Skoda, a brand under the shadow of Volkswagen AG is expanding at a good pace with a positive attention from consumers all around. A recent launch has been made in India in the sedan class, called Skoda Rapid. The car is a brand new launch focusing in the Indian market penetration in the small sedan segment. Skoda is already assumed to be a quality brand in India and Rapid is sure to gain a good presence soon. The price segment is kept very competitive as the rivals are also paying a great attention to this segment. The likelihood for this segment is growing in India and hence focusing to here means more presence.

 Skoda Rapid

Engine

Skoda has kept the series short and sweet and has introduced just two variations of engine, one in petrol and one in diesel. The petrol variant is a 1.6L MPI engine outputting 77bhp of max power and is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. Automatic transmission is also available in the petrol version. The diesel unit is 1.6L CRDi turbocharged engine which is mated to just 5-speed manual gearbox and there is no option for automatic transmission. This engine also churns out 77bhp, same as the petrol unit. However, the diesel unit has much better acceleration as turbo-charging allows better torque.

For the guys who have concern for fuel economy should opt for the diesel variant as the average fuel consumption return to be around 15kmpl whereas the petrol variant returns around 13kmpl for manual and 11kmpl for automatic transmission. The top speed claims are around 185kmph for all models.

 

Interiors

The brand is named for its elegance and luxury in cars. The interiors are welcoming and decently made to give pure comfort inside. There is no show off or things that might make you flow in excitement. You just sit inside comfortably and drive with pleasure. Even the base trim will not get you any audio system and in such a class of car, it’s not the good thing. Other features like central locking, rear defogger, power windows are present as standard. Few features like power ORVMs, 2-Din audio system come up in the high end models. Steering mounted controls, USB audio and parking sensors are some things that lack in this class and make the overall impression weak. Steering mounted controls are getting like trends in all class of cars; USB audio is a needed thing and is now used extensively; parking sensors are a useful thing to avoid unwanted scratches and dents.

Skoda Rapid Interiors

Overall, the interiors are good but not great that can impress everyone and Skoda would have to update them.

 

Exteriors

 Skoda Rapid Rear

The first appearance of Skoda Rapid would give you a muscular glance. The whole body is given an elegant shape and embossing simplicity. Its rivals like Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Ford Fiesta offer dynamic styling and this car has now a distinct styling between them. The long bonnet gives the presence of sheer luxury and agile performance on road.

The whole appearance gives the Rapid a shabby look that can stay tough for long. The body features of this car are strong and Skoda doesn’t compromises on quality of things used. So, if you are seeking simplicity in sedan class, this car is the correct option.

 

What to like in Skoda Rapid

 

-          Build Quality.

-          Engine Performance.

-          Simplicity.

-          The Skoda Badge

 

What not to like in Skoda Rapid

-          No USB audio.

-          No Steering Mounted Controls

-          No Parking Sensors

 

Pricing

 

The price is kept quite competitive and the base model can be bought at just RS.6.75 lacs which is worth for the sedan class. This car will cover the gap between Skoda Fabia and Octavia and will compete with the most aggressive segment of cars with Verna, Vento, City and Fiesta.