Skoda Auto India has officially rolled out the refurbished version of its sedan model, Rapid in the country's automobile market. There are several variants available in this series among which, Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Elegance Black Package is an exclusive variant. This trim is equipped with a new 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine, which is mated with an advanced 7-speed DSG automatic transmission gearbox. This trim is bestowed with a specially designed black package, which gives it a sporty appeal. It has several styling aspects like black finished front fog lamps, ORVM caps, projector headlamps and 'Bold' 15 inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, its roof gets a high gloss black finish, which further emphasizes its stylish appeal. This trim is now incorporated with a cruise control system, which is the only update given to the comfort features. It retains all other aspects like Climatronic automatic AC unit, parktronic sensors at rear and an advanced multi-functional display. The car maker has also incorporated crucial safety features like airbags, engine immobilizer with floating code system and security code for audio player. It is offered with a standard 2-year or unlimited kilometers warranty along with 3-years warranty for its paint work. This refurbished sedan will compete with the likes of Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Nissan Sunny in the Indian car bazaar.
Exteriors:
This variant has a stunning external appearance, as it is decorated with 'Black Package' features. Its front facade has a large headlight cluster with black finish and is powered by halogen projector headlamps and turn indicators. The radiator grille has a signature design and is garnished with high-gloss black finish. The front body colored bumper has a wide air dam and a pair of fog lights, which have black inserts. Its elegant front profile is further complimented by the company's insignia embedded on to the grille. The side profile has a sporty appeal owing to its 'Bold' 15-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres. Its external wing mirrors, B pillars and window frames are garnished in black. Furthermore, it also has stylish body decals, which enhances its elegance. Its rear profile has a large tailgate with triangular design. It is flanked by stylish taillight cluster with C-contoured design. The rear windscreen is quite large and is integrated with a defogger along with a third brake light. This sedan has a total length of 4386mm and a decent width of 1699mm. Its height measures at 1466mm, whereas its wheelbase is quite long with 2552mm.
Interiors:
This Skoda Rapid 1.5 AT Elegance Black Package trim gets a minor tweak in the form of refined dual tone color scheme. In addition to this, there are a lot of chrome inserts given on AC vents, steering wheel, front central console and inside door handles. Its dual tone dashboard has a trendy center fascia with black finish and is equipped with an AC unit, music system and ergonomically positioned control switches. This latest trim is now incorporated with a new three spoke steering wheel, which is decorated with chrome inserts and company's badge. In addition to this, it is wrapped with leather upholstery and incorporated with multi-functional switches. The seats are ergonomically designed, which provides excellent support to the occupants. All the seats have adjustable headrests and are covered with good quality fabric upholstery. This sedan has several necessary features like dual front sun visors, illuminated vanity mirror, inside rear view mirror, drink holders, glove box and a sunglass holder.
Engine and Performance:
This latest variant is powered by a new 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine, which has a displacement capacity of 1498cc. This In-line motor is integrated with liquid cooling system and high pressure direct injection technology. It comprises of 4-cylinders, 16-valves and a turbocharger, which belts out a maximum power of 103.56bhp at 4400rpm and yields a commanding torque output of 250Nm between just 1500 to 2500rpm. This power plant is mated with an advanced 7-speed DSG automatic transmission gearbox that allows the front wheels to extract torque output. The car maker claims that the vehicle can deliver a maximum mileage of 21.66 Kmpl, which is rather impressive.
Braking and Handling:
This sedan is blessed with a proficient hydraulic dual-diagonal circuit vacuum assisted braking system. Its front wheels are fitted with disc brakes, which are loaded with single floating caliper. While the rear wheels are paired with conventional drum brakes. It is further incorporated with anti lock braking system and dual rate brake assist function, which collaborates with electronic stability control to improve braking mechanism. The car maker has coupled its front axle with McPherson strut along with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizers. At the same time, its rear axle is fitted with compound link crank-axle system, which helps this sedan to deal with shocks caused on roads. It is also integrated with an electro mechanic power assisted steering system based on direct rack and pinion mechanism, which provides superior response.
Comfort Features:
This Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT Elegance Black Package is a top end variant, which is fully loaded with advanced comfort features. The list of aspects include height adjustable driver's seat, front and rear center armrest, adjustable steering wheel and an advanced Climatronic automatic air conditioning system with two rear AC vents. It also has features like electrically adjustable outside mirrors, power windows with one touch operation, front co-passenger seat adjustment from rear and remote control release of boot lid. This top end trim is also integrated with a cruise control system, which further adds to the drive comfort. Furthermore, it is equipped with a 2-DIN Skoda audio player featuring a large format display and connectivity ports for USB and AUX-In devices.
Safety Features:
The automaker has equipped several advanced safety features like halogen projector headlights with manual leveling, high level LED third brake light, front fog lights and anti-glare internal rear view mirror. Furthermore, it also has ABS with dual rate brake assist system, electronic stability control, parktronic sensors at rear, air bags for front passengers, height adjustable three point seat belts and engine immobilizer with floating code. In addition to these, it has automatic locking of doors on overrun speed , remote control operation for closing and opening of doors, door open indicator and child proof locks.
Pros:
1. 'Black Package' gives a sophisticated look to the exteriors.
2. New TDI diesel engine performance is remarkable.
Cons:
1. Cost of ownership and maintenance is quite high.
2. There is still scope to improve interior design.
