Skoda Rapid Style Automatic

The Skoda Rapid Style Automatic is a sedan that stands out for its driving pleasure and classy design. Powered by a 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, it produces a smooth and likeable performance, especially when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission. The Style variant comes with several classy chrome touches, silver 16-inch alloys, and a beige interior theme, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The car features a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though it misses out on some modern features like a sunroof and wireless charging. Despite its age, the Rapids handling and performance make it a drivers car, with quick and responsive gear shifts and a comfortable ride quality. However, it lacks the diesel option and some creature comforts compared to its rivals, but its overall package makes it a compelling choice for those prioritizing driving enjoyment and value.

The Skoda Rapid Style Automatic is a fundamentally strong proposition, especially for those who value a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offers seamless and well-judged gear shifts that complement the engines performance admirably. While the automatic transmission masks the initial turbo lag effectively, it does exhibit some jerkiness during aggressive downshifts, particularly in Sport mode. Despite feeling a bit dated and missing some modern features, the Rapid remains one of the nicest cars to drive in its class, making it a great choice for driving enthusiasts. The convenience of the automatic transmission, though, comes at a premium of about Rs 1.50 lakh over the manual version, which is a price worth considering for the ease it offers.

Skoda Auto India has recently discontinued the production of the Skoda Rapid, marking the end of an era for this compact sedan. The last batch of the Rapid was produced with a matte effect, and it will be replaced by the Skoda Slavia. This move signifies a shift in Skodas strategy to introduce newer models. I believe this change will bring fresh competition to the market, but its sad to see the Rapid go.

In September 2020, Skoda Auto India launched the updated Rapid 1.0 TSI, which was initially available only in a manual transmission option. However, the company also announced the launch of an automatic version of the Rapid 1.0 TSI, set to arrive later that year. This update brought improved performance and fuel efficiency to the table. I think the addition of an automatic transmission was a great move to cater to a broader audience.

The 2020 Skoda Rapid received several updates, including a new turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine, which replaced the older 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. This change was part of Skodas compliance with the BS6 emissions norms. The new engine offered better performance and efficiency. I believe this engine swap was a necessary step, but it might have affected the cars overall appeal for some buyers.

The Skoda Rapid Style variant, even before its discontinuation, came equipped with advanced safety features such as ABS, dual front airbags, and Hill Hold Control. For the top variants, additional features like front and rear parking sensors and a more comprehensive airbag system were available. I believe these safety features were a significant selling point for the Rapid.

Skoda introduced new features for the 2017 model year of the Rapid, including a reverse camera and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. These updates were aimed at keeping the model competitive in the market. The new alloy design aligned with Skodas family design language, enhancing the cars aesthetic appeal. I think these additions were a good move to keep the Rapid fresh and attractive.

The Skoda Rapid Style Automatic is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the Rapid Rider Plus AT, which is the entry point to the automatic range, starts at around Rs 9.49 lakh. Moving up to the Style variant, which is what Ive reviewed, the ex-showroom price is approximately Rs 12.99 lakh. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from around Rs 11.5 lakh for the Rider Plus AT to about Rs 15.5 lakh for the Style variant, depending on the state and local taxes. Given the features and performance it offers, the Rapid Style Automatic is well-positioned in its segment, offering good value for money despite some missing features compared to its competitors.

The Skoda Rapid Style Automatic delivers respectable mileage, making it a viable option for those concerned about running costs. On the highway, it returns an efficiency of around 17.30 kmpl, which is impressive for a sedan in its class. In city driving conditions, the mileage is naturally lower but still manageable, typically ranging between 12 to 15 kmpl. This balance of performance and fuel efficiency makes the Rapid a practical choice for both daily commuting and occasional long drives.