INTRODUCTION:
This is the Monte Carlo edition variant (top spec), basically sporty version only exterior and interior changes, but only cosmetics. The Rapid gets a 1.0 litre TSI engine BS6 compliant. There is no change with the design of the vehicle since its launch back in 2011, which is too dated design updated with only cosmetic changes. We need the New Generation in India. For now let’s talk about the current one.
FEATURES:
Auto Headlamps with LED Daytime running, Auto Wipers, Auto inside rear view mirror, new 8.0-inch touchscreen, Auto climate control, Driver seat height adjust, reach and rage adjustable steering wheel, Cruise Control, power folding wing mirrors, boot lid open via remote, Footwell lighting, Window operation via remote, Cooled glovebox.
SAFETY – dual airbags in all variants, but in Style variant you get 4 airbags, i don’t know why Skoda has done like this. ABS, traction control and rear parking sensors with camera with no adaptive guidelines unfortunately.
COMFORT AND SPACE:
The rear of the cabin of the rapid remains the same, the seats are comfortable, knee room and legroom are decent enough, head-room is also adequate enough and under-thigh support is also good. There are removable sunblinds but the rear sunblind is missing, which offered by verna in the segment. There rear Aircon vents with 12V charging socat, but the USB point has more utility which is missing.Rapid has a fuel tank capacity of 55 liters which means the range is good enough.
PERFORMANCE:
The Rapid 2020 is powered by 1.0 TSI state of the art engine by VW group, produces 110 bhp of power @ 5000-5500 RPM and 175 Nm of torque @1750-4000 RPM which is massive torque band, this is the turbo-charged engine which means the lag has to be there and it is, there is lag lower down below 1750 RPM, but when the turbo sings his song my goodness the way it pulls is just nothing short of sensational. The mid-range is very punchy. This engine is paired with 6 speed manual Gearbox, this unit offers sleek shifts and the clutch is also very well calibrated.The refinement and NVH levels are good from this 3 cylinder engine, it’s just that past the low-end its is noisier. The fuel efficiency is good keeping in mind the turbo charged engine, in city you will get around 8-10 kmpl and on highway you can stretch to 13- 14 kmpl . The build quality is by far the best in the segment . Mechanically Rapid is a great car.
RIDE AND HANDLING BALANCE:
The ride quality is on the frimmer side which means you can much inside the cabin on bad roads and sharp bumps , but as soon as you gather pace the ride gets better and better. The steering is the flat bottom with beautiful leather stitching gives premium appeal and sporty look, but this steering is not that responsive, it does not give that connect which you want, gives good feedback and that last minute confidence is lacking. The small engine gives less weight, at the front it feels less noise heavy, the body-roll is well contained.
PRICING:
Rider (base) – 8.75 lakhs, Ambition – 11.6 lakhs, Onyx – 12.01lakhs, Style – 13.52 lakhs Monte Carlo – 13.86 lakhs. All the prices are on-road Mumbai
OVERVIEW :
The rapid is mechanically is a great package, but lacks in many aspects like features, design, sales and services network etc, but excels in quality interiors and ragade built quality.
CONCLUSION:
The person who wants a mid sized sedan with great built quality, matured ride quality, mechanically strong and quality interiors should go for Rapid.
Car blogs and reviews 