The Czech auto maker Skoda had launched a C segment sedan car in 2011 named Rapid, which managed to lure the customers of India with its classiness and style. This sedan car from Skoda had stirred the competition within the C segment sedan cars in India. It comes in both petrol as well as the diesel variants and is an epitome of style, comfort and class. Let us have a detailed look at various features of Skoda Rapid. Skoda Rapid's Design and Interior In several aspects, the Skoda Rapid resembles Volkswagen Vento, especially its body parts that comprise doors and windows. The grilles that are in the front segment look identical in both the models. The base Active Plus and Ambition Plus variants of the car are equipped with a manually regulated air conditioner while the top end variant has electronically regulated climate control. The Rapid will have factory fitted 2 DIN audio player on the top of the line Elegance variant with AUX input and also with SD/MMC car reader connectivity options. Manual central locking, driver seat adjustment facilities and, door mirrors are some of the common features available in all the variants. The sedan features a dual-tone upholstery, a vibrantly lit up information cluster, driver assist, centralized console, adjustable seats, headrests, armrests, tilt steering, spacious legroom and headroom. The Rapid has a bonnet that is designed in a pouted design with huge fog lamps. The rear portion of the Rapid comprises new tail lamps with C shaped glow on brake lamps. The car also features rear parking sensors and rear bumpers. The muscular and tough exteriors are combined with the most lavish and comfortable interiors which look elegant and smart. Other features of the car include a large glove box, a powerful music system, an instrument cluster with a 4-spoke steering wheel and telescopic adjustments. The high-end Skoda Rapid models are equipped with dual SRS airbags and an Anti-lock Braking System while all the models are equipped with seat belts. The car also features halogen headlights with manual leveling and child proof rear door locking which ensure safety and security. Skoda Rapid Engine Technology , Efficiency and Powertain Skoda Rapid offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines and both the versions give the same power and capacity but the torque differentials between the two versions are considerable. Both the versions have 4-cylinders and 16-valves and a capacity of 1598 cc, contributing maximum bhp of 105. Maximum torque of 153 Nm @ 3800 rpm is produced in the petrol version while the diesel engine has a maximum torque of 250 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm. Both the petrol and diesel versions of the Rapid are found to be more fuel efficient than the Vento, as the Skoda engines are fine tuned. The lower weight of the Rapid also helps in achieving the desired fuel efficiency. The Ambition Plus and Elegance Plus variants of the Rapid Petrol have an option for an automatic gearbox. Similar to the Vento, Rapid offers a choice of 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. The auto box will be featured only in the top petrol variant. Rapid is equipped with McPherson, compound link crank axle suspension. The car drives effortlessly with light steering with a slightly hard edge when going over larger bumps. The handling comfort though, will more than compensate for the slight stiffness. Skoda Rapid Colors, Models and Prices in India Skoda Rapid has a choice of five colours, which comprises Cappuccino Beige, Flash Red, Candy White, Brilliant Silver and Deep Black Pearl. The Rapid from Skoda is available in two trims namely Ambition Plus and Elegance along with a special edition model named Leisure. The variety of Skoda Rapid ncludes 2 diesel versions and 6 petrol versions. Skoda Rapid Diesel Variants Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Active Plus: Rs. 8,45,855 Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus: Rs. 9,27,341 Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus Alloy: Rs. 9,42,341 Skoda Rapid Leisure 1.6 TDI MT: Rs. 9,42,925 Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance: Rs. 9,82,206 Skoda Rapid Petrol Variants Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Active Plus: Rs. 7,25,923 Skoda Rapid Leisure 1.6 MPI MT: Rs. 8,15,325 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus: Rs. 8,16,212 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition Plus Alloy: Rs. 8,31,212 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Elegance: Rs. 8,76,513 Skoda Rapid Leisure 1.6 MPI AT: Rs. 9,15,625 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus: Rs. 9,16,859 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Ambition Plus Alloy: Rs. 9,31,859 Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance: Rs. 9,76,127 The Skoda Rapid, a C segment sedan is among the best sedan cars available in the Indian Automobile market. Skoda Rapid lives up to the expectation with its build quality touch and feel. The interiors are quite capacious offering sufficient legroom for travelling comfortably and also come with a large boot. The 1.6-litre diesel engine of the Rapid is far better than the petrol brethren in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. The power delivery is linear and driving in both city and the highway is quite enjoyable. The diesel version of the Rapid is recommended over the petrol variants because of fuel efficiency and driving pleasure. The Rapid matches the Skoda insignia in terms of handling of the car. As per my opinion, the Skoda Rapid is a worth buy if you are looking for comfort, style and performance.
