Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI Style Plus

Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI Style Plus Review

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Style Plus is incorporated with a 1598cc based petrol engine. This drive train can generate 103.52bhp along with 153Nm torque. This trim has elegantly designed interiors and exteriors as well. The cabin is packed with various sophisticated elements like the climatronic automatic air conditioner, multi function display, a 2-DIN audio player and so on. Also, it comes with utility aspects like card holder, coat hooks, power socket and so on. On the outside, there are 15 inch alloy wheels in the side profile, and the chrome radiator grille remains the key attraction at front. The rear is highlighted by the stylish boot lid and bright tail lamps. When it is about security, this sedan is available with features like dual tone warning horn, height adjustable front seat belts, and door open indicator to name a few.

Exteriors:

At front, there is a large headlight cluster integrated on either sides of the grille. This carries halogen projector headlights with manual leveling. The grille is pretty large with vertical slats and is plated with chrome. The tinted windscreen comes with automatic wiper system including rain sensors. The body colored bumper is well sculpted and fitted with an airdam, which is further surrounded by a pair of fog lamps. Moving to the side profile, there are flared up wheel arches equipped with a set of 15 inch alloy wheels. These are adorned with radial tubeless tyres of size 185/60 R15. The external mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable. These come integrated with side turn indicators. Its rear end has attributes like a windscreen having defogger with timer and trendy tail lamps with turn indicators. There are a couple of fog lamps and a body colored bumper as well.

Interiors:

The plush cabin is one of the interesting sections of this variant. So many eye catching aspects are packed inside. Starting with seats, these are well cushioned and covered with leatherette upholstery. The dashboard includes an instrument panel, music system, and a cooled glove box compartment. The center console also has a 12V power socket for charging electronic devices. The chrome finishing on door handles, front center console, and air vents look quite attractive. It has a multi function display that gives information of distance traveled, outside temperature, traveling time, and average speed too. Even the gear shift selector, hand brake lever and steering wheel are wrapped with fine quality leather. The luggage compartment is illuminated, while there are foldable roof handles for all occupants. Besides these, it has cup holders, storage compartment on doors, under front center armrest and at the back of front seats.

Engine and Performance:

It is offered with a 1.6-litre petrol mill that has a liquid cooling system. This is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It has 4-cylinders, 16 valves and comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. This mill is integrated with a multi point fuel injection system and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. On the bigger roads, it returns about 15 Kmpl, which goes down to nearly 12 Kmpl within the city. The maximum power it churns out is 103.52bhp at 5250rpm and generates 153Nm torque at 3800rpm.

Braking and Handling:

There is an hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system available with this sedan. It comprises of disc brakes at front and drum brakes for the rear wheels. The direct rack and pinion based steering column is incorporated, which has height and length adjustment functions. In terms of suspension, McPherson struts are assembled on front axle with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer. Whereas the rear one gets a compound link crank axle.

Comfort Features:

This mid range variant is bestowed with an array of practical features that makes the drive free from hassles. The driver's seat is available with height adjustment facility, whereas the rear seat gets a folding function. This further adds to the existing 460 litres luggage space. For entertainment, it has a 2-DIN audio player with a large format display. This supports SD data card reader, USB port, auxiliary input and GSM telephone preparation with Bluetooth. The tinted windows are electrically adjustable. These come with one touch automatic operation and bounce back system. The climatronic automatic air conditioner has dust and pollen filter. It has adjustable dual rear air conditioning vents for added convenience. Aside from these, it includes dead pedal for foot rest, Bluetooth audio streaming, cruise control, remote control release of boot lid, steering mounted audio controls, center armrests, and a few other such elements.

Safety Features:

This particular trim has a quite a lot of protective features. The list includes an emergency triangle in the luggage compartment, engine immobilizer with floating code system, central locking/unlocking of doors and boot lid, door open indicator, and rough road package. Besides these, it also has anti lock braking system, dual front airbags, rear parktronic sensors, anti glare automatically dimming interior rear view mirror, and child proof rear door locking as well.

Pros:

1. Plush interiors with sufficient leg room.

2. Offered with a wide range of security aspects.

Cons:

1. Fuel economy is pretty low.

2. Higher cost of maintenance.