An outcome of a strategic badge engineering exercise between Volkswagen and Skoda back in 2011, the Rapid quickly established itself as a solid, practical midsize sedan that was nice to drive and came with quality interiors. But while the competition underwent generation changes that ensued over the years, the Rapid got a cosmetic makeover in 2016, which has been carried forward on this 2020 version as well. Still, the Rapid soldiered along, despite the competition, thanks to the ace up its sleeve – its strong diesel engine. Now, with new emission norms coming into play, the older petrol and diesel engines have made way for a leaner and a more modern 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a new 6-speed manual transmission (the sole configuration on offer); an automatic will join the range in a few months. How does this small engine perform in this midsize sedan? Can it match up to its competitors with large displacement engines? We put it through our full-blown test to find out.
Bearing minimal styling elements and an uncluttered design, the 2020 Rapid looks identical to the previous version, but it has aged so well, it still appears relatively fresh and modern. Like the exteriors, the interiors remain unchanged too, with a neat layout, boasting a solid build and some high quality materials. The minimalistic styling appears a bit drab compared to more modern rivals, but the black theme and red accents of this Monte Carlo variant livens things up a bit. The flat-bottomed steering wrapped in perforated leather looks racy and feels superb to hold. Other new inclusions are the seat upholstery and the 8.0-inch infotainment system, both of which look like aftermarket accessories (more on the infotainment’s functioning in a bit). Seat comfort is very good. The Rapid, however, isn’t as roomy as the Honda City or the Maruti Ciaz, and a third passenger at the rear will feel unwelcome due to the seat’s narrow width and large central tunnel; the latter isn’t a transmission tunnel, contrary to common perception, it is an element which adds torsional rigidity to the structure.
The top-spec Monte Carlo variant is equipped with a tilt and telescopic steering, auto headlamps and wipers, cruise control, 16-inch alloys, tinted windows, auto-dimming mirror, electric folding mirrors and a reversing camera. Skoda has added a new Android-based 8.0-inch touchscreen system loaded with multiple apps (usable via your smartphone’s Wi-Fi), and it also supports phone mirroring via a third-party app. While the resolution is crisp, the interface isn’t very slick or intuitive, and most users will miss the sheer simplicity of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both of which are conspicuously missing.
The lower-spec Style variant gets side airbags (missing on the Monte Carlo due to the seat covers it gets). Overall, the competition is better equipped with features like a sunroof, LED headlamps, wireless charging, cooled seats, ESP, side and curtain airbags and a tyre pressure monitor, all of which are missing from the Rapid’s list.
The Rapid has always been a fundamentally strong proposition, and this new engine only makes it better. Performance has significantly improved compared to the earlier 1.6-litre, and it still remains one of the nicer cars to drive in its class. It retains that solid, reassuring build, and the interior quality is second to none. At Rs 7.49 lakh (base Rider variant), Skoda is offering this mechanically sound, three-box sedan for the price of a premium hatchback, making this variant incredible value for money. However, the Rider trim aside, the Rapid’s value proposition fades away when you look at it in a broader light, amidst its competitors. Its city fuel economy is a bit low; it misses equipment like a sunroof, LED headlamps and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay; and the interior’s styling seems quite dated by modern standards.
But despite its flaws, the Rapid’s appeal lies in its simplicity and in the way it drives, and if you are willing to compromise on some features and a bit of modernity for a solid driving experience, the Skoda Rapid TSI is the car for you.
from Autocar India - Cars https://ift.tt/32QKtun
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