സ്കോഡ റാപിഡ് 2014-2016 1.5 TDI AT Ambition With Alloy Wheel

Rapid is one of the popular sedan models from this brand, which is available in several variants. Out of these, Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Ambition With Alloy Wheel is a mid range trim that is equipped with a 1498cc oil burner. This turbocharged motor produces 103.5bhp in combination with torque of 250Nm. The automaker has designed it impressively with many styling elements like 15 inch steel wheels, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, and bright head as well as tail lamps. Inside the cabin, it has a flat-bottom steering wheel and a center console with magnetic card holder. Also, there is a height adjustable driver's seat, 2-DIN audio player, manually operated air conditioner and various other utility based aspects. In terms of safety, it is loaded with attributes like dual front airbags, height adjustable front seat belts, rough road package, an engine immobilizer with floating code and so on.

Exteriors:

In terms of dimensions, it has a length of 4386mm, height of 1466mm and a total width of 1699mm. Its minimum ground clearance is 168mm, while the wheelbase measures 2552mm. The front facade has a chrome radiator grille with a prominent company's logo. It has a sleek headlight cluster with halogen projector lamps. The bumper has a wide air intake section and a pair of bright fog lamps. The windscreen is large and fitted with a set of intermittent wipers. On the sides, there are a robust set of 15-inch steel wheels, which are adorned with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. Also, there are body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors with side turn indicators. On the other hand, it has many styling elements in the rear end like a curvy boot lid embossed with variant badging, bright tail light cluster and a windscreen with wash and wipe function. Other attributes like a high mount stop lamp, couple of fog lamps and a defogger completes its rear end.

Interiors:

This variant has beautifully decorated interiors, which is packed with many sophisticated features. In the cockpit, there are advanced equipments incorporated like a 3-spoke steering wheel, instrument panel, glove box and air vents as well. There are well cushioned seats incorporated, which come with headrests. These are covered with fine quality 'Ivory' fabric upholstery. A few utility based aspects are also on the offer like cup and bottle holders, interior card holder, front seat map pockets, power socket, and so on. The look of its insides are further improved by chrome accentuation on door handles, air vents, and gear shift selector. Besides these, the cabin also includes coat hooks, storage compartment under front center armrest, and pockets at the back of front seats.

Engine and Performance:

It is bestowed with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that has a total displacement capacity of 1498cc. It carries 4-cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This motor is coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission gear box. This can generate 103.5bhp power at 4400rpm along with 250Nm torque between 1500 to 2500rpm. It can return a maximum of 21.66 Kmpl on the highways and around 18.3 Kmpl within the city. It is integrated with a common rail fuel injection system. This trim can achieve a top speed of nearly 186 Kmph and accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph in nearly 12 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

In terms of suspension, its front axle has a McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer bar. Whereas the rear one is affixed with a compound link crank axle. It comes with a hydraulic dual diagonal vacuum assisted circuit braking system. Disc brakes are fitted to its front wheels with single floating caliper, while drum brakes are used for the rear ones. It is also accompanied by anti lock braking system along with dual rate brake assist. Meanwhile, it has a direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power steering column that helps in easy maneuverability.

Comfort Features:

It is available with several comfort features that makes the journey quite enjoyable. For the best in-car entertainment, it has a 2-DIN Skoda audio unit, whose controls are mounted on the steering wheel. It also supports USB port, and auxiliary input for portable media players. A manual air conditioning unit is installed that comes along with dust and pollen filter. There are all four power windows including one touch automatic operation with bounce back system. In addition to all these, it also comes with rear spot lamps, sunvisors with vanity mirrors on co-passenger side, multifunction display, remote control release of boot lid, tilt adjustable steering wheel and many others.

Safety Features:

In terms of safety, it has child proof locks on rear doors, engine immobilizer, rough road package, dual front airbags, ABS and anti-glare interior rear view mirror. Besides these, the list also includes door open indicator, dual tone warning horn, central locking and unlocking of doors, and emergency triangle in the luggage compartment.

Pros:

1. Exteriors are quite appealing.

2. Safety standards are up to the mark.

Cons:

1. Mileage needs to improve.

2. Cost of maintenance is high.