Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 Zeal 1.6 MPI Elegance Plus

Rapid 2014-2016 Zeal 1.6 MPI Elegance Plus Review

The facelifted version of Skoda Rapid is launched in the car bazaar. It is available in four trim levels with both petrol and diesel engine options. Among these, Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance is the top end variant. There are few updates to its exteriors, which includes a refreshed bumper along with wide air dam for cooling the engine quickly, revamped radiator grille, headlight cluster and a brand new set of alloy wheels that enhances the look of its side profile. The dimensions remain the same with an overall length of 4386mm, height - 1466mm, width - 1699mm, ground clearance - 168mm and a wheelbase of 2552mm. Its interiors did not get many changes apart from a new steering wheel and center console. This variant is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. It can churn out a maximum power of 103.5bhp along with 153Nm of peak torque output. Its braking mechanism is quite proficient and is further enhanced by anti lock braking system with dual rate brake assist function. This sedan will compete against the likes of Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento, Nissan Sunny, Toyota Etios and others in this segment. The company is offering this model series with a standard warranty of two years or unlimited Kilometers. The owners can extend the warranty period at an additional cost paid to authorized dealers.

Exteriors:

The frontage is designed with a chrome surround radiator grille that is flanked by a radiant headlight cluster. It is powered by high intensity projector halogen lamps and side turn indicator. This grille is embedded with a prominent company logo in the center. The modified front bumper houses a large air intake section. Its air dam is flanked by a pair of new fog lamps. The large windscreen is made of tinted glass and integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. Its side profile is neatly designed with body colored outside rear view mirrors, which are electrically foldable and fitted with side turn indicator. The pronounced wheel arches are equipped with a brand new set of 15 inch alloy wheels, which are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. Its rear end has a body colored bumper, which is fitted with a couple of fog lamps that adds to the visibility of the driver. The windscreen has a defogger and a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. It has a luminous tail light cluster and a curvy boot lid, which is embossed with variant badging. Lastly, it also has an antenna mounted on the roof for better reception of FM radio.

Interiors:

The two tone internal cabin of Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance trim is quite spacious. It has body colored inside door handles, chrome accentuated center console, gear shift knob and AC vents. The seats are well cushioned and provides ample leg space for all passengers. These are integrated with adjustable head restraints and covered with premium fabric upholstery. It has a spacious boot compartment of 460 litres. The rear seat comes with foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume. The multi-functional display houses traveling time, distance traveled, average speed, immediate consumption, average consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval reminder and outside temperature display. Apart from these, it also has a few storage spaces like cup and bottle holders in center console and door trims, front seat map pockets, an illuminated glove box with cooling effect and assist grips with coat hooks.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is fitted with a 1.6-litre,In-line petrol engine with liquid cooling system. It is integrated with 4-cylinders, 16-valves and can displace 1598cc. It can churn out a power output of 103.5bhp at 5250rpm along with 153Nm of peak torque at 3800rpm. This motor is skilfully coupled with a five speed fully synchronized manual transmission gear box, which powers the engine 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 15 Kmpl on the highways and about 12 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer has given it a direct rack and pinion steering with an electro mechanic system. It is tilt and telescopic adjustable and supports a minimum turning circle of 10.6 meters. Its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which also has torsion stabilizers and triangular links. While the rear axle gets a compound link crank axle type of suspension system. It 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. It is further augmented by ABS along with dual rate brake assist.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance trim is incorporated with a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, which is mounted with audio and call control buttons. The advanced SKODA 2-DIN audio unit supports USB interface, Aux-in port, SD+MMC data card reader along with Bluetooth connectivity. It also has an efficient climatronic air conditioning unit with electronic regulation of cabin temperature. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging gadgets. Apart from these, it is bestowed with height adjustable driver seat, front and rear center armrest , height and length adjustable steering wheel, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, tinted windows and windscreen, storage pockets on the back rest of front seats and several other aspects. 

Safety Features:

This top end variant comes equipped with quite a few safety aspects for protection of the passengers as well as the vehicle. Some of these aspects include a central locking system along with child proof rear door lock, airbags for driver and front co-passenger, seat belts for all occupants and an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code. In addition to these, it also has speed sensitive auto door locks, remote control with foldable key, fuel supply cut-off in crash, rough road package, height adjustable head restraints and security code for audio player.

Pros:

1. Good engine performance with decent acceleration and pick up.

2. Attractive exteriors adds to its advantage.

Cons:

1. After sales service needs to improve.

2. Fuel economy is not satisfying.