Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI Active

Rapid 2014-2016 1.5 TDI Active Review

The latest version of Skoda Rapid is available in several variants with both petrol and diesel versions. Among these, Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Active is an entry level diesel trim. The company has equipped it with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel power plant delivers a maximum power of 103.5bhp in combination with 250Nm peak torque output. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box and delivers a maximum mileage of around 21.14 Kmpl. This sedan has stylish exterior aspects like a bright headlight cluster with halogen headlamps, external mirrors, a set of 15 inch steel wheels and bumpers. The interiors are done with dual tone color scheme and the spacious cabin includes a manual air conditioning unit, 1-DIN music system and some utility based aspects. This trim is packed with some standard protective features for the security of its occupants. These include seat belts for all passengers, front and rear height adjustable head restraints as well as central locking system. This vehicle is presently offered in five attractive body paint options for the customers to select from. The list includes Cappuccino Beige, Candy White, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver, Toffee Brown and Deep Black Pearl as well. It receives a tough competition from Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Sunny and the upcoming Maruti Ciaz. It is offered with a standard warranty of two years, which can be further increased up to 2-years or 1,00,000 kilometers, whichever is earlier. In addition to these, it comes with three years warranty for paint work and 6-years protection for perforation corrosion of the body work.

Exteriors:

This sedan has a trendy body design that is equipped with many stunning exterior aspects. To begin with the front facade, it has an aggressive radiator grille that includes vertically positioned slats. The chrome strip on this grille is neatly engraved with an insignia of the company. It is surrounded by a stylish headlight cluster that is integrated with halogen headlamps and turn indicators. The sleek bonnet looks attractive with a few visible character lines on it. Then, there is a wide windscreen that is equipped with a couple of intermittent wipers. The body colored bumper is fitted with an air intake section as well as a pair of fog lamps. The side profile has an eye catching look with aspects like outer rear view mirrors, door handles and B-pillars with glossy black décor. Its wheel arches are fitted with a conventional set of 15 inch steel wheels that have full wheel covers. These rims are covered with radial tubeless tyres of size 185/60 R15 that provide an excellent grip on roads. The rear end has a body colored bumper and a boot lid that includes the company's emblem on it. Furthermore, it has a wide windshield as well as a radiant tail light cluster that completes the look of its rear profile. This vehicle is built with an overall length of 4386mm along with a width and height of 1699mm and 1466mm respectively. It has a large wheelbase of 2552mm, whereas the ground clearance comes to 168mm.

Interiors:

The cabin is quite spacious that can provide seating for five people with ample leg and shoulder space. It is decorated elegantly with Ivory and Mocca color scheme. The internal look is further complimented by chrome décor on door handles, dual tone door panels and dashboard that is fitted with some equipments. These include a center console, glove box compartment and a three spoke steering wheel with company's logo embossed on it. The instrument cluster is equipped with a few notifications for the convenience of driver. The well cushioned seats offer good support and these are covered with Ivory colored fabric upholstery. This trim has storage and utility based aspects like a foldable roof handles, front reading center lamp, coat hooks, rear spot lamps, cup and bottle holders, storage compartments on doors and under front center armrest. It has the luggage compartment space of 460 litres, which is good enough for placing a lot of stuff.

Engine and Performance:

This Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Active variant is powered by a new diesel engine that is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box. This 1.5-litre mill has a total displacement capacity of 1498cc and is integrated with a high pressure direct injection system. It carries 4-cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. The maximum power generated by this motor is 103.5bhp at 4400rpm in combination with peak torque output of 250Nm in the range of 1500 to 2000rpm. It can return a mileage of 21.14 Kmpl approximately on highways and gives around 17 Kmpl within the city. This vehicle requires nearly 10 seconds to break the speed mark of 100 Kmph and achieves a top speed of about 175 Kmph, which is rather good

Braking and Handling:

The automaker has used hydraulic dual diagonal vacuum assisted circuit braking system, which is quite reliable. The front wheels have a set of disc brakes with single floating caliper and the rear ones are fitted with drum brakes. The front axle has a McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer, while a compound link crank axle is affixed on the rear one. Furthermore, it is blessed with a direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power assisted steering system. It provides good response besides supporting a minimum turning radius of 10.6 meters.

Comfort Features:

This base level trim is available with quite a few comfort aspects. These include electrically adjustable windows, remote control release of boot lid, height and length adjustable steering wheel , front and rear center armrest, manually adjustable external mirrors and 1-DIN after market audio preparation with cable as well as connector. The cabin includes a manually regulated air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter and has adjustable dual air vents on rear center console. Other features like gear change indicator, illumination of luggage compartment, front passenger side vanity mirror on sun visor and lights-on acoustic signal adds to their convenience.

Safety Features:

The standard protective aspects in this Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Active includes central locking and unlocking of doors, rough road package, child proof rear door locks and height adjustable head restraints. It also has an engine immobilizer system with floating code, anti-glare interior rear view mirror and height adjustable three point front seat belts that enhances the security.

Pros:

1. Its new engine performance is good.
2. Suspension system is quite efficient.

Cons:

1. It has limited safety aspects.
2. Mileage can be made better.