Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI Ambition Plus

Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI Ambition Plus Review

The latest version of Skoda Rapid is launched in the automobile market with diesel and petrol engine options. It is available in several variants out of which, Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Ambition Plus is a mid level diesel trim. It is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box. This mill generates a peak power of 104bhp along with a maximum torque output of 250Nm. As claimed by the company, it delivers a maximum mileage of 21.14 Kmpl, which is rather good. It has a roomy internal section with a dual tone color scheme. It includes a manual air conditioning unit that cools the cabin quickly and a 2-DIN music system with large format display. The stylishly designed dashboard houses a center console that has a new magnetic card holder. It has lamps in the cabin and its boot compartment. Then it also has remote boot release apart from some storage spaces. This sedan retains the same exterior design and aspects, which includes a trendy headlight cluster, radiator grille with chrome surround, a set of 15 inch steel wheels and body colored bumpers. The vital protective features include high mount LED brake lamp, dual rate brak assist, anti glare interior rear view mirror, height adjustable front seat belts, dual horn and a few other such aspects. This vehicle is currently offered in a new Toffee Brown color apart from the existing Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Deep Black Pearl as well as Flash Red exterior paint options. Its major competitors in the market include the upcoming Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and Honda City. This vehicle comes with a standard warranty of two years, which can be further increased up to 2-years or 1,00,000 kilometers, whichever is earlier.

Exteriors:

The front fascia is designed with a bold radiator grille that has vertically positioned slats. It includes a chrome strip on which an insignia of the company is neatly embossed. The trendy headlight cluster surrounds this grille and is integrated with halogen headlamps . It has a tinted windscreen that is equipped with a couple of intermittent wipers. The body colored bumper is fitted with an air dam and a pair of fog lamps. The frontage also has a sleek bonnet with some expressive lines on it. The side profile features glossy black décor on B-pillars, body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. Its wheel arches are fitted with a set of 15 inch steel wheels that have full wheel covers and is fitted with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The rear end is designed with a body colored bumper, a set of fog lamps and a radiant tail light cluster. The windshield includes defogger with timer and there is a high mount LED brake lamp available, which adds to its appearance.

Interiors:

Its interiors are quite pleasant with two tone Ivory and Mocca color scheme. This is further complimented by chrome decor for door handles, front center console and gear shift selector as well. The cabin has a ample space and offers sufficient leg and head room to its occupants. It has well cushioned seats that are covered with Ivory fabric upholstery. The dual tone dashboard looks elegant and is equipped with an instrument cluster, air vents and steering wheel on which, the company's logo is engraved. The cabin includes a front reading lamp, boot light, lights on acoustic signal and reading spot lamps at rear. It has many storage spaces like cup and bottle holders, storage compartment in front and rear doors, magnetic card holder, coat holder on roof handles as well as storage space under front seat center armrest. The steering wheel, gear shift selector as well as hand brake lever are wrapped with premium leather. This vehicle is available with a boot space of 460 litres wherein lots of stuff can be placed.

Engine and Performance:

This Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Ambition Plus variant is fitted with a new turbo-diesel engine that has the displacement capacity of 1498cc. This 1.5-litre motor has 4-cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This common rail based mill is skillfully coupled with an efficient five speed manual transmission gear box. It can produce a maximum power of 104bhp at 4400rpm and at the same time, generates 250Nm peak torque output ranging between 1500 to 2500rpm. It has the ability to return a maximum mileage of 21.14 Kmpl on highways and around 17 Kmpl within the city. This vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph 11.5 to 12 seconds, which is rather good and attains a top speed of nearly 180 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

The front axle is assembled with a McPherson suspension along with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer, while the rear one has a compound link crank axle. It is blessed with a hydraulic dual diagonal vacuum assisted circuit braking system. There are disc brakes fitted to its front wheels along with a single floating caliper and drum brakes are used for the rear ones. It has a direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power steering system with tilt adjustment function. It supports a minimum turning radius of 10.6 meters and enables easy handling even during heavy traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

This trim is blessed with a few comfort aspects like front and rear seat center armrest, height adjustment facility for driver’s seat, remote closing and opening of windows, dual air vents on rear center console, gear change indicator and front sun visors. The center console is fitted with a 2-DIN music system along with speakers at front and rear. It supports SD/MMC data card reader, USB, Bluetooth audio streaming and auxiliary input for portable media players. The manually operated air conditioning unit includes dust and pollen filter. There are all four power windows with driver's side getting one touch up and down function. The multi function display features distance traveled, average speed, clock and outside temperature display. Other comfort features include front passenger vanity mirror on left sun visor, foldable roof handles, remote boot release, 12V power socket, cruise control and a tilt adjustable steering wheel, which is mounted with audio controls.

Safety Features:

The list of safety aspects in this Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Ambition Plus trim include an engine immobilizer with floating code system, central locking and unlocking of doors, auto door lock, emergency triangle, child proof rear door and window locking, rough road package and three point seat belts. Other than these, it has anti-lock braking system, dual rate brake assist, dual front airbags and acoustic warning signal for overrun speed.

Pros:

1. Its new diesel engine's performance is good.

2. Exterior aspects are quite captivating.

Cons:

1. Engine's harshness can be reduced.

2. Absence of leather seat covers.