seats, special door sills, rear parking sensors, reversing camera and Ultima branded floor mats as well. On the other hand, the exteriors of this variant are quite inviting and comes fitted with some new features. The company has added special body decals, which runs along the bonnet roof, doors, boot and gives the sedan a sporty look.

Exteriors:

The exteriors of this sedan looks quite suave with a few added aspects. A new exterior decal runs through the bonnet to roof and gives it an attractive appearance. To begin with the frontage of this sedan, it comes with a body colored bumper, which is incorporated with a wide air dam and a pair of fog lamps. Just above this bumper, there is an aggressive radiator grille, which is fitted with a thick chrome strip. It is embedded with a prominent company insignia in the center. This grille is flanked by a well designed headlight cluster that has been powered by projector lens headlamps and turn indicator as well. The windscreen of this sedan comes with a set of intermittent wipers, while the sleek bonnet has a few visible character lines. The side profile has body colored door handles and ORVMs , which are electrically adjustable and integrated with a side turn blinker as well. Then the door sill comes in with a black color garnish and a set of seven-spoke alloy wheels, which further adds to the classiness of its side profile. Not to forget, the rear end is designed with a large windscreen, which is integrated with a defogger along with a wash and wipe function as well. It also has a third brake light, which adds to the safety quotient of this vehicle. Apart from these, it also has a body colored bumper with a couple of fog lamps, a C-shaped radiant tail light cluster and an expressive boot lid, which is garnished with chrome.

Interiors:

The two tone internal cabin of this Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Elegance trim is quite spacious and the company has blessed it with a lot of features, which gives a plush feel, while traveling. The internal door handles, center console, gear shift knob and AC vents give the cabin a classy look. Then it is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which provide ample leg room and shoulder space for all the passengers. These seats are further covered with leather upholstery and makes it convenient for long journeys. Apart from these, this sedan comes with quite a few storage spaces such as cup and bottle holders in center console and door trims, front seat map pockets, a spacious luggage compartment, an illuminated glove box with cooling effect , where we can store some smaller things at hand.

Engine and Performance:

This variant comes with a 1598cc petrol engine, which has the ability to churn out 103.5bhp at 5250rpm along with 153Nm of peak torque at 3800rpm. This 1.6-litre petrol motor is coupled with a six speed automatic transmission gear box, which powers the engine to attain a maximum speed of 188 Kmph. At the same time, it can propel the sedan from 0-100 Kmph in close to 10.7 seconds , which is rather impressive for this segment. The company has incorporated this four cylinder based power plant with an MPFI supply system. This allows the sedan to deliver 15 Kmpl on highways, while with in the city it gives about 12 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan is blessed with a direct rack and pinion steering with an electro mechanic system. It is tilt and telescopic adjustable and supports a minimum turning circle of 10.6 meters. The company has given this sedan a robust suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson Strut type with torsion stabilizers and triangular links, while the rear gets a compound link crank axle type of system. On the other hand, it has an advanced hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system, which comes with vacuum assistance function. The front wheels are equipped with disc brakes along with inner cooling system and single floating caliper, while the rear wheels are fitted with drum brakes. This braking mechanism is further enhanced by ABS and EBD along with brake assist .

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI AT Elegance trim is incorporated with a number of sophisticated features for the comfort of occupants. The list of features include a multifunctional steering wheel, which is integrated with audio and call control buttons, all four power windows, air conditioning system with rear AC vents and many other such aspects. This variant also has an advanced Skoda audio unit, which comes fitted with a number of functions and enhances the ambiance. This music system is equipped with USB+Aux-in port , SD+MMC data card reader along with four speakers and Bluetooth connectivity as well. Apart from these, it also has an illuminated instrument panel, a 12V power socket, vanity mirrors, lights-on acoustic signal, leather wrapped steering wheel and anti glare internal rear view mirror.

Safety Features:

This Ultima Edition variant comes with quite a few safety features for the protection of the passengers as well as the vehicle. Some of these aspects include a central locking system along with child proof rear door lock, an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code, ABS along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function, dual airbags , seat belts for all occupants and several other features.

Pros: Sporty exteriors, automatic transmission.

Cons: Expensive pricing.