Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI Active

Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI Active Review

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Active is the entry level trim in the facelifted sedan series that is powered by a 1598cc petrol engine. This power plant has the ability to pump out a maximum power of 103.56bhp in combination with a commanding torque output of 153Nm. This entry level trim gets minor tweaks to its interiors with slightly improved color scheme. At the same time, it also gets a new three spoke steering wheel that has company's badge. This entry level trim is now blessed with a set of 15-inch steel wheels featuring full wheel covers, which adds to its elegance. Apart from this, all the other aspects including exteriors and technical specifications have been retained from its predecessor. This variant has features like power windows, manually operated AC unit, adjustable rear air vents and central locking system. It also has important safety aspects like engine immobilizer, rough road package, child-proof locking and 3-point seat belts. 

Exteriors:

Its side profile has neatly carved wheel arches, which are fitted with a set of 15-inch steel wheels. These rims are further covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radials. The door handles and outside rear view mirrors are painted in black color. Its rear end has a body colored bumper and a curvy boot lid that is embossed with variant badging. Its windscreen is integrated with a high mounted stop lamp. It also has an antenna mounted on the roof for better reception of FM radio. The front fascia of this sedan is designed with a black garnished radiator grille, which is embedded with a prominent company's logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a sleek headlight cluster that is incorporated with halogen headlamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper houses a wide air dam for cooling the engine. The windscreen is made of green tinted glass and is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. The overall dimensions remain the same with a total length of 4386mm, height of 1466mm and a total width of 1699mm, which includes external rear view mirror. Its minimum ground clearance is 168mm and the large wheelbase measures 2552mm.

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Active variant is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which provide ample leg space for all occupants. These are integrated with adjustable head resistant. All these seats are covered with fabric upholstery. The manufacturer has given it a number of utility based aspects, which are coat hooks on rear roof handles and B-pillars, bottle holders in front doors and front and rear cup holders with flip frames. It also has storage compartment in the front center console and arm rest. The illuminated instrument panel features a digital tachometer, tripmeter, driver seat belt warning notification, door ajar warning and low fuel warning light. Its dual tone dashboard is equipped with a new flat bottomed 3-spoke steering wheel, a large glove box and redesigned AC vents. Apart from these, it also has chrome accentuated inside door handles, center console and gear shift knob, which gives the cabin a refined look.

Engine and Performance:

Under the hood, this variant is powered by a 1.6-litre, in-line petrol engine, which has liquid cooling system. It is integrated with 4-cylinder and 16-valve using double overhead cam shaft based valve configuration . This 1598cc petrol mill is cleverly mated with a five speed fully synchronized manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 103.5bhp at 5250rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 153Nm at 3800rpm. It allows this sedan to attain a maximum speed of 188 Kmph. At the same time, it can propel the sedan from 0 to 100 Kmph in close to 10.7 seconds, which is rather impressive for this segment. It is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system that allows it to generate 14.3 Kmpl on the highways and 12 Kmpl on the city traffic conditions. 

Braking and Handling:

It is blessed with a direct rack and pinion steering with an electro mechanic system, which is quite responsive and makes handling convenient. It is tilt and telescopic adjustable, which supports a minimum turning circle of 10.6 meters. This variant has an advanced hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system that is accompanied by vacuum assistance function. The front wheels are equipped with a set of disc brakes along with inner cooling system and single floating caliper. Whereas the rear wheels are assembled with drum brakes. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which also has torsion stabilizers and triangular links. While the rear one gets a compound link crank axle type of suspension system. 

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Active trim is incorporated with quite a few standard features. These aspects are front and rear center arm rests, height and length adjustable steering wheel, sun visor with passenger side vanity mirror, center console with magnetic card holder and so on. It has an efficient air conditioning unit with adjustable dual rear AC vents, which cools the entire cabin quickly . It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. It also has a spacious boot compartment of 460 litres, which can be increased by folding rear seat.

Safety Features:

Being the base variant, the company has given it a number of protective aspects. It has an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code that prevents the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. It also has a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. Apart from these, it also has central locking system, rear doors with child safety locks, day and night internal rear view mirror, halogen lamps and a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. For enhancing the safety, it is bestowed with seat belts for all occupants along with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. This sedan has a rigid body structure and has side impact beams, which protects the passengers inside in case of any crash.

Pros:

1. Braking mechanism is quite efficient.

2. Modified exteriors is big plus point.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance is too low.

2. Absence of music system is big disadvantage.