Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI AT Ambition Plus

Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI AT Ambition Plus Review

Skoda India has launched the facelifted version of its sedan, Rapid with both petrol and diesel engine options. It is available in quite a few variants, out of which, Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Ambition Plus is the mid range variant. The company has given a few additional features to its interiors, which are cruise control, rear parking sensors and an advanced music system with a unique iOS5 and Android based phone application for back seat occupants. The cabin also gets a new flat-bottom steering wheel and redesigned center console with a magnetic card holder. At the same time, the exteriors of this facelifted version are equipped with a refreshed bumper along with a wide air dam, revamped radiator grille and headlight cluster. At present, it is sold in six exterior paint options, which includes Cappuccino Beige, Toffee Brown, Flash Red, Deep Black Pearl, Candy White and Brilliant Silver. In terms of safety, it is bestowed with dual front airbags, height adjustable front seat belts, rough road package, an engine immobilizer with floating code and so on. This particular variant is powered by a new 1.5-litre, turbocharged diesel engine that displaces 1498cc. It has a liquid cooling system with high pressure direct injection and can churn out 103.5bhp and 250Nm respectively. This motor is cleverly mated with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission gear box.

Exteriors:

Its front fascia is designed with a chrome surround radiator grille that embossed with a prominent company's logo. It is flanked by a sleek headlight cluster, which is incorporated with halogen projector lamps. The body colored bumper has a wide air intake section that is flanked by a couple of round shaped fog lamps . The large windscreen is made of tinted glass and is equipped with a set of intermittent wipers. Its elegantly designed side profile is dominated by visible character lines. It has neatly carved wheel arches that are are fitted with a robust set of 15-inch steel wheels. These rims are further covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radials and equipped with full wheel covers. Its door handles and outside rear view mirrors are painted in body color. The outside rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable and integrated with a side turn blinker. The rear end has a body colored bumper that has a couple of fog lamps. Its curvy boot lid is embossed with variant badging. Its windscreen is integrated with a wash and wipe function along with a defogger. Apart from these, it has a bright tail light cluster and a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. Lastly it also has an antenna mounted on the roof for better reception of FM radio. It has an overall length of 4386mm, height of 1466mm and a total width of 1699mm. Its minimum ground clearance is 168mm and a large wheelbase of 2552mm. 

Interiors:

The dual tone dashboard of this Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Ambition Plus variant is equipped with AC vents, a spacious glove box with cooling effect, instrument panel and a 3-spoke steering wheel. It is incorporated with comfy seats that provides enough space for all occupants. These are integrated with head restraints and covered with 'Ivory' fabric upholstery . It has an advanced multifunctional display that features traveling time, distance traveled, average speed, immediate consumption, average consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval reminder and outside temperature display. It is equipped with a few utility based aspects, which include cup and bottle holders in center console and door trims, front seat map pockets, three assist grips with coat hooks and a 12V power socket. It also has a spacious boot compartment of 460 litres, which can be further increased by folding its rear seat.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is skillfully mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the sedan to deliver 17 Kmpl within the city and 21.66 Kmpl on the bigger roads. This 1498cc diesel power plant has the ability to churn out a 103.5bhp at 4400rpm along with 250Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. The top speed of this automatic variant is approximately 175 Kmph, while it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in about 12-13 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

The automaker has bestowed it with a hydraulic dual diagonal vacuum assisted circuit braking system. The front wheels have disc brakes with single floating caliper, while the rear ones are equipped with drum brakes. This mechanism is further assisted by advanced anti-lock braking system. The front axle has a McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer bar, while a compound link crank axle is affixed on the rear one. On the other hand, it is incorporated with a direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power steering wheel. It is highly responsive and supports a minimum turning radius of 10.6 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Ambition Plus variant is packed with a number of comfort features. All the seats have center armrest, while there is height adjustment facility available for the driver seat. This trim has an advanced 2-DIN Skoda audio unit that supports SD/MMC data card reader, USB port, Bluetooth audio streaming as well as auxiliary input for portable media players. Its tilt adjustable steering wheel is mounted with audio controls that makes it convenient for the driver. It has a manually regulated air conditioning unit that comes along with dust and pollen filter. This trim has electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, while the power windows have one touch automatic operation with bounce back system. Apart from these, it includes adjustable dual rear air conditioning vents, card holder, front reading lamps, rear spot lamps, 12V power socket, vanity mirror on left sun visor, gear change indicator, multi function display, cruise control and remote control release of boot lid.

Safety Features:

This trim has anti-glare interior rear view mirror, fuel supply cut-off in a crash, acoustic warning signal for overrun speed and child proof rear door and window locking. All its seats have height adjustable head restraints. The advanced anti-lock braking system is also quite useful. It has a security code for audio player, while there is remote locking and unlocking of doors as well as its boot lid. It has an engine immobilizer with floating code that protects the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. There are driver and front passenger airbags, which further adds to their safety. It also has parktronic - rear park distance control and dual rate brake assist as well.

Pros:

1. Outer appearance is quite good.

2. It has several safety features.

Cons:

1. Maintenance costs are slightly higher.

2. Fuel economy can be made better.