Skoda Rapid TDI DSG

EARLIER, IF YOU were shopping for a mid-size sedan with a diesel engine and an automatic gearbox, it was just the Hyundai Verna you could choose. However with the launch of the Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid in diesel automatic guise, your choice has now widened. We managed to sample Skoda's version first, and here's what it's like.

Under the hood sits a new 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, similar to the one in the VW Polo facelift, that replaces the older 1.6-litre unit. Despite its slightly smaller size, in this car it has been tuned to produce the same 103bhp as before. In the Rapid, this new engine is equipped with the same high-tech, seven speed, DSG automatic gearbox that is found on the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. We’ve always found this to be a very quick and responsive gearbox that doesn’t hesitate much when you press the accelerator and need a quick burst of power. What’s more, the gearbox helps efficiency too. So, what’s it like from behind the wheel ?

What is immediately apparent is that there’s a good amount of power available right from the moment you start off in ‘D’ or drive. Lowerspeed response is quite good and once the engine spins above 1,800rpm, you get a nice shot of thrust. 100kph comes up in a quick 11.9 seconds.This means overtaking is easy and the automatic gearbox doesn’t hesitate to select a lower gear as soon as you ask for it. Similarly, if you drive with a light foot, the gearbox will select the highest possible gear to maximise fuel economy cruising at typical highway speeds, the engine spins at a very relaxed 1,900prm. If you literally want to take things in your own hands, the gearbox also has a manual mode that lets you upshift or downshift one gear at a time.

As for economy, Skoda claims this automatic Rapid is a bit more fuel efficient than even the already frugal diesel manual. However, this isn’t the most silent motor in its segment. At idle, there’s a soft clatter from the motor and it can get quite loud if spun very fast.

Everything else remains the same. So it rides well over broken roads and high-speed stability is quite good too. It’s only when you drive over severely broken roads that you hear sharp whacks from the suspension. And if you are in the mood for some fun, the Rapid’s accurate steering and good handling characteristics encourage you to drive quickly over winding roads .

Other than the updated engine and DSG gearbox, the Rapid also comes with the option of a 'Black Package' that costs around Rs 13,000 extra. Available only on the top Elegance variant, it gets a few more cosmetic changes over the standard car. These include a black colour for the grille, wing mirrors, headlamps and alloy wheels. Apart from this, you can also opt for a blackened roof and black side stickers directly from the dealer. The cabin remains unchanged and you get the same quality interior with good fit and finish. The front and rear seats are comfortable with loads of
space, and the wide rear bench can seat three abreast in reasonable comfort.

The new automatic Rapid is definitely a well rounded package. It’s convenient as well as fun to drive, wellmade, well-equipped and quite spacious. So, how much is the convenience of this nice automatic gearbox going to cost you? The automatic gearbox is available only in the Ambition+ (Rs 10.34 lakh) and Elegance trims (Rs 10.97 lakh; both prices ex-showroom, Delhi), about Rs 1.1 lakh more expensive than their manual counterparts. So is it worth the extra money? We think it is, especially as diesel automatics hold onto their value quite nicely second-hand.

Power  : 103bhp at 4400rpm
Torque : 25.5kgm at 1500-2500rpm
Gearbox : 7-speed automatic
0-100kph : 11.9sec