സ്കോഡ റാപിഡ് 2014-2016 1.5 TDI AT Ambition

Skoda is a well known brand, and it holds a good position in the automobile markets across the world. The Rapid is a model released exclusively for the Indian market by the company in 2011. There are a range of variants available in this series and Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Ambition is one among them. This variant is blessed with a list of good features for its interior arrangement and exterior profile as well. Firstly, it is packed with a turbocharged diesel engine that is notable for its efficiency in fuel consumption. This vehicle has a wheelbase stands at 2552mm, which offers a spacious interior arrangement for the occupants. The car also offers a massive storage capacity of 460 litres. Coming to the interiors of the vehicle, a range of plush elements decorate the cabin. There is fine upholstery, along with chrome decors on various arenas and instruments. The cabin is also incorporated with a host of essential comfort features, along with storage compartments like cup holders and bottle holders.

Exteriors:

The black radiator grille comes with a chrome surround, giving a bold look by the front. On either side of this, the sharp headlights are black in color and they add flavor to the car. The company has equipped the headlights with halogen light units that come with an manual leveling function for added visibility and safety. Fog lights are also present at the bottom section of the front. The hood is wide and muscular, with clean lines for a more elegant presence. Coming to the side profile, there are chiseled curves and molded body lines that accentuate the vehicle's sporty design. The alloy wheels are also attractive. The body colored door handles and outer mirrors blend into the overall picture perfectly. The exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable. The B pillar is present with a gloss black decor. At the rear, there are C-shaped tail lamps along with fog lamps.

Interiors:

The cabin space is intelligently modeled, ensuring apt space and convenience for all of the passengers. The passengers get the luxury of an Ivory interior package, which consists of Ivory fabric upholstery for the seats. While a dual tone Mocca/Ivory design is given for the front dashboard and door panels. The plush quality of the cabin is further enhanced with a leather wrapped steering wheel for the driver, along with a leather wrapped gear shift selector and hand brake lever. The interior door handles get a chrome garnished for a richer look. Furthermore, there is a chrome decor for the center console, the gear shift selector and the for the hand brake lever. Armrests are present at the center of the front and rear rows for the convenience of the passengers.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this sedan is a 1.5-litre TDI engine that runs with diesel injection. It is turbocharged for improved performance qualities. It is composed of 4 in-line cylinders and 16 valves, incorporated together through the DOHC configuration. A liquid cooling system is also present, promoting efficient working for the engine. It is given a high pressure direct injection system for efficient fuel transfer. This 1498cc engine produces a power output of 104hp at 4400rpm, and a torque of 250Nm at 1500rpm to 2500rpm. It is paired with a 7 speed automatic transmission for hassle free shifting. The engine delivers a mileage of 21.66kmpl which is a notable value.

Braking and Handling:

There is a dual diagonal circuit braking system that is vacuum assisted for efficient braking performance. For the front wheels, there are disc units that come along with inner cooling function and a single/piston floating caliper. The rear brakes are armed with drums. Turning to the suspension arrangement, the front axle gets a McPherson type system that comes along with triangular links and a torsion stabilizer. For the rear, there is a compound link crank-axle. Meanwhile, the direct rack and pinion steering system comes along with an electro mechanic power steering, enabling better handling quality.

Comfort Features:

For the entertainment needs of the passengers, there is a Skoda 2-DIN audio player, which is further aided with the presence of a large format display. There are speakers at the front and rear for good sound quality. Beside this, the cabin also provides a USB port and an auxiliary input, allowing occupants to connect external devices with the car's system. Beside this, a GSM telephone facility is present along with Bluetooth, allowing for making calls within the cabin. A Bluetooth audio streaming facility grants added luxury to passengers. There is a multi-functional display that provides vital drive information like average speed, traveling time and outside temperature. The steering wheel is height and length adjustable, and hosts the audio controls for ease of usage. The manually regulated air conditioning system promotes a more enjoyable cabin environment. The windows at the front and rear are electrically adjustable, and a one touch automatic operation brings added convenience. The driver gets the benefit of a height adjustable seat. A central locking system exists for the doors and boot lid, alongside a remote controlled locking as well. Beside all of this, there is a reading center lamp at the front, reading spot lamps at the rear, and illumination for the luggage compartment as well. There are cup holders at the front and rear, along with bottle holders by the front doors for holding beverages within the cabin. Furthermore, there is a coat hook on the rear roof handles and B pillars, allowing passengers to hang clothes within the cabin if needed.

Safety Features:

Firstly, there are airbags for both front row passengers along with height adjustable three point seatbelts. Height adjustable head restraints are present at the front and the rear for added protection. Anti lock braking system helps to improve stability when braking. This variant gets the exclusive benefit of an electronic stability control as well. A hill hold control feature adds safety when traveling on sloping ground formats. A parktronic sensor at the rear allows for easier and safer parking. A function to cut-off fuel during crashes makes for reduced hazard during mishaps. Beside all of this, this variant is also gifted with a door open indicator, an acoustic warning for overrun speed, a dual tone warning horn, an anti glare interior rear view mirror and many other functions that enhance passenger safety to the best. The rear windscreen comes with a defogger that is equipped with a timer function as well for improved safety measures. An engine immobilizer secures the vehicle as well, and it has a floating code system.

Pros:

1. Fuel economy is considerably good.

2. Range of comfort functions for the cabin.

Cons:

1. Its performance has room for improvement.

2. It could use added techno aids for improved control.