Skoda Rapid: Features and Highlights

Going through extensive model line-up refreshment, Skoda has introduced the facelift version of the Rapid. The Czech manufacturer has launched the new Rapid from an attractive price proposition of Rs 7.22 lakh to Rs 10.97 lakh for the top-of-the-line Elegance Black Package. Four variants are on offer which includes two petrol versions and two diesels. Skoda India will also be offering a ‘Black Package’ treatment on all the four variants to further capture customer’s interest in the Rapid.

Exteriors: Features and dimensions

Apart from minor tweaks, the basic design remains the same here. The classy looking body exudes a sense of solidity and structural strength. New is what you find on the ‘Black Package’, which costs about Rs 13,500. The grille on these editions has been finished in glossy black colour which looks very sporty now, and also includes black finish on the projector headlamps and front fog lamps. The roof also gets black treatment along with the rear-view mirrors and alloy wheels. The top Elegance trim gets 15 inch ‘bold’ alloy wheels and rest of the siblings make do with steel wheels with full wheel cover.

Interiors: Features

The interior of the new Rapid comes with fabric upholstery on all variants. Driver seat is height adjustable except on the base model but the steering can be adjusted for height and reach as standard. Skoda has equipped the Rapid with a 2 DIN audio player with USB/AUX in/SD card compatibility and the steering has mounted controls for the music system. However Bluetooth and Cruise control comes on Ambition Plus and Elegance trims. Climatronic automatic air conditioning is only available on the top Elegance version, along with larger black and white MFD (Multi Function Display).

Safety

On the safety front Skoda India has equipped the new Rapid with Anti-lock Braking System and rear parking sensors on the Ambition Plus and Elegance trims. Driver airbag is available on all except the base model, and the front passenger airbag only comes on Ambition Plus and Elegance trim levels. Customers opting for the diesel variant with DSG transmission get stability control program.

Engine: Power and torque

The new Rapid is now powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine rather than previous models 1.6 litre diesel engine. However, the decrease in displacement does not mean the power levels have come down. The 1.5 litre diesel still produces 103bhp of maximum power at 4,400rpm with 250Nm peak torque between 1,500-2,500 rpm. Another latest addition is the 7-speed DSG transmission on the diesel variant, making it one of the most affordable diesel automatic sedans sold in the Indian market. Skoda India claims that the diesel variants equipped with the 7-speed DSG transmission will return 21.66kmpl and the manual variant will return 21.14kmpl. The diesel is also offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. The petrol variants get the same 1.6 litre power plant as before with a 5-speed manual returning 15kmpl and a 6-speed Tiptronic returning 14.3kmpl.

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