Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI 7-speed DSG: Review

Skoda, like the recently launched Volkswagen Polo and the soon to be launched 2014 Vento gives a major mechanical update to the car than a facelift. The Rapid specifically gets very little in terms of fresher aesthetics. What Skoda wants to do is highlight the VW Group’s European technological supremacy. And so the company has equipped this Rapid with a 7-speed DSG gearbox mated to the new 1.5-litre diesel in a segment where carmakers besides Hyundai haven’t even thought of giving an automatic with the diesel engine for obvious pricing sensitivity. 

How does this update work? Let’s find out

Design and exterior styling

If you’d pass the new Rapid the next time you see a new one, there’s a very good chance that you will not notice anything different. The only faintly noticeable change in design is the new alloy wheels that, going with the mildest of mild facelifts theme, are five spoke, only with flatter arms compared to the previous chunkier design. The wheels though are standard 15 inchers compared to the smaller 14 inch wheels on lower variants prior to this update. 

Skoda is also offering a black package for the Rapid, which gives you black headlamps, fog lamps, grille, grille lip, mirrors and alloys. The blackened roof and stickers on the side are optional extras. It’s looks neat in bits but the headlamp cluster looks like a aftermarket fitment.

Rating: 3.5/5

Interior and space

The New Skoda Rapid can’t match up with its rivals on the interiors front. It sure is well built but it feels a bit low rent mainly because it doesn’t get a touchscreen system and leather seats. The new steering wheel seen in the Yeti and the Superb looks and feels nice to hold. They adjust for reach and rake which coupled with the height adjustable seat gives a good driving position. The rear fixed lever for the front seat slider makes for a fantastic feature. 

Rear seat space is adequate but not as spacious as Maruti Ciaz and Honda City. It’s got the smallest boot in its segment too at 460 litres.

Rating: 3/5

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Features and Equipment

Skoda is now offering cruise control on the Rapid, which isn’t much of a useful feature for India but it’s there now nonetheless. The dashboard has a card holder on it that’s a handy touch although could have been executed better. The Rapid gets rear parking sensors, climate control, auto up/down windows and a steering that adjusts for reach and rake. There’s no touchscreen or leather seats or a reverse parking camera and this lack of features could hit the Rapid hard. 

Rating: 3/5

Engine and performance

The 1.5-litre diesel engine which we first saw in the new Polo does duty in the new Skoda Rapid. It’s technically the same 1.6-litre engine with 2.5mm smaller valves and bore. A tweaked ECU means it develops 105PS at 4,400rpm in the Rapid and gets 250Nm of torque between 1,500-2,500rpm. While on paper the engine isn’t the most powerful, there’s ample power at most times to keep you from wanting for more. Mated to the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, the diesel engine has the potential to transform the segment, at least in terms of raising expectations of customers. 

The gearbox gets two modes – D and S where the S is is sports mode. In D, the shifts are easier, lower down the rev range and keeps you in the powerband at part throttle to maintain pace. But a sudden brisk overtake takes a slight lag, while the gearbox adjusts to the heavier foot. You can avoid this by slotting it in Sports mode or in the manual override. The shifter holds till the 5,000rpm redline and then upshifts to give you full control to exploit the engine’s limits. The 7-speed DSG is available in the mid-spec Ambition and top spec Elegance variant while the 5-speed manual comes in the base variant as well.   

Rating: 4/5

Ride and ease of driving

The surefooted nature of the Rapid stays with the update. It feels planted at high speeds due to a stiffer set up than its Asian rivals. That trades off low speed ride which isn’t as cosseting as its competitors, but it’s not too harsh. More confidence at triple digit speeds is comforting. The steering is precise and well weighted – light as slow speeds and exactly heavier as the speeds rise. As we’ve mentioned above, the view off the driver’s seat is fantastic and the driving position is just right due to the adjustable seats and the rake and reach adjustable steering. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Price and fuel efficiency

Expect the new Skoda Rapid to undercut its rivals when the car is launched on September 25. The Volkswagen Group is going to start localizing this engine soon so that finally gives Skoda a relief in terms of pricing. The relative lack of features and the localization of the engine will help Skoda price the Rapid more competitively. 

In  terms of efficiency, the diesel Rapid with the 7-speed DSG returns 21.66kmpl, marginally better than the manual variant (21.14kmpl). This is still far off the class leading efficiency of the Maruti Ciaz and Honda City but neither offer a automatic gearbox with mated to their diesel engine.

Rating: 4/5

Verdict

It’s quite simple actually… You buy a Rapid (or a Vento post the new car launch) if you want a hasslefree automatic with the efficiency of a diesel. You just don’t have a choice. The gearbox is smooth, the shifts are quick enough once you learn to work them and the engine has enough punch for a C-segment car. The Rapid is a good handler and makes for a mile muncher too, but what it does best is relieve you of considerable effort in long city commutes, that a diesel engine with a heavy clutch would otherwise completely wear you. It’s a very logical purchase for a commuter in a large city and for someone who will enjoy a highway run once in a while.  

Rating: 4/5