Rapid - Real Meaning you can feel when you drive

Exterior :

I bought 2016 MPI Style Plus Black Pack(Petrol) on Apr 2016. It is real Sedan When compare to other competitors. 

Projector Head lamp with black and New Black alloys really looks good compare with the regular alloy. Even if there is dust it is not visible. I feel the 2016 model they have increased ground clearance and reduced the mud pad size. 

 Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) : 

Cruise, Rain Sensing, Auto dimming side and rear view mirror, Foladable electrically side mirror needs to operate manually, bluetooth, pendrive, sd card and the speaker(i think it is kenwood). A/c, with in 2 to 3 mins it gets cool i mean rear seat also without sun film, Tinted glass, Three people can sit in rear. 1400 km in 2 days i drove 1400(Bangalore <-> Kanyakumari) kms in 2 days with 4 people no one gets tired. 

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Performance :

I am ford user and lover for more than 8 years and i used ikon 1.8 D and figo 2010 model. I used to drive 120 - 140 km speed average. I used to chase all type of vehicle but some times i dnt feel sturdiness in 150 - 160. I have tried this MPI engine from Madurai to Salem 160 km/hr non stop even in curve on bridges. The vehicle is going without any vibration or wobbles or shaking. I applied brake in that speed in few seconds it came to 40. 

Fuel Economy : 

                  My first tank filled in Shell. Trust me I drove 200km from Salem to Bangalore using cruise @ speed of 110 km i got 17 km/litre. From Salem again i filled tank with Xtra premium petrol and i travelled to tuticorn i got 13.5 km/l @ speed of 120 to 140 km/hr using cruise. So Economy is based on how you drive and based on Road condition. If you expect performance and power then you shouldnt see mileage. 

Gear Box : 

              I heard steering wheel has changed to Octavia one in 2016 model. Gear box and steering is very very smooth when i compare with ford and city. 

Ride Quality & Handling

                                 If you want smooth driving always then you have to maintain air pressure particularly in long drive. Maintain 30 - 33 not more or less than this value. 

 

Final Words

                I was very much interested in Creta. Due to high price tag i compromised(SUV look) but i got more features in Rapid then in creta. I feel i took correct decision. 

                Maintenance cost i feel if people buy more then automatically maintenance reduce. Because of more customer they get more business and they bring more service centers.

Also when i compare with ford diesel 4000 to 6000 i spent for every 10000 kms or 1year. Whereas for Rapid 7500 per year or 15000 kms. So if i compare with ford i am spending same. Spare parts i heard Skoda is costlier that other competitors but not sure. Going forward i will come to know.

I hope this review helps to most of the Users.

 

Areas of improvement  

                 I dont think so.  

                

                 

                

 

Cruise, Stability, Sturdiness, Design, PickupDont think So.