സ്കോഡ റാപിഡ് 2014-2016 1.5 TDI Elegance Black Package

The facelifted version of Rapid sedan is launched in the car market with both petrol and diesel engine options. It is available in several trim levels, of which, Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Elegance Black Package is the top end trim in its model line up. The exteriors are designed with stylish Black roof, body graphics and black garnished external rear view mirrors. Apart from these additional features, it has an updated radiator grille with a lot of chrome treatment, a revamped bumper and headlight cluster. The internal section also gets a few additional features, which includes a wood finished dashboard and center console, navigation device and textile mats. It is also equipped with a new flat bottomed steering wheel and a refurbished center console. Other features include cruise control, rear parking sensors and an advanced music system with a unique iOS5 and Android based phone application for back seat occupants. It is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 103.5bhp and 250Nm. It is mated with a new five speed fully synchronized manual transmission gear box. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which helps in keeping the vehicle well balanced and stable at all times. This sedan will compete against the likes of Ford Fiesta, Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and others in this segment. This sedan has a standard warranty of two years or unlimited Kilometers that can be extended further at an additional cost.

Exteriors:

The manufacturer has given this newly launched sedan an aerodynamic body structure, which is fitted with a lot of striking features. At present, this sedan is available in several exterior paint options, which include Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Deep Black Pearl, Flash Red and a new Toffee Brown metallic finish. To start with the frontage, it is designed with a chrome surround radiator grille that is flanked by a radiant headlight cluster. This grille is embedded with a prominent company logo in the center. The modified front bumper houses a large air intake section and it is surrounded by a a pair of fog lamps. The large windscreen is made of tinted glass and integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. Its rear end has a body colored bumper, which is fitted with a couple of fog lamps. The windscreen has a defogger along with wash and wipe function. It is also fitted with a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. It has a luminous tail light cluster and a curvy boot lid, which is embossed with chrome treated variant badging. The side profile is neatly designed with a few visible character lines, stylish black body graphics and black colored door handles as well. The outside rear view mirrors are electrically foldable and fitted with side turn indicator. The pronounced wheel arches are equipped with a brand new set of black painted 15-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. Its overall dimensions are quite decent with a large wheelbase of 2552mm. Its minimum ground clearance is about 168mm. The overall length, width and height are 4386mm, 1699mm and 1466mm respectively.

Interiors:

The dual tone internal cabin of this Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Elegance Black Package variant has a wood finished dashboard, which is equipped with a few aspects like a new flat bottom steering wheel, an advanced instrument cluster, a large glove box and silver accentuated AC vents. It has an advanced multi-functional display that houses traveling time, distance traveled, average speed, immediate consumption, average consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval reminder and outside temperature display. It is incorporated with well cushioned that offers ample leg space for all occupants. All seats are integrated with adjustable head restraints and covered with premium Ivory fabric upholstery. The driver seat comes with height adjustable function. Then it also has foldable rear seat, which helps in increasing the boot space. Apart from these, it also has various utility based aspects including coat hook on rear roof handles and B-pillars, bottle holders and front doors, front and rear cup holders with flip frames, storage compartment in front center console and a 460 litre boot compartment.

Engine and Performance:

This high end variant is incorporated with a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine that has the ability to displace 1498cc. It carries 4-cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It is integrated with a common rail fuel injection system and skillfully paired with an five speed manual transmission gear box. This motor can churn out a maximum power of 104bhp at 4400rpm and at the same time, yields a peak torque output of 250Nm in the range of 1500 to 2500rpm. This vehicle is capable of returning a maximum mileage of 21.14 Kmpl on highways, which comes down to 17 Kmpl within the city. It can break the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in nearly 11.5 to 12 seconds, which is rather good and attains a top speed of about 180 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

This vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic dual diagonal vacuum assisted circuit braking system that is assisted by anti-lock braking system along with dual brake assist function. There are a set of disc brakes fitted to its front wheels with a single floating caliper and drum brakes are used for the rear ones. On the other hand, its front axle has a McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer, while rear one gets a compound link crank axle type of mechanism. This SUV has a direct rack and pinion based electro mechanic power steering system. It is highly responsive and minimizes the efforts of driver even during heavy traffic conditions. Moreover, it has tilt adjustment function and supports a minimum turning radius of 10.6 meters.

Comfort Features:

The automaker has bestowed this Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI Elegance Black Package trim with numerous comfort aspects that makes the journey quite enjoyable. All its seats have center armrest, while there is height adjustment facility available for driver's seat. For in-car entertainment, it has an advanced SKODA 2-DIN audio unit with a large format display. It supports USB interface, Aux-in, SD/MMC data card reader and Bluetooth connectivity as well. Another interesting aspects is the iOS5 and Android based phone application that is available for its rear seat occupants. The cabin is blessed with a climatronic air conditioning unit with electronic regulation of cabin temperature. It has all four power windows with one touch automatic operation and bounce back system. The tilt adjustable steering wheel is mounted with call, audio as well as cruise control switches. The front passenger seat can be adjusted from rear, while it has electrically adjustable external mirrors. This variant also includes a multi function display that features travel distance before refueling, average consumption, distance traveled, immediate consumption and outside temperature. In addition to these, it includes dust and pollen filter, tinted windows, cruise control, GSM telephone preparation with Bluetooth and a remote control release of boot lid.

Safety Features:

This stunning variant has a number of protective aspects that ensures security of its occupants. Some of these include a rough road package, dual tone warning horn, door open indicator, rear parktronic sensor, defogger with timer and a high level LED third brake light. It has anti-lock braking system that avoids skidding of vehicle during sudden braking. The dual front airbags deploys instantly and offers protection in the event of collision. All the seats have height adjustable head restraints along with three point seat belts and a center lap belt at rear. There are child safety locks available for rear windows and doors as well. The engine immobilization with floating code system avoids unauthorized entry into the vehicle. There is security code for its advanced audio unit, while it has central locking and unlocking of doors as well as boot lid. Other aspects like acoustic warning signal for overrun speed, fuel supply cut-off in a crash, emergency triangle in the luggage compartment, anti-glare interior rear view mirror further adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Roomy cabin with several comfort aspects.
2. Suspension system is quite proficient

Cons:

1. Low ground clearance is a minus point.

2. Cost of maintenance is high.