Comfort with punch

The new Skoda Rapid packs a lot of features and gets the right mix of performance and comfort. The striking DRLs and projector headlamps add to the sedan’s contemporary look, which is both sporty and elegant. 

At the heart of the Rapid is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel mill that puts out 108 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. Peak power on the diesel TDI variant, which I drove, comes in at 4,000 rpm, while peak torque can be achieved as low as 1,500 rpm going up to 2,500 rpm. With 250 Nm of torque available low in the rev band, the Rapid is capable of lunging forward effortlessly and sustaining the surge, making it a punchy and thrilling drive. The engine revs freely up to 5,000 rpm after which not much is on offer. 

The manual version of the Rapid is available with a five-speed gearbox. The sedan is quick through the first three gears but the fourth and fifth gears have much taller ratios that can really be stretched on open patches of highways. 

Aside from the punchy motor and racy performance, the Rapid also delivers superb levels of fuel efficiency. The diesel TDI manual variant is capable of returning 21.13 km to a litre of fuel and can deliver anywhere between 15 kmpl and 17 kmpl in city traffic. The gear shifts feel smooth and crisp, with short throws. The Rapid TDI is also offered with the famed DSG 7-Speed gearbox that performs well in almost all driving conditions.

The suspension is a little taut giving the occupants a sturdy and comfortable ride. The sedan glides over most bad roads and bumps, but bigger undulations can toss those sitting inside a fair extent. The steering is an electromechanical system that feels firm and is steady to hold. It has been weighted well and is precise to driver inputs. The steering can be adjusted for rake and reach. The Rapid gets a spacious boot capable of holding 460 litre of cargo. The sedan has a fuel tank capacity of 55 litre, giving it a range of more than 900 km on a single tank of diesel. 

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In terms of kit, the Rapid gets a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment setup with steering mounted controls and inputs for USB, AUX and Bluetooth. It also gets MirrorLink connectivity, automatic climate control, electrically foldable and retractable ORVMs, rear AC vents, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, remote boot lid release, cooled glovebox, front and rear arm rests along with plenty of storage spaces and cubby holes. The sedan also packs ample of driver aids such as front and rear fog lamps, anti-glare 

IRVM, timed rear defogger, ABS, Hill Hold Control (only in DSG variant), electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, height adjustable seat belts, speed sensing auto door locks and much more. 

While the side and rear profiles of the Skoda Rapid are reminiscent of the previous model, the car offers a rich and premium cabin, with ample seating space — both in the front and the rear.