Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI AT Style Plus

Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI AT Style Plus Review

This Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Elegance Plus is the top end trim available with a bundle of features. It has enticing cosmetic components to give it an overall attention-getting look from the outside. For instance, it has a chrome finished radiator grille, body colored external wing mirrors and door handles are raising the charm of this runabout. Apart from these, the buyers can select from five distinct exterior paint options. Interior is quite awesome providing an appreciable storage, such as card and cup holders for the front and rear seats. Furthermore, it also looks beautiful with chrome usage on its door handles, AC vents and duct sliders. The travelers' comfort hasn't been avoided as the manufacturer offers height adjustable driver seat, automatic air conditioning and electrically adjustable electrical mirrors. A plethora of protective features are available in context of keeping its passengers safe. This sedan is equipped with halogen projector headlights, front airbags, and ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Mechanically, it includes a 1498cc diesel engine, which produces a power of 103.6bhp at 4400 rpm. The company is giving 2 years warranty (unlimited Kms) that can be further extended up to 2 years or 100,000 Kms via extended warranty program. This is freely available with all the authorized Skoda dealers across the country.

Exteriors:

This version is available in standard dimensions with a total of five charming color options, such as Deep Black Pearl, Toffee Brown, Brilliant Silver, Cappuccino Beige and Candy White. It is 4386mm in length, 1699mm in width and 1466mm in height. Moreover, this trim has a ground clearance of 168mm, wheelbase of 2552mm, turning radius of 5.3 meters and a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres. The car renders a ravishing front fascia, including chrome finished radiator grille, fog lamp, body colored bumpers and halogen projector headlights along manual leveling. Other features have been packed in a bundle, comprising rear fog lights and windscreen defogger, Glossy Black decorated B-pillars and 15-inch alloy wheels. The automaker has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the trunk along with other tools for changing a flat tyre. This is a standard feature across all the variants in this model series. Its mirrors and door handles are also in body color. It has a spacious boot compartment, which has the capacity to carry 460 litres of luggage. This can be further increased by folding the rear seat.

Interiors:

There is chrome treatment on its front center console, locking button of hand-brake, gear shift selector, steering wheel, door handles, air conditioning vents and duct sliders. The dashboard and front door panels are available in Mocca and Ivory color combinations. Its center console comes in Mocca paint, while seat upholstery is in Ivory based leatherette. This version includes front as well as rear center armrests, leather covered steering wheel and hand-brake cover. For storage purposes, there are cup, bottle and card holders, armrest storage and glove box. There are coat hooks on B pillars and roof handles for the co driver and two passengers at the rear. Let's have a look on the entertaining features, this vehicle has a 2-DIN audio player with front and rear speakers. Apart from these, there are audio controls on steering wheel, large format display, USB, auxiliary input and SD/MMC data card reader. Hence, you are free to make your drive enjoyable via all these impressive equipments.

Engine and Performance:

A 1.5-litre diesel mill is fitted that has liquid cooling and a high pressure direct injection system. Available in DOHC valve train configuration, it has four cylinders comprising 16 valves and a displacement capacity of 1498cc. This engine has an impressive capacity to churn out a maximum power of 103.6bhp at 4400rpm and a peak torque of 250Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. These outputs are transferred to the front wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Well, mileage is not quite remarkable as compared to its other competitors. It delvers a fuel efficiency of 18.3 Kmpl in the city and 21.66 Kmpl on the highway.

Braking and Handling:

At the front, its wheels are paired to discs with inner cooling and piston floating caliper, while rear wheels get fixed to the drum brakes. The former axles include McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer, the latter ones have been coupled to compound link crank. Notably, the strength of this braking system has been enhanced by Anti lock Braking System (ABS).

Comfort Features:

The automaker confers a cozy environment inside the cabin for its passengers with many aspects. There is a height adjustable driver seat, automatic air conditioning unit with well placed vents, a small leather package, one touch automatically controlled windows with bounce back system, adjustable dual rear AC vents, height and length adjustable steering wheel. Other inclusions are cruise control, Multi Function Display (MFD), 12V power socket in center console, remote control release of boot lid and vanity mirror in front left sun visor. Reading lamps are available at the front, whereas spot lamps are available behind. Undoubtedly, these features are totally enough in bestowing a very comfortable journey.

Safety Features:

This being the top end trim in its model series has halogen projector headlights, anti-glare rear view mirror, hill hold control, airbags for front occupants, front and rear height adjustable head restraints. Besides these, it has ABS with dual rate brake assist, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), fuel supply cutoff in case of a crash, rear park distance control, child proof rear window and door locking. On the other hand, it is equipped with engine immobilizer that has a floating code system, automatic door locking in case of overrun speed and security code for audio player. Moreover, there is a remote control locking as well as unlocking facilities for its doors and boot lid. All these functions put together guarantee a safe and sound journey to all its occupants.

Pros:

1. Exterior and interior adornments are truly enchanting.

2. Comfy features are appreciable.

Cons:

1. Fuel efficiency can be improved.

2. Lack of pure leather upholstery on the seats.