Skoda Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI Ambition

Rapid 2014-2016 1.6 MPI Ambition Review

Skoda India has introduced the facelifted version of its popular sedan, Rapid in the country's automobile market. There are both petrol and diesel engine options options available out of which, Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition is a mid range petrol trim. It is incorporated with the same 1598cc motor that can generate 103.5bhp along with a peak torque output of 153Nm, which is rather good. It can deliver a maximum fuel economy of 15 Kmpl and helps it in achieving a top speed of 165 Kmph approximately. The braking and suspension systems are quite efficient, which assist in maintaining its stability irrespective of the road conditions. This vehicle is offered in five exciting body paint options for the customers to select from. These include Candy White, Deep Black Pearl, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver as well as Cappuccino Beige. It has a stylish body design and includes some remarkable exterior aspects. Some of these include chrome treated radiator grille and powerful headlamps at front, while there is an expressive boot lid and large windshield available in the rear. Its side profile features ORVMs and a pair of steel wheels. It has elegantly designed interior section that is packed with many advanced aspects. There is an air conditioning unit for cooling the cabin as well as a steering wheel, which is length and height adjustable. This trim also includes many utility based features and storage spaces that will further add to their convenience. It faces competition from Nissan Sunny, Honda City, Ford Fiesta and a few others in this segment. The standard warranty offered is of two years, which the buyers can further extend for another two years or 1,00,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

Exteriors:

It is blessed with remarkable exterior features that will certainly attract a number of buyers. The front facade is designed with many striking aspects like a radiator grille that is treated with chrome and a wide windscreen, which is integrated with a couple of intermittent wipers. There is a bright headlight cluster available surrounding this grille, which is equipped with powerful halogen headlamps. The bumper is painted in body color and fitted with a wide air intake section. This is further flanked by a couple of bright fog lamps that enhances visibility during foggy conditions. Another aspect is the sleek bonnet, which includes some visible character lines and gives a stylish look to its frontage. Meanwhile, its rear end too has an eye catching appearance with a trendy tail light cluster and an expressive boot lid with company's badge engraved on it. There is a body colored bumper, a pair of fog lamps, defogger with timer and a high mount LED brake lamp that gives it a complete look. On the other hand, it has neatly carved wheel arches that are equipped with a set of 15 inch steel wheels. These rims are further covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 185/60 R15. Apart from these, it includes body colored door handles, outside mirrors and B-pillars with glossy black décor that adds to its overall appearance.

Interiors:

This Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition trim is bestowed with a pleasant interior section that is beautifully decorated with Ivory and Mocca color scheme. The chrome finishing on gear shift selector, front center console and door handles further compliments to its interior theme. The company has used the attractive Ivory fabric upholstery for covering the wide and well cushioned seats. The two tone dashboard is fitted with a steering wheel, glove box and a center console. There are several utility based aspects offered like cup and bottle holders, storage space under front seat center armrest, card holder, coat hooks, 12V power socket in front console, reading lamps and a few other such features.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is powered by a 1.6-litre in-line petrol engine that has multipoint fuel injection technology and liquid cooling system. It comprises of 4-cylinders and 16-valves based on a DOHC valve configuration. This 1598cc engine has the ability to produce a maximum power of 103.6bhp at 5250rpm that results in a commanding torque output of 153Nm between 3800rpm. This power plant is mated with a fully synchronized five speed manual transmission gearbox, which sends the torque output to the front wheels.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan is bestowed with a robust hydraulic dual diagonal circuit vacuum assisted braking system. Its front wheels are paired with disc brakes featuring single floating calipers while the rear rims are fitted drum brakes. As far as its suspension is concerned, the front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut including torsion stabilizer and lower triangular links. While the rear axle is coupled with compound link crank axle system, which helps to deal with shocks caused on roads. The car maker has also incorporated a rack and pinion based electro mechanic power assisted steering system, which supports a minimum turning radius of 10.6 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI Ambition trim has several important comfort features, which certainly provides a pleasurable driving experience. The list includes front and rear center armrest, height adjustment for driver's seat, manually regulated air conditioning system with pollen filter, electrically adjustable outside mirrors and Ivory fabric upholstery. This trim also has aspects like electrically adjustable power windows with one touch operation, reading lamps, illumination of luggage compartment, front sun visors, power steering with height and length adjustment and remote control release of boot lid. Furthermore, it has storage spaces like cup holders, glove box compartment and bottle holders in front doors. The car maker is also offering a provision for integrating a music system by setting up the cabin and connectors.

Safety Features:

Although it is the mid range variant, it is equipped with several crucial safety features, which helps to safeguard the vehicle and its passengers. It has a list of features including halogen headlights with manual leveling, front and rear fog lamps, anti-glare internal rear view mirror, driver airbag, height adjustable three point seatbelts, rear windscreen with defogger including timer and height adjustable head restraints. This trim also has rough road package, child-proof rear door locking, fuel supply cut-off in a crash, door-open indicator and dual horn. Other security features like remote central locking, speed sensing automatic door locks and an engine immobilizer with floating code system are also equipped in it.

Pros:

1. Engine performance and acceleration is quite good.

2. Attractive interior cabin with comfortable seats.

Cons:

1. Parking sensors can be offered as standard.

2. Presence of authorized service stations needs to increase.