Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 Zeal 1.5 TDI Elegance Plus

Rapid 2014-2016 Zeal 1.5 TDI Elegance Plus Review

Skoda has always been producing vehicles, which have advanced technologies and look classy as well. The Skoda Rapid Zeal 1.5 TDI Elegance Plus is one such variant, which inherits all the engineering of the company plus many more add ons. This vehicle has advanced safety features like engine immobilizer, anti-lock braking system with brake assist and a rough road package. The comfort has been addressed without compromising in any section of the cabin with components such as leather upholstery, automated functions, steering wheel mounted controls as well as adjustable seats. The image of the entire overall structure is made to look stunning by layering it with chrome to the outer trims and bumpers in the body color, which are further complimented with a set of alloy wheels. The insides of the cabin are furbished with elements such as advanced information display with multiple notifications, ample lighting, spacious room as well as an efficient music system. Sporting so many factors, it does stand at par with all the offerings in line within its category.

Exteriors:

The overall structure appears to be splendid and is being offered in five exterior paint options. The frontage is very classy where its radiator grille in the front is vast and its trims as well as its surroundings are layered in chrome for styling the appearance. The outside rear view mirrors, both the bumpers plus the door handles are offered in body color. Additionally, the side profile has a glossy black shade to the B-pillars. Set of fog lights are fitted to the front as well as to the rear. There are halogen projector headlights in the front. When it comes to the rear end, there is a defogger function enabled to the windscreen and a high level LED third brake light fitted as well. It has a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres and a 460 litre boot compartment, which can accommodate a lot of things. It has a length of 4386mm and a width of 1699mm and stands at a height of 1466mm. It has a 2552mm of wheelbase and a ground clearance of 168mm.

Interiors:

The front center console, inside door handles, gear shift selector plus handbrake locking button are layered in chrome. A card holder is fitted as well into the interior compartment. The storage comprises of pockets on the backrest of the front seats, a compartment under front center armrest and central console, cup holders at front and rear and bottle holders to the front doors. Furthermore, it has 460 litres of luggage space. The 12V power socket in the front console can be used to charge electronic devices, while on the move. There are dual sun visors, while the passenger side visor is fixed with a vanity mirror. Much lighting is equipped in the compartment by providing reading lamps at front and spot lamps at rear. The luggage room has illumination to it. The information display system holds notifications for travelling time and distance travelled, average speed, average and immediate consumption, travelling distance before fuelling, service interval, outside temperature and a clock as well. Additionally, there is a gear change indicator as well.

Engine and Performance:

Skoda Rapid Zeal 1.5 TDI Elegance Plus is equipped with 1.5 TDI CR turbocharged diesel engine that contains four cylinders and sixteen valves of DOHC based valve system and can displace 1498cc. It has high pressure direct injection fuel supply system. It has front wheel drive with fully synchronized manual five-speed transmission gear box. It can produce a top power of 103.5bhp at 4400rpm and generates a maximum torque output of 250Nm at 1500 to 2500rpm. It has a mileage of 21.14 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

The front axle is fitted with a McPherson strut with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer. Whereas, the rear axle is fitted with compound link crank axle. It has hydraulic dual diagonal circuit braking system, which is vacuum assisted. The front wheels are fitted with disc brakes with inner cooling with single piston floating caliper, while the rear wheels are fixed with the standard drum brakes. It has a direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power steering wheel. The minimum turning radius is 10.6 meters. It is equipped with a 16 inch alloy wheels that are covered with 185/60 R15 tyres.

Comfort Features:

This trim, Skoda Rapid Zeal 1.5 TDI Elegance Plus has dedicated most of the elements for the comfort of its driver. The front seats are height adjustable for personal preference. Then there are center armrests fitted at front and rear as well. The steering wheel is height and length adjustable as well providing additional benefit to the driver. The entertainment section consists of a 2-DIN Skoda audio player that has a large display. There are speakers fitted into the cabin plus for better convenience there are audio controls mounted onto the steering wheel. The outside rear view mirrors can be electronically adjusted. Front and rear windows too are electrically adjustable. Furthermore, the steering wheel is enabled with telephone controls. Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity has audio streaming as well. As mentioned in the interiors, ample storage is offered with many small storage compartments.

Safety Features:

The interior rear view mirror has an anti glare effect to it. The rear windscreen is built with a defogger that has additionally a timer function to it. The braking mechanism is equipped with an anti-lock braking system along with a dual rate brake assist. This immensely helps in a better balance and as a result the driver will have better control over the vehicle. At the rear there are parking sensors integrated that are helpful in parking job. Airbags are offered for both the driver as well as to the co-passenger. There are three-point seat belts at front which are height adjustable. Then there are head restraints integrated to all the seats. Numerous indicators are offered for functions like acoustic warning signal for overrun speed, door open etc.., The child locks are fitted into the rear doors as well as windows. The engine immobilizer additionally has a floating code system. There is a security code for audio player as well. There is a remote control with foldable key and central locking to all the doors.

Pros:

1. Ample storage space in the cabin plus boot.

2. Loaded with comfort functions and tech based features.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance is less.

2. Mileage is not impressive.