Skoda Rapid 2011-2014 1.6 TDI Elegance Plus

Rapid 2011-2014 1.6 TDI Elegance Plus Review

Skoda India has refreshed its flagship sedan model Skoda Rapid and made it available in two trim levels out of which, Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance trim is the high end diesel variant. In terms of exteriors, this top end model remains unchanged and it comes with striking exteriors. This refreshed version will now feature Halogen projector headlamp with manual leveling that adds to the elegance of its front facade. Inside this model, the company has added few additional functions including a multifunction steering wheel with Bluetooth telephonic connectivity, an advanced 2-din music system and so on. Under the hood, there is a powerful 1.6-litre DOHC based diesel motor that produces great performance and delivers class leading mileage. In terms of safety aspects, Skoda has blessed this elegance trim technically advanced safety aspects including an anti-lock braking system with dual rate brake assist function that averts the locking of wheels when sudden brakes are applied. Apart from these, the company is also offering air bags, occupant restraints including height adjustable head restraints at front and rear, height adjustable three point seat belts at front and so on. There is no doubt with such exciting features, Skoda Rapid is going to lure the Indian auto enthusiasts.

Exteriors :

The refreshed version of Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance trim has a strong and muscular structure with striking exteriors. The front facade of this sedan is simply brilliant and yet looks aristocratic with a lot of chrome accentuation on the radiator grille. This grille is flanked by a large perceptively cut headlight cluster, which is incorporated with halogen projector headlamps. The bumper at front has been painted in body color and it has been integrated with an air dam and bright fog lamps, which enhances the visibility in adverse weather conditions. The outside rear view mirrors along with the door handles have been painted in body color and they have been decorated beautifully to the doors, while the wheel arches have been endowed with an elegant set of 15 inch alloy wheels. These wheels are lighter and make the sedan looks very stylish from the side profile. The rear end of this Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance trim has a lively and bright tail lamp cluster along with a rear windscreen, which is incorporated with a defogger. The boot lid is compact in comparison with other sedans of its class but still it offers enough storage space. The prominent Skoda Badge has been embedded in the center of the boot lid that compliments the rear profile. This sedan comes with an overall length of 4386mm, total width of 1699mm along with a total height of 1466mm.

Interiors :

Skoda has designed a very attractive interior cabin for this particular trim and blessed it with a dual toned Mocca and Ivory color scheme. There is plenty of legroom and shoulder space inside the cabin that ensure the passengers with great comforts all through their drive. The company used premium quality plastic for obtaining close finishing inside the cabin. While designing the plush interiors, the company has accentuated the front central console, door handles, steering wheel, AC vents, gearshift knob with chrome treatment. This will further add to the pleasant and rich feel of the passengers inside. Apart from all this, there are quite a few other remarkable features incorporated inside this sedan including storage pockets behind the front seats, a center arm rest between the front seats with storage compartment, front and rear cup holders that have flip frames, and bottle holders in the front doors with a small storage compartment and number of other such interesting features.

Engine and Performance :

Powering this Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance top end trim is the 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine that has the ability to produce 1598cc of displacement capacity. This DOHC based turbocharged, in-line diesel mill has been incorporated with liquid cooling system and with a high pressure direct injection fuel supply system that powers this four cylinders engine to produce a mammoth power. This commanding diesel train has the capacity to churn out a maximum power output of 102.9bhp at 4400 Rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 250Nm at 1500 to 2500 ppm. This power packed engine has been cleverly mated with a 5-speed fully synchronized manual gear box transmission that sends the power to the front wheels of this sedan. This engine can reach 100 Kmph speed in just 12.4 seconds and has the ability to give away a maximum 20.5 Kmpl of mileage .

Braking and Handling :

Braking and handling prospects are perhaps the most important aspects for any other vehicle in the automobile segment. Skoda has blessed this top end variant with a sophisticated hydraulic dual diagonal circuit that comes with vacuum assisted system for better results. This Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance trim has powerful braking mechanism with front disc brakes that have inner cooling with a single piston floating caliper. The rear wheels of this sedan have been integrated with drum brakes for efficient braking. Also, this sedan has been incorporated with an anti lock braking system with dual rate brake assist for enhanced braking . On the other hand, the company blessed this premium sedan with McPherson Strut fitted on to its front axle accompanied with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizers. Whereas the rear axle has been equipped with a robust compound link crank axle.

Comfort Features :

Coming to the aspects of comforts and conveniences, this Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance trim is blessed with some top of the line features. The list of features including an air conditioner system, power steering, comfort opening and closing of windows, remote control opening and closing of windows, height adjustment for driver seat, height and length adjustment for steering wheel, arm rests, Ivory fabric upholstery, electrically adjustable ORVMs, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel and several others.

Safety Features :

The Czech Republican automaker has never compromised on the safety aspects of any of its model. Now this particular elegance trim gets some of the technically sophisticated functions including powerful halogen projector headlights with manual leveling, front fog lights preparation, high level LED third brake light, anti-glare internal rear view mirror, ABS with dual rate brake assist system, air bags and so many other such functions .

Pros : Plush and luxuriant interiors, sophisticated safety features.

Cons : Mileage can be improved, engine sound can be reduced a bit, price can be more competitive.