When it comes to building a machine that lasts long, there are only a few that can match the Czech automaker, Skoda. Known for manufacturing vehicles that are built to last a “lifetime”, Skoda entered the C-Segment sedan race back in 2011 when it first launched the aggressive yet stylish Skoda Rapid. Nine years down the line, the Skoda Rapid has managed to carve section for itself and beat its cousin, the Volkswagen Vento, at the same time.
Staying true to the idea of delivering the best possible performance to consumers, Skoda has recently launched the Skoda Rapid BS6 TSI variant. In this article, we will look at what makes the Skoda Rapid, a vehicle worthy of competing with the likes of veterans such as the Hyundai Verna and Honda City
Exterior
People often say that the first impression is the last impression. And if that’s true, then the Skoda Rapid surely makes a good one. Designed with simplicity, elegance and a muscular stance, Skoda has truly built the Rapid to be a vehicle that is “Simply Clever”.
The wide ‘butterfly’ grille directly flanked by an angular headlamp cluster gives the Skoda Rapid a very distinctive and premium look. The headlamp features a projector setup with DRL LED lamps that shut down when the turn indicators are on, a feature mostly seen on the Audis. The bold, angular design of the Skoda Rapid fits very well with the aesthetics of the Skoda brand and appears as a smaller Skoda Octavia.
The rest of the Skoda Rapid is a bit more sedate but still very premium. The 5-spoke alloy wheels and ORVMs with integrated LED indicators give the Skoda Rapid an air of being more premium than it is. The smoked tail-lamps further add to the sophisticated charm of the Skoda Rapid. Some models of the Skoda Rapid also come with a contrasting black roof that gives it a more sporty look.
The newer Skoda Rapid models are more angular than the previous generations. However, what remains true for all models of the Skoda Rapid is that the premium aesthetic tends to age very well. This is especially good for those looking to buy a used Skoda Rapid as the exterior design won’t lose its premium charm as it ages.
Interior
Stepping inside the Skoda Rapid, the first thing you will notice is the dual-tone combination of ebony and beige, a combination that gives the car a very refreshing feel. The centre console is functionally laid out, offering easy accessibility for the driver. Newer models are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system while older models will be equipped with a monochrome display.
When it comes to comfort, you can be sure Skoda will deliver. Automatic climate control is present and rear passengers can take advantage of the dual rear adjustable AC vents. The height and length of the leather-wrapped steering are also adjustable telescopically while the mounted controls for calls, media and cruise control make your drive easy. To make your ride a comfortable and convenient journey, the Skoda Rapid also comes with rain-sensing wipers with automatic frequency adjustment and a cooled glove box that keeps your snacks fresh for the ride.
The interior space offers ample headroom and legroom, even for passengers over 6 feet. The overall premium quality and durable interiors make the Skoda Rapid an ideal car to own for many years. Even on used Skoda Rapid cars, you can expect to find the interiors to be as good as new, further adding value to considering a used Skoda Rapid.
Performance and Safety
Speaking of long-lasting cars, Skoda is known for equipping their vehicles with engines that can easily clock over 2 lakh kilometres. The Skoda Rapid is available with a 1.6-litre or a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine and a 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine. In terms of transmissions, you can expect to find a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The ARAI rated mileage for the petrol engine is 15.41 kmpl and 21.72 kmpl for the diesel engine.
Safety in a Skoda can be expected to be a high priority and the same is evident in the Skoda Rapid. Standard safety features on the Skoda Rapid include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and Electronic Stability Control. Higher variants are equipped with up to 4 airbags and an anti-theft system with interior monitoring.
Skoda’s engines have proven their longevity over the years. This fact alone makes considering a used Skoda Rapid an attractive choice for those looking for a powerful and reliable engine. The DSG automatic equipped on the Skoda Rapid further adds to the premium driving experience you can expect.
The Final Verdict
Skoda’s use of durable materials, a well-refined engine and reliable performance, has made the Skoda Rapid a choice of sedan enthusiasts. With prices, at par with veteran competitors, the Skoda Rapid makes a strong case for itself, especially for those customers who like to drive and appreciate a well-built product.
Showroom Pricing
Offered in 5 different variants and 6 different colours to choose from, the all new BS6-compliant Skoda Rapid is priced aggressively to match veteran segment leaders like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Vento. With a starting price of Rs. 7.49 lakhs going all the way up to Rs. 11.79 lakhs (ex-showroom) the Skoda Rapid is surely a promising sedan.
Pre-Owned Pricing
Owing to the huge popularity of the Czech Automaker, the Skoda Rapid can be easily purchased in the pre-owned vehicle market, with prices starting from Rs. 6 to 7 lakhs for the 2014-2016 models, while the newer 2017 variant can be purchased under a budget of Rs 10 lakhs.
Spinny Assured Used Skoda Rapid | |
DELHI-NCR | BANGALORE |
Prices Starting from ₹4.40 LAKHS | Prices Starting from ₹5.70 LAKHS |
Key Takeaways
Whether you buy a brand new or a pre-owned Skoda Rapid, Skoda’s top-notch styling and durable build will surely make your purchase worthwhile. To make owning a Skoda even better, Skoda offers a 4 year or 100000 kms warranty for the Skoda Rapid.
To summarize, the Skoda Rapid is a complete package that offers solid build quality, premium looks, high-quality interiors, fantastic ride coupled with a refined and efficient engine. The Skoda Rapid is quite appealing and contemporary which makes it a strong choice for those looking for premium mid-size sedan.
| CAR NAME | Engine Displacement(max) | Mileage | BHP | Peak Torque | Seats | Boot space | Standard safety features |
| Skoda Rapid | 999 cc | 18.97 KMPL | 110 PS | 175 nm | 5 | 460 litres | ABS, EBD, Airbags (2), central locking, child safety lock |
