స్కోడా రాపిడ్ 2011-2014 1.6 TDI Active

Skoda Rapid is one of the most popular entry level sedan available in India that is equipped with top rated features. This sedan is available in numerous trim levels, among which Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Active is the entry level diesel variant. This base version is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine that is capable of pumping out 103.5bhp in combination with a torque of 250Nm, which allows the vehicle to deliver a maximum mileage of 20.5 Kmpl. At present, the manufacturer is offering this trim with five body paint options including Flash Red, Candy White, Deep Black Pearl, Brilliant Silver and Cappuccino Beige. The best part about this sedan is its warranty period for various aspects. It comes with a 2-year, unlimited kilometer warranty along with 3 years for paint work and six years protection for perforation corrosion of the body work, which is quite good.

Exteriors:

The exteriors of this Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Active trim are quite trendy. Despite being an entry level sedan, it has a classy appearance, thanks to the company's signature design aspects like front radiator grille and a C-contoured taillight cluster. To start with the front, its has a large aggressive-eye shaped headlight cluster that comes incorporated with halogen headlamps with manual leveling function and turn indicators. It surrounds the company's signature radiator grille that has vertically positioned strips along with a chrome plated upper bezel. Its bonnet is the attractive aspect of the front with four expressive likes the compliments the design of radiator grille and company's insignia. The body colored bumper has a small air intake section along with a pair of dynamic fog lamps that dazzles the frontage. Its side profile has basic aspects like body colored ORVM caps and door handles, while its B pillars have a glossy black decor, which gives a decent appeal to the sides. The company has fitted its wheel arches with a set of conventional 14 inch steel wheels, which are further equipped with 'Comoros' full wheel covers. Its rear end has a classy body structure with a large boot lid that is surrounded by a signature taillight cluster. The overall look of this sedan is complimented by a revoked company's logo.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this entry level variant is spacious yet plush with Mocca and Ivory color scheme. The company has used premium quality plastic material for achieving a luxurious finish inside. The seats are well structured and provide excellent support to the occupants. They have been covered with Ivory colored fabric upholstery. Both door panels and the dashboard have a two tone scheme, while the door handles are in chrome, which further accentuates the interiors. The manufacturer has equipped a number of utility based features inside, which includes cup holders, accessory power sockets, map pockets , front sun visors and foldable roof handles, which provides enhanced convenience to the occupants. The best part about the cabin is its huge cabin space, especially the leg room, which is quite good, thanks to the large wheelbase of 2552mm. This sedan also has a huge luggage storage compartment with a capacity of 460 litres, which is impressive.

Engine and Performance:

The company has equipped this trim with an advanced 1.6-litre, TDI diesel power plant that comes incorporated with high pressure direct fuel injection system. This turbocharged diesel engine has 4-cylinders and 16-valves, which makes a total displacement capacity of 1598cc . It can produce a peak power output of 103.5bhp at 4400rpm, while generating a peak torque output of 250Nm in the range of 1500 to 2500rpm. The front wheels of this sedan will draw the torque output via a fully synchronized 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This engine is capable of delivering a mileage in the range of 18 to 20.5 Kmpl, which is quite satisfying.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan is introduced with a superior hydraulic dual diagonal circuit vacuum assisted braking system, which offers a reliable performance at all times. Its front wheels have been fitted with disc brakes accompanied by single piston floating calipers, whereas the rear ones have been paired with drum brakes. Its front axle is fitted with McPherson strut type of suspension in combination with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizers. At the same time, its rear axle comes fitted with compound link crank axle, which keeps the vehicle stable and well balanced. Apart from these, there is a proficient direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power steering system, which provides excellent response depending upon the speed levels.

Comfort Features:

The Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Active is the entry level variant, but still, it is equipped with some important features. The company has installed aspects like front and rear center armrest, height and length adjustable steering wheel, after market audio preparation for 1-DIN music player with cable and connector. It is also equipped with aspects like a manually regulated air conditioning system along with dust and pollen filter, which keeps the cabin cool irrespective of temperature outside. The car maker is also offering features like internal mechanical adjustment for external mirrors, electrically adjustable windows, retaining strip on driver sun visor, cup holders in flip frame, bottle holders in front doors and numerous other utility features. This base trim is also equipped with features like gear change indicator, reading center lamp, illumination of luggage compartment, 12V power sockets , remote control release of boot lid vanity mirror in passenger side sun visor and other important features.

Safety Features:

The car maker is offering this entry level trim with a set of standard safety features. It comes with powerful halogen headlights with manual leveling device along with front fog lights, which provides good visibility ahead even in the foggy situation. Its internal cabin is equipped with an anti glare interior rear view mirror, height adjustable three point seat belts and head rests , which provides enhanced safety to the occupants inside. It also has safety features like rough road package, child proof rear door locking, door open indicator, dual tone warning horn, emergency triangle in luggage compartment, engine immobilizer with floating code system and a central locking system as well.

Pros:

1. Lustrous body structure is a big plus.

2. Engine performance and power is very impressive.

Cons:

1. Safety and comfort features are below par.

2. Fuel efficiency needs to get better.