Should You Pick Up The Skoda Rapid Rider Plus Over A Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Aura Or Honda’s Amaze?

The Skoda Rapid Rider Plus offers incredible value for money with its feature list and attractive Rs 7.99 lakh ex-showroom price tag. In fact, it’s priced at par with most of the top-spec sub-4 metre sedans. Moreover, there’s an even lower-spec Rider variant that misses out on a few features compared to the Plus -- and it is priced Rs 50,000 less! This variant is certainly the most popular one in the Rapid’s lineup and its waiting period stretches till October. Skoda is right now giving an opportunity to buyers to upgrade to the Rider Plus. 

This got our heads scratching with the idea: ‘Do you really need a sub-4 metre sedan when you can get a bigger compact sedan?’ To answer that question, we pitch the Rapid Rider Plus with the top three sub-4 metre sedans: the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and the Hyundai Aura. Let the game begin. 

First, the Price: 

Note: Since the Rapid is offered in petrol MT guise, we have pitched it against the petrol manual sub 4-metre sedans only

Yes, the Skoda Rapid Rider Plus undercuts the Dzire and Aura while it's priced at par with the top-spec Honda Amaze. Some of you might be thinking that this might not be a fair comparison as the Rapid Rider Plus is from a segment above.  

But let us explain why you should consider Rapid Rider Plus over these sub-4 metre sedans. Grab some popcorn and swipe down.

The Rapid Is Bigger!

The widest car in this test is the Maruti Suzuki Dzire while the tallest car here is the Hyundai Aura. A shoutout must be given to the Honda Amaze, which manages to pack a large 420 litre boot despite measuring under four metres. 

Not Exactly Base-spec… 

The Rapid Rider Plus comes with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, keyless entry and power windows on all corners. All of these features are found in the sub-4 metre sedans featured here as well.  

However, the Rapid Rider Plus, being a base-spec variant, misses out on niceties like push button start, cruise control, steering-mounted audio controls, alloy wheels and even a multi-info display. These are offered in the Dzire, Amaze and the Aura.  

But hey, we aren’t complaining as the base-spec Rapid comes equipped with most of the features one would ever need. Height adjustable driver’s seat and a multi-info display would have completed the package though.

Safe Enough

All cars here get the bases covered with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. This being a base-spec Rapid, it misses out on a rear parking camera and ISOFIX mounts, both of which are offered in the other cars. Only the AMT variants of the Dzire come with electronic stability control. 

The Most Powerful Here!

The Skoda Rapid is the most powerful car in this test. This fact could seal the deal for enthusiasts. Read how it performs in our Skoda Rapid first-drive review. The only car that comes close to the Rapid in terms of power and torque is the Hyundai Aura Turbo.  

That said, you might be put away with the fact that the Rapid is offered with a manual transmission only for now. It remains to be seen if the upcoming 6-speed torque converter gearbox will be offered in the Rapid Rider Plus. The Dzire and Aura NA petrol comes with an AMT while the Amaze is offered with a CVT.   

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Rapid isn’t the most fuel efficient here though it manages to better the Amaze’s claimed efficiency by a smidge. Unsurprisingly, the Dzire is the most fuel efficient car in this test. 

Verdict:

Sure, the Rapid Rider Plus has some downsides in this test:

• It might not be capable of carrying five occupants due to its narrow width and high centre tunnel.

• Some essential features found in its sub-4 metre rivals are missing. 

• It’s a decade-old model and the interior design is downright dated. 

• Skoda’s after-sales and service network is not as vast as the other three.

But as a package, the Rapid Rider Plus feels complete, especially when you value its aggressive Rs 7.99 lakh price tag. Here are some positives:

• As a four seater, it’s a much more spacious and comfortable car. 

• Comes equipped with all the essentials one would ever need. You can use the spare money to add on extra features. 

• The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is brilliant. It loves to be revved hard and is a strong performer. 

• The design is nicely executed and it looks like a proper 3-box sedan when compared to these sub-4 metre sedans. 

The Rapid Rider Plus, though aged, makes a good case for those who are ready to trade in some niceties for a bigger car with better road presence. It’s also more solidly built and has decent performance onboard. Do you agree with us on our verdict? Let us know your views in the comments below.