സ്കോഡ റാപിഡ് 2014-2016 1.5 TDI Ambition With Alloy Wheel

Skoda is a popular car maker, based in the Czech republic. It has a reasonably good market hold in India, and one of the popular models that it has released for the Indian market is the Rapid. This is a vehicle belonging to the sub-compact segment, and it was produced exclusively for the Indian market by the Indian subsidiary of the brand. Released in 2011, the model is available in a line of variants, and one among them is the Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Ambition With Alloy Wheels. This trim comes with a strong list of features within and good exterior detailing as well. It is armed with a 1.5-litre TDI oil burner. Coming to the exterior facet of the car, it has a slender and agile build that boosts its appeal. It comes with a range of strong detailing elements such as chrome highlights, and all of this together add to its visual splendour.

Exteriors:

Besides having quality body detailing, it has a graceful and streamlined shape that both adds to its appeal and enhances performance. At the front, it has a striking radiator grille that has the emblem of the company adorned atop it. The chrome surround on the grille adds a stylish touch to it, along with the chrome trim. By either sides, the headlamps are of bold design, and they come with halogen lights with manual levelling for optimum visibility. The wide air intake at the bottom allows cooling to the drive-train, and also adds to the aggressive look of the front. There are fog lamps on either side of this to further aid the cause of road visibility. The bumper is body coloured, giving the vehicle a more synchronised presence. The side profile is improved with the presence of 15 inch steel wheels that come with full wheel covers. The well sculpted body includes clean door handles that are body coloured. Besides this, there are body coloured external mirrors to further elevate the vehicle's graceful appearance. Coming to the rear of the vehicle, there are wide tail lamps that are complete with rear fog lamps for maximised safety characteristics. The emblem of the company is present at the back as well. The bumper at the back is body coloured as well.

Interiors:

The cabin hosts a fine Ivory interior, which includes dual tone Mocca/Ivory front dashboard and door panels, a Mocca centre console. Furthermore, the seats are covered in attractive Ivory upholstery for the best environment to go along with the drive. There are headrests for all of the seats, providing support to the passengers' heads and necks through the course of the drive. The steering wheel is of eye catching design, and it is leather wrapped for the best feel for the driver throughout and the chrome trim on it further adds value to the interiors. Besides this, the hand brake lever and the gear shift selector are also leather wrapped, presenting a more refined interior environment. The cabin also offers storage compartments in the front and rear doors. There are bottle holders in the front doors, and cup holders at the front and the rear. There is a storage compartment in the front centre console, as well as under the front centre armrest. Further, there are storage pockets on the backrests of the seats.

Engine and Performance:

The vehicle is equipped with a 1.5-litre TDI CR mill that is driven under diesel. The power-plant is turbocharged and present with liquid cooling system. It has four cylinders and 16 valves incorporated through the DOHC configuration. The fuel supply system for the motor is a high-pressure direct injection system. The drive-train displaces 1498cc. Also, it generates a power of 104bhp at 4400rpm, along with a peak torque of 250Nm at 1500 to 2500rpm. This power plant is paired with a manual 5-speed fully synchronized transmission for smooth shifting. Coming to the fuel efficiency offered by the motor, it has a mileage value of 21.14kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

It has a hydraulic dual-diagonal circuit braking system that is vacuum assisted for optimum control characteristics. At the front, there are disc brakes with inner cooling, along with single/piston floating caliper. Meanwhile, drum brakes arm the rear section. Coming to the suspension arrangement, the front axle of the chassis is gifted with a McPherson system, that comes along with lower triangular links and a torsion stabiliser for sound handling quality. Meanwhile, the rear axle is equipped with a compound link crack axle, which reduces drive anomalies and promotes a comfortable and well handled drive.

Comfort Features:

The cabin provides a range of comfort and convenience features, along with a strong entertainment system for the benefit of the passengers. A 2-DIN Skoda audio player offers entertainment for the passengers. A large format display is present along with this, giving added entertainment value. There are speakers at the front and rear, giving a good sound quality for the passengers' musical experience. Furthermore, a USB and Auxi-In feature allow for connecting external devices. An advanced infotainment system is present for the benefit of the driver, and it presents information regarding the travelling time, distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption, outside temperature and has a clock for time display. All of this is provided through a multi function display for the most quality experience possible. The cabin also provides a reading centre lamp at the front, as well as reading spot lamps at the rear. The centre console contains a 12V charging socket, which allows for charging devices within the car.

Safety Features:

Firstly, there are airbags for the driver and the front passenger, providing them with shielding in case of a collision. For added safety, there are height adjustable head restraints at the front and rear. Further safety is provided with the powerful headlamps, along with a high level LED third brake light that helps to minimise chances of mishaps. The anti lock braking system adds to the control quality when braking, and this comes along with a dual rate brake assist for optimum safety. The electronic stability control program is present for the vehicle under the diesel automatic transmission, and this improves the vehicle's handling and control even further. A dual tone warning horn is present for preventing hazards when driving.

Pros:

1. Strong external design.

2. Good range of comfort and convenience functions.

Cons:

1. The performance could be improved.

2. Its price could mar buyers.