Skoda Rapid Overview

Isn’t it nice to see how some automobile companies are getting technologies from high-end car models and planting these into sub-R10 lakh models? Last year we saw a few such cars and, of these, two were from Volkswagen—Polo GT TSI and Vento TSI. Both these models were powered by Volkswagen’s TSI engines—which are compact, powerful and use less fuel when compared to bigger, normally-aspirated engines—and both these models were equipped with the company’s direct-shift gearbox, called the DSG.

But then if Volkswagen gives its cars such technologies, can Skoda be far behind? After all, both are siblings. Last month Skoda launched its new Rapid, powered by the new 1.5 TDI engine and, of course, the DSG gearbox.

First, what is a DSG gearbox? It is a direct-shift gearbox which houses two clutches with two drive shafts. Clutch 1 engages 1st, 3rd, 5th and reverse gears, while clutch 2 engages 2nd, 4th and 6th gears. When a gear change is made, the next gear is already pre-selected but not yet engaged. It takes just three to four hundredths of a second for one clutch to engage while the other is released. The gear change is not noticeable to the driver and is achieved without any interruption in the power flow.

Skoda Rapid Style

The Skoda Rapid 2017 exterior flaunts modern crystalline styling, adorning the Czech Republic-based automaker’s signature design language. The designing cues have been borrowed from the Euro-spec Rapid and Fabia hatch. The new quartz-cut halogen projector lens headlights with chrome eye lashes, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and manual levelling function are the biggest highlight of the striking front fascia. They are flanked by a refreshed bumper, signature chrome grille and angular lines on the bonnet.

The side profile remains the same, while the rear end gets new C-shaped smoked tail-lamp cluster. The overall appearance is further accentuated by the inclusion of chrome molding on the deck lid and chrome-finished door handles. The Skoda Rapid 2017 colour schemes include Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Carbon Steel, Silk Blue and Flash Red.

Skoda Rapid Space

Inside the cabin is where the car will remind you of the Volkswagen Vento but with its own set of upgrades and tweaks. On the tech side the updated Rapid now gets cruise control, automatic headlamps and rain sensing wipers. You also get the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the top of the line variant, which is equipped with a MirrorLink feature, which allows you to transform your smartphone on to the screen.

Apart from that you also get the standard AUX, USB and Bluetooth connectivity options. The Rapid also gets ABS and dual front airbags as a standard safety feature on all variants. The rear seat of the car offers good space and enough leg-room for a comfortable journey even on curvy roads and long distance journeys however we felt the suspension of the car to be a bit on the hard size and not the best in the segment.

Skoda Rapid Gearbox

While the Rapid also gets the 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine, we drove the new 1.5-litre TDI diesel equipped with the DSG. (Both engines produce a maximum power of about 105 bhp.) First, the NVH levels are so good that once you shut the doors of the car, the diesel engine clatter almost disappears. The best thing about the new engine is its turbocharger—as soon as the engine reaches 1800-2000rpm, the turbocharger kicks in and provides a massive boost to the car. In fact, the effect is such that you feel everything around you is being fast-forwarded. The DSG, expectedly, shifts gears at the speed of thought.Check for Skoda Rapid price in Hyderabad at Tryaldrive.

While driving the Rapid within city limits is quite convenient—it’s got a tight turning radius and ample ground clearance—it is on the highway that the car shows what it is capable of. Find a smooth road, shift into the Sport mode, floor the accelerator, and the Rapid will leave many other mid-size sedans behind. It’s not that this performance comes at the cost of fuel-efficiency. The claimed mileage of the Rapid diesel is 21.14 kmpl for the manual and 21.66 kmpl for the DSG. On the Delhi-Chandigarh highway, we put the Rapid on cruise control (set at 90 kmph) for about a 100 km and we got a mileage of 20.5 kmpl. (The claimed mileage of the Rapid petrol is 15 kmpl.) However, the DSG Rapid doesn’t get paddle shifts, which could have appealed to the enthusiasts.

Skoda Rapid Driving

The Skoda Rapid 2017 is a decent performer on the highways as well as narrow city roads. It sails effortlessly at high speed. The diesel automatic, particularly, is a delight to drive. It sprints to the 100 kmph mark from standstill in just 12 seconds, which is a rather good feat, considering the segment. The handling is fairly good due to the light steering wheel, which responds instantly to the driver’s fingertips.

Skoda Rapid Safety

The new Skoda Rapid gets disc brakes with inner cooling, with single/piston floating caliper at the front, while drum brakes are at the helm of affairs at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and dual airbags are offered as standard safety features across the entire variant lineup. In addition, several sophsticated safety features, such as Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Control, Parktonic Rear Parking Sensors, automatically-dimming rear view mirror, etc., are on offer with the top-end grades.To know more details on Skoda Rapid check Icps2016

Skoda Rapid Cost in Hyderabad

Skoda Rapid On Road Price is 9,57,878/- and Ex-showroom Price is 7,99,599/- in Hyderabad. Skoda Rapid comes in 1 colours, namely Candy White. Skoda Rapid comes with FWD with 1598 CC Displacement and 4 Cylinders with Maximum Power 103 bhp@5200-5250 rpm and Peak Torque 153 Nm@3750-3800 rpm DRIVE TRAIN FWD and reaches 100 KMPH at N/A . Skoda Rapid comes with Manual Transmission with FWD .

Skoda Rapid Final Thought

Skoda has been making decent cars right from the beginning, and Rapid has been one of the company’s best-seller in India due to its exquisite appearance, premium cabin and power-packed performance. The Skoda Rapid 2017 price is also aggressive, with a lot more features added. However, the company needs to work heavily on the after-sale department as it is where Skoda is crippled. The non-availability and expensiveness of spare parts is a major issue that Skoda needs to address as early as possible, if it intends to consolidate its position in the Indian market and retail higher volumes.