Based on the Volkswagen Vento’s platform, the Skoda Rapid is Skoda’s entrant in the C segment. Essentially a mixture of vehicles belonging to the Skoda cars and Volkswagen cars, from the front the Rapid looks a lot like the Fabia, the side profile resembles the VW Vento, the rear tail lamps are inspired from the Laura while the rest of it looks like the Vento. Despite the common powertrains and underpinnings, Skoda has done a decent job of separating the Rapid from its VW-badged cousins.

On the surface of it, it is quite distinct in its looks. The nose is typically Skoda with the vertical slat grille, chrome accents and the badge atop its nose. Muscular lines on the bonnet and flank give it some character and make it a lot bolder stronger than the Vento. On the inside there is so much of the Vento, although there are some differences in the steering, music system, the dials and the gear knob. The Rapid also gets climate control. There is a grey and beige dashboard with a central console in black that stand outs. The driver seat is comfortable with height adjustments and you can also get steering adjust to make your drive comfortable. The back seats are spacious as well with ample legroom and one can slide forward the left front seat if no passenger is sitting.

Other features include high stop LED center brake lights, front airbags, internally adjustable ORVMs with power fold feature, and an upgraded music system with Aux-In,  MP3 and FM and four speakers.

Under the hood the Rapid gets two engine options – a 1.6 MPI petrol engine and a 1.6 TDI diesel engine. The 1.6 MPI petrol engine produces a maximum power of 105 PS at 5250 rpm and maximum torque of 153 Nm at 3800 rpm, while the 1.6 TDI diesel engine pumps out 105 PS of power at 4400 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 1500-2500 rpm. The petrol engine gets a choice between 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission, but the diesel engine is supported only with 5-speed manual transmission. Both the engines provide great mid-range performance with a mileage of 15 kmpl and 20.5 kmpl respectively.

Driving in the city and both on the highway is good. It has a strong midrange and so whether its traffic or cruising the Rapid seems to be comfortable with both.

Skoda Rapid is priced between Rs. 6.93 lakhs and Rs. 9.98 lakhs. One can choose from a series of models like the Active, Ambition, Leisure, Elegance and Ultima. Rapid is competing against the likes of Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea, Maruti SX4, Honda City and its own cousin Volkswagen Vento.

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