Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI AT Elegance Black Package

Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI AT Elegance Black Package Review

Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance Black Package is the top end trim in its model line up, which comes with a few exclusive aspects. These include Black roof, stylish body graphics, wood finished dashboard and center console, navigation device, textile mats and an observation mirror. The interiors get a new flat bottomed steering wheel and a refurbished center console. Other features include cruise control, rear parking sensors and an advanced music system with a unique iOS5 and Android based phone application for back seat occupants, which helps in controlling the car's audio. In terms of exteriors, it comes with a refreshed bumper along with a wide air dam, revamped radiator grille, headlight cluster and a brand new set of alloy wheels. At present, this sedan is available in several exterior paint options, which are Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Deep Black Pearl, Flash Red and a new Toffee Brown metallic finish. This variant is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is mated with a six speed automatic transmission gear box. It has the ability to churn out 103.5bhp and 153Nm. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which helps in keeping the vehicle stable. Its braking mechanism is further assisted by ABS that prevents it from wheel locking in case of sudden braking.

Exteriors:

The exteriors look quite elegant with black roof and body graphics. Its rear end has a body colored bumper that is integrated with a pair of bright fog lamps. Its large windscreen is integrated with a wash and wipe function along with a defogger. It also has a centrally located high mount stop lamp. Apart from these, it also has a stylish tail light cluster and an expressive boot lid with variant badging. Its side profile is designed with stylish body decals and is complimented by black window sill. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a classy set of 15-inch black finished alloy wheels that are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radials . It has body colored door handles, while the outside rear view mirrors are in black color. Its frontage is designed with a sleek bonnet that has a few visible character lines. The radiator grille is embedded with a prominent company logo in the center. It is flanked by a sleek headlight cluster that is incorporated with halogen projector lamps and side turn indicators. The large windscreen is made of tinted glass and fitted with a set of intermittent wipers. The body colored bumper has a wide air intake section. It is surrounded by a pair of round shaped fog lamps.

Interiors:

Its dual tone internal cabin has a wood finished dashboard, which is equipped with a few aspects like a new flat bottom steering wheel, an advanced instrument cluster, a large glove box and silver accentuated AC vents. The seats of this Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance Black Package variant are well cushioned and offers ample leg space for all occupants. All seats are integrated with adjustable head restraints and covered with premium Ivory fabric upholstery. The driver seat comes with height adjustable function. Then it also has foldable rear seat, which helps in increasing the boot space. Its multi-functional display houses traveling time, distance traveled, average speed, immediate consumption, average consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval reminder and outside temperature display. Apart from these, it also has coat hook on rear roof handles and B-pillars, bottle holders and front doors, front and rear cup holders with flip frames, storage compartment in front center console and a 460 litre boot compartment for storing ample luggage.

Engine and Performance:

This particular variant is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which can displace 1598cc . It is mated with a six speed automatic transmission with triptronic gear change (manual) function. This powers the engine to zoom toward a top speed of approximately 188 Kmph. While it can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in close to 10.7 seconds, which is quite decent for this segment. This petrol mill has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 103.5bhp at 5250rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 153Nm at 3800rpm. It is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which allows the sedan to deliver a maximum mileage of 14.3 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan has a hydraulic dual diagonal vacuum assisted circuit braking system. The front wheels have disc brakes along with a single floating caliper and the rear ones have drum brakes . The front axle has a McPherson suspension along with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer, while the rear one gets compound link crank axle. It has a direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power steering system with tilt adjustment function.

Comfort Features:

The manufacturer has blessed this Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance Black Package trim with many comfort aspects. For in-car entertainment, there is an advanced 2-DIN infotainment system that has a large display. It includes CD, MP3 player, USB port, SD/MMC card reader, auxiliary input as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The well cushioned seats come with center armrest, while there is height adjustment facility available for the driver's seat. It has a multi function display that features distance traveled, average speed, service interval, average consumption, travel distance before refueling, clock and outside temperature display. Its height and length adjustable steering wheel is mounted with audio and phone controls. This variant includes a climatronic automatic air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter, which also does electronic regulation of cabin temperature. Its electrically adjustable windows have one touch automatic operation and bounce back system. The front passenger seat can be adjusted from rear, while there are electrically adjustable outside mirrors. In addition to these aspects, this high end trim includes GSM telephone preparation with Bluetooth, remote control opening and closing of windows,cruise control, front sun visors, remote control release of boot lid, lights on acoustic signal, remote foldable key and dual air vents on rear center console. 

Safety Features:

This top end variant is loaded with vital protective aspects that offers maximum protection to its occupants and vehicle as well. Some of these include anti-lock braking system, rear defogger with timer, dual rate brake assist, rear parktronic sensor, rough road package and child proof rear door as well as window locking. It has dual front airbags that ensures safety in case a collision takes place. All the seats have height adjustable head restraints along with three point seat belts and center lap belt at rear. The door open indicator and seat belt warning lamp on the instrument panel alerts the driver. There is security code available for its audio player, while the engine immobilization device with floating code system protects the vehicle from unauthorized access. This trim includes high level LED third brake light, while the fog lamps enhances visibility during foggy climatic conditions. In addition to these, it has anti-glare interior rear view mirror, acoustic warning signal for overrun speed, fuel supply cut-off in a crash, emergency triangle in the luggage compartment, dual tone warning horn as well as central locking and unlocking of doors.

Pros:

1. Anti-lock braking system is a plus point.

2. Exterior aspects are quite refreshing.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance can be made better.

2. After sales service should be improved.