സ്കോഡ റാപിഡ് 2011-2014 1.6 MPI AT Elegance

The Czech Republican automaker Skoda has silently introduced the updated version of Skoda Rapid and it is made available in two trim levels. Here, the Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance is the high end petrol variant and it is made available with automatic transmission option. The company is offering this high end petrol variant with additional features including projector headlamps, ABS, advanced music player with MP3, SD card slot, Aux-In, USB and Bluetooth connectivity with steering mounted audio controls. Also the company is offering leather package as standard in all variants, which include leather wrapped steering wheel, hand brake lever and a gearshift knob. This specific Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance is blessed with a 1.6-litre petrol motor that unleashes great power and returns decent mileage. This particular sedan comes with a lot of comfort features to make the ride joyful and memorable. The company also fitted this high end variant with unparalleled safety aspects including air bags, acoustic warning signal for over speeding and many others. The handling of the vehicle is very good thanks to the robust suspension and proficient braking systems of this sedan. Overall this car is a perfect blend of power, luxury and safety.

Exteriors :

The company hasn't made any changes to the exteriors of this sedan and kept its style and appearance same as the existing models. This particular Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance trim is equipped with stylish set of cosmetics that adds elegance and style to the vehicle. This sedan has the overall length of 4386mm with overall width of 1699mm and an overall height of 1466mm. The wheelbase of this sedan is 2552mm and its ground clearance is about 168mm, which is enough to cross the bumps and speed breakers on Indian roads. This premium class sedan is made available in five different colors, which enhances its beauty and style. These colors include Flash Red, Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Cappuccino Beige and Deep Black Pearl. The company fitted the wheel arches of this sedan with 15-inch alloy wheels, which adds the sporty elements to the side. The front radiator grille of this sedan gets a lot of chrome treatment, which will give a unique look to its frontage. There are several other exterior features incorporated to this sedan including electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, powerful projector headlights , fog lights and so on. The door handles along with the ORVMs have been painted in body color that further improves the style of its side profile.

Interiors :

Coming to the interiors, the company has added few additional features to this trim, while keeping most of the interior design unchanged. The cabin space of this sedan is spacious and comes incorporated with tons of features. Inside the cabin, the door handles, front center console, gearshift selector, locking button of hand brake, AC vents and the steering wheel gets chrome accents. This particular trim gets the dual toned environment with Mocca/Ivory color scheme. There are some number of features incorporated inside the cabin including steering mounted audio controls including Bluetooth audio and telephonic controls and various other advanced functions. Apart from these, this top end variant also gets features including anti-glare rear view mirror, rear windscreen defogger with timer, reading center lamp at front, illumination of luggage compartment, 12V power socket , front sun visor, remote control release for boot lid, vanity mirror and lots more.

Engine and Performance :

This Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance is the top end petrol variant and it comes loaded with a powerful in-line, DOHC based 1.6-litre engine that can produce 1598cc of displacement capacity. This 4-cylinder, dual overhead camshaft based petrol motor incorporated with liquid cooling system produces a maximum of 103.53bhp at the rate of 5250rpm while generating 153Nm of peak torque output at the rate of 3800rpm . The company has further incorporate this engine with multi point fuel injection system, which will enhance the power and performance. On the other hand, this sophisticated engine has been skillfully fitted with an advanced 6-speed automatic gearbox with tiptronic manual gear changing option. The front wheels of this sedan derives the commanding engine power through this gearbox and returns a maximum 14.3 Kmpl of mileage.

Braking and Handling :

This top end variant Skoda Rapid model series comes with a robust suspension system. The company has fitted the front axle with an advanced McPherson strut type of suspension system and further accompanied it with torsion stabilizers and lower triangular links. The rear axle of this sedan is fitted with compound link crank axle type of suspension system. The sedan's brakes comprises of hydraulic dual diagonal circuit system, which is further assisted by vacuum for efficient braking. The front wheels are fitted with disc brakes and they are blessed with dual inner cooling, with single/piston floating calipers. The rear wheels are fitted with traditional drum brakes. This disc and drum braking mechanism is further enhanced by an advanced Anti-lock braking system, which will prevent locking of wheels. On the other hand, the company has blessed this model with a direct rack and pinion electro mechanic power steering, which is very responsive.

Comfort Features :

This updated Skoda Rapid 1.6 MPI AT Elegance version is the top end variant in its model series. This premium sedan comes with various exciting comfort features as well as utility based functions. The list of comfort features include an advanced automatic air conditioner with electronic regulation of cabin temperature, dust pollen filter, height adjustment for driver seat, front and rear center armrest, 2-DIN audio player incorporated to a large format display, steering mounted audio controls, SD/MMC card reader, power windows and various other functions. Apart from all these, the company has blessed this top end variant with number of utility based convenience features that makes the journey extremely comfortable.

Safety Features :

Coming to the safety aspects, this top end version in Skoda Rapid model series is blessed with sophisticated safety and protective functions. The list of functions include an advanced Anti-lock braking system with dual rate brake assist system, an engine immobilizer system with floating code, central locking, driver and passenger air bags, rough road package, fuel supply cut-off in a crash, emergency triangle in the luggage compartment and many other such functions.

Pros : Spacious interiors with exciting features, frugal engine, good handling.

Cons : Unsatisfactory mileage figures, safety aspects need to improve.