Skoda Rapid 2011-2014 Ultima 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus

Rapid 2011-2014 Ultima 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus Review

Skoda Auto India Private Limited is the fully owned subsidiary of Czech Republican automobile manufacturer, Skoda Auto. The company has silently launched six limited edition variants of its popular sedan Skoda Rapid in the car market. This Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus is the mid range variant in its model portfolio and comes with a lot of interior as well as exterior features. This variant is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which has the ability to produce about 1598cc of displacement. It is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gearbox and has the ability to propel this sedan from 0-100 Kmph in close to 10.7 seconds. At the same time, it can obtain a top speed of 188 Kmph, which is rather good for this segment. This particular trim comes with some additional features such as rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a satellite navigation system and multifunctional steering wheel mounted with audio control buttons. On the other hand, in terms of exteriors, the company has added a special body decals, which runs along the bonnet roof, doors and boot. This variant is also equipped with a set of seven spoke alloy wheels, which are further covered with tubeless radial tyres.

Exteriors:

The company has given this Ultima Edition variant a few additional features, which gives it quite a captivating look. Starting from the side profile of this sedan, it comes with body colored door handles and ORVMs , while the door sills get black color garnish. The wheel arches of this particular trim has been fitted with alloy wheels, which are covered with tubeless radial tyres. The rear end of this sedan gets a body colored bumper, a stylish tail light cluster with C-shaped design, an expressive boot lid and so on. The windshield is integrated with a high mounted brake light and a defogger as well. Coming to the front fascia, it is designed with a bold radiator grille, which gets a thick chrome plated strip incorporated with the prominent company logo in the center. This grille is surrounded by a well designed headlight cluster that has been fitted with projector lens headlamps and turn indicator. The bumper is painted in body color and it is further 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. The overall length of this sedan is 4386mm along with a total height of 1466mm and a width of 1699mm. The company has designed it with a roomy wheelbase of 2552mm and it comes with a minimum ground clearance of 168mm as well.

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus variant is incorporated with cushioned seats, which provides enough leg room for all the passengers. These seats are further covered with leather upholstery. The dual tone dashboard of this trim is integrated with AC vents, a large glove box and an on-board computer with a few functions for the convenience of the driver. The car manufacturer has given some chrome elements inside the cabin, which gives it a classy appearance. It has a 12V power socket in the center console for charging mobiles and laptops. It also has some utility based features such as a storage compartment and bottle holders in all doors, front seat back pockets, assist grips with a coat hook, a spacious boot compartment and many other such aspects for the comfort of the occupants.

Engine and Performance:

The company has blessed this sedan with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves. It comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc along with liquid cooling system. This DOHC based power plant is mated with a five speed manual transmission gearbox, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It has the ability to generate 103.5bhp of power at 5250rpm, whereas it can produce about 153Nm of peak torque output at 3800rpm. This petrol mill is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which returns with maximum fuel economy of 15 Kmpl on the expressways. At the same time, in the city traffic conditions, this sedan can deliver close to 12 Kmpl of mileage, which is simply great for this segment.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan is blessed with an advanced hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system along with vacuum assistance function. The company has fitted the front wheels with disc brakes, which comes with inner cooling system along with single floating caliper, whereas the rear wheels are equipped with drum brakes as well. It is further augmented by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist . On the other hand, the manufacturer has used a McPherson Strut type of mechanism with torsion stabilizers and triangular links for its front axle and a compound link crank axle type of system has been fitted to the rear axle. The direct rack and pinion steering with electro mechanic power steering makes it easy to handle the car.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid Ultima 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus is the mid range variant in its model lineup and the company has blessed it with a lot of sophisticated features for the comfort of the occupants. The advanced 2-DIN music system of this sedan is equipped with USB and Aux-in input for a portable media player, SD/MMC data card reader along with four speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. Apart from these, the company has given this variant an AC unit, a multifunction steering wheel mounted with audio and call control buttons, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, all four power windows, satellite navigation system and so on.

Safety Features:

The company is offering this sedan with a number of advanced safety features. Some of these aspects include a central locking system, an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code, ABS along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function, projector headlamps, airbag for driver and front passenger, child proof rear door lock , seat belts for all occupants and many others. Then it also has front and rear fog lamps, a high mounted third brake light, rear windscreen with a defogger and an anti glare internal rear view mirror.

Pros: Inviting exteriors, comfortable internal cabin. 

Cons: Fuel efficiency can be made better.