Skoda Rapid 2011-2014 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus

Rapid 2011-2014 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus Review

Skoda India, the fully owned subsidiary of the Czech Republican luxury car maker has rolled out the refurbished version of its entry level sedan Skoda Rapid. This sedan model is being offered in quite a few trims with petrol and diesel engine options. Among these, the Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus is the mid level variant. The company is offering this variant with 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine under the hood. This engine is capable of producing 105Bhp at 250Nm and generates 250Nm of torque at 1500 to 2500rpm. This engine is capable of returning 20.5 Kmpl of decent mileage. This 2014 version comes with a set of new features including dual front airbags, on board computer, multi functional steering wheel, leather package and Bluetooth telephone connectivity. The company has retained the exteriors and interiors of this sedan while keeping its technicalities unchanged.

Exteriors:

The 2014 version of Skoda Rapid has a solid and robust body structure with expressive lines all along its body. This latest version comes with the same body structure and appearance like its earlier model. The front facade of this sedan looks modern with a chrome treated radiator grille that is flanked by a large and scrupulously cut out head light cluster that comes equipped with halogen headlamps. The front body colored bumper comes with a pair of fog lamps, which helps in enhancing the visibility for the driver in foggy conditions. The body colored external rear view mirrors on the side profile are well placed along with the door handles. The neatly crafted wheel arches comes fitted with a stylish set of 14 inch steel wheels , which have been fitted with ‘Comoros’ full wheel covers. The rear end of this Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus trim has a dazzling taillight cluster that gives a dynamic look to the rear. The rear windscreen comes integrated with a defogger that has an intelligent timer and accompanied with a wiper as well. The boot lid has curvy design and it is equipped with a large Skoda insignia. Also, there is a body colored bumper fitted below the boot lid that has a clean appearance to it and has been fitted with reflectors for enhanced protection. This sedan comes with an overall length of 4386mm along with a total width of 1699mm. Apart from these, the total height of this sedan is measured at 1466mm and is ground clearance at about 168mm, which is pretty generous. It also has a roomy wheel base of 2552mm, which is quite good in its class.

Interiors:

This entry level sedan has quite a spacious cabin with ample leg room with apt shoulder and head space, which can accommodate seating for at least five passengers effortlessly in it. It also comes with a spacious boot compartment with a total 460 litres of storage capacity. This mid level sedan comes with plush interiors with Mocca and Ivory color scheme, which gives a complete aristocratic feel to the occupants inside. The seats are quite luxurious and have been covered with premium leather upholstery. The company used high quality plastic and other materials for giving a luxuriant finish inside. The manufacturer has bestowed this variant with a front as well as a rear seat arm rest, which will provide additional comfort to the passengers. The interiors of this refurbished version have been given quite a few chrome elements, especially on the door handles, AC vents, steering wheel and on the central console. Apart from all these, the company blessed this variant with quite a few storage options such as bottle holders in the front and rear doors, cup holders, glove box unit and other such options.

Engine and Performance:

This latest version comes equipped with a 1.6-litre, turbocharged in-line diesel power plant with a high pressure direct injection system and liquid cooling system. This motor comprises 4-cylinders, 16 valves with dual over head camshaft (DOHC) valve configuration and produces a maximum 1598cc displacement capacity . This commanding engine has the capacity to churn out a maximum power output of 105Bhp at 4400rpm in combination with a hammering torque output of 250Nm at 1500 to 2500rpm. This power packed diesel engine has been skillfully coupled with a fully synchronized 5-speed manual transmission gear box that delivers the torque output to the front wheels. This power plant incorporating a turbo-charging unit enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in approximately 12.4 seconds and can also make this vehicle to achieve an impressive top speed in the range of 170 to 185 kmph.

Braking and Handling:

The Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus trim comes with an advanced hydraulic dual diagonal circuit that is vacuum assisted system for enhanced braking mechanism. The front wheels of this premium sedan have been bestowed with disc brakes, which have single piston floating caliper with inner cooling system . While its rear wheels have been integrated with drum brakes, which works in combination with the front disc brakes for proficient braking. In addition to this, the company is also offering an advanced anti lock braking system with dual rate brake assist for enhanced braking effectiveness.

Comfort Features:

The company is offering this Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Ambition Plus trim with quite a number of attractive features. The list includes a height adjustable driver seat, height and length adjustable power steering wheel, front and rear center arm rests,a powerful manual air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter , electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, power windows with the driver side one touch operation and many other such features. This sedan is also bestowed with features like a rear center lamp and reading spot lamps, front sun visors with vanity mirror, luggage compartment illumination, remote boot release and various other important utility features.

Safety Features:

This latest version comes with some of the most advanced and highly innovative safety features. The list includes an anti lock braking system with brake assist function, front and rear fog lamps, powerful halogen headlights with leveling, an internal anti glare rear view mirror, drive and front passenger airbag, rear windshield with defogger, a rough road package, automatic fuel supply cut off in the event of an accident, an engine immobilizer system with floating code, dual tone warning horn, security code for the integrated music system, remote control foldable keys, remote central locking and unlocking and numerous other such protective features.

Pros: New features, engine performance is good.

Cons: Engine NVH reduction, price can be competitive.