Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI Elegance

Skoda Auto India has refurbished its premium sedan model Rapid and introduced it in four trim levels. Among those, Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Elegance is their high end diesel variant. It has the same external appearance like its outgoing model, but there are a few changes made to its interiors. It has several styling features like halogen projector headlamps, a set of Bold alloy wheels and its signature radiator grille. Its interiors gets a slightly refined dual tone color scheme, which is further emphasized by chrome inserts. Furthermore, it gets a new three spoke multifunction steering wheel, which can be seen in the recently launched Yeti and Superb model series as well. Under the hood, it is equipped with a new 1.5-litre DOHC based diesel motor that is mated with a five-speed manual transmission gearbox. The car maker has also incorporated an advanced cruise control system, which helps to provide a fatigue free driving experience. This sedan also has advanced safety features like an anti lock braking system with dual rate brake assist function dual front airbags, height adjustable head restraints, and three point seat belts, which provides enhanced protection to the passengers. This sedan is now available with five exterior paint options including Flash Red, Cappuccino Beige, Candy White, Deep Black Pearl and Brilliant Silver.

Exteriors:

This refreshed version has an attractive external appearance owing to its signature styling features. Its front facade has a large headlight cluster powered by halogen based projector headlamps. It surrounds a stylish radiator grille that has vertically positioned bars and a chrome strip. The front body colored bumper is integrated with an air dam along with a pair of bright fog lamps. The bonnet has four expressive lines, which compliments the prominent company's insignia embedded on radiator grille. Its side profile has body colored wing mirrors and door handles along with black B pillars. Its wheel arches are now fitted with a set of stylish 15 inch 'Bold' alloy wheels. These rims are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 185/60 R15. Its rear end has a radiant tail lamp cluster with C-contoured design and is powered by high intensity brake lights and turn indicators. Its windscreen is quite large and is integrated with a defogger along with a third brake light. Its tailgate has an expressive design, thanks to its triangular design. Furthermore, it is decorated with company's badge along with variant lettering. This sedan has an overall length of 4386mm along with a total width of 1699mm and a decent height of 1466mm. Its ground clearance is quite low as it measures at 168mm, but the wheelbase is quite large with 2552mm.

Interiors:

This Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Elegance trim has a spacious interior cabin, which is done up with Mocca and Ivory color scheme. Its interiors are made up with premium quality plastic, which is the reason for its plush appeal. Furthermore, there are a lot of chrome inserts given on dashboard, central console and steering wheel, which accentuates the interiors. This refurbished trim is now bestowed with a new 3-spoke steering wheel that has leather cover and multi-functional switches . Its cabin is furnished with well cushioned seats featuring adjustable head restraint and are covered with Ivory fabric upholstery. Its driver seat has height adjustment facility, which further adds to the convenience. In addition to this, its co-passenger seat can be adjusted from rear, which contributes towards increasing the rear leg room. Apart from all these, there are several utility features equipped inside like storage pockets behind the front seats, a center arm rest with storage compartment, cup holders, dual front sun visors, accessory power sockets and a large glove box.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this trim is the new 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine that has a displacement capacity of 1498cc . This DOHC based engine comprises of 4-cylinders and 16-valves, which receives fuel through high pressure high pressure direct injection fuel supply system. It also has intercooling system and a turbocharger, which allows this motor to belt out a commanding power of 103.56bhp at 4400 Rpm that results in a combination torque output of 250Nm at 1500 to 2500 rpm. This power plant is mated with a 5-speed fully synchronized manual transmission gearbox that sends the torque output to the front wheels. The car maker claims that the vehicle can return a mileage of 21.14 Kmpl, which is quite decent.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has blessed this top end variant with a sophisticated hydraulic dual diagonal circuit vacuum assisted braking system system. It has front disc brakes featuring inner cooling system and single piston floating caliper, while the rear ones have conventional drum brakes. The car maker has also incorporated an advanced anti lock braking system with dual rate brake assist function along with electronic stability program. On the other hand, its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut, which is loaded with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizers. Whereas the rear axle is coupled with a robust compound link crank axle that enhances its ability to deal with jerks caused on roads. This sedan is also integrated with a direct rack and pinion based electromechanic power assisted steering system featuring speed dependent control, which provides excellent response on roads.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Elegance is the the top end trim, which is packed with several advanced features. Its cabin is fitted with a Climatronic automatic AC unit with dust and pollen filter along with rear air con vents, which keeps the entire ambiance pleasant. It has list of features including adjustable steering wheel, power windows with comfort opening and closing , height adjustment for driver seat, front and rear center arm rests, Ivory fabric upholstery, electrically adjustable ORVMs, leather wrapped steering wheel and an advanced cruise control system. It also has a multi-functional display that shows traveling time, average speed, fuel consumption, outside temperature, clock and service interval reminder.

Safety Features:

The manufacturer is offering this sedan with sophisticated safety features, which provides enhanced protection to its occupants. It has a list of features including security code for music system, engine immobilizer with floating code, automatic locking of door on overrun speed, central locking and unlocking of doors, front fog light, anti-glare internal rear view mirror, ABS with dual rate brake assist system, dual front air bags and child proof locks.

Pros:

1. Inclusion of Cruise control is an added advantage.

2. Performance of the new TDI engine is quite good.

Cons:

1. Cost of spares and maintenance is quite expensive.

2. Lack of leather seats and navigation is a disadvantage.