New Skoda Rapid: The Best Gets Better

MAW Enterprises, the authorised distributor of Skoda vehicles for Nepal, has recently launched the new facelift version of one of its best-selling sedans, the Skoda Rapid. Rapid is also one of the most popular entry-level sedans in the Nepali market. According to Suraj Manandhar, Chief General Manager at MAW, Rapid is famed for its build quality, top notch performance and stylish design. “The new Rapid embodies the core values of Skoda, which are value for money, reliability, quality and integrity,” says Manandhar. The new Rapid is designed to turn heads. The crystalline design looks more dynamic, emotional and stylish. The front grille is shaped like a butterfly with chrome surround, and the iconic Skoda logo sits right above it. The front looks elegant with the new quartz-cut projector headlights with chrome eyelashes and LED day running lamps. The sedan is equally stylish from the rear. The rear houses C-shaped smoked tail-lightsalong with a spoiler that adds to the aerodynamics and enriches the overall design. The interior of new Rapid is redesigned to feel spacious, comfortable and premium. The contrasting dual-tone ebony-sand interior looks refreshing, and the chrome décor provides a luxurious look and feel. The leatherette seat upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter and hand-brake lever add to the premium feel. The driver seat is height adjustable, and the steering wheel is height and length adjustable. The interiors are spacious, offering comfortable head, leg and shoulder room. There is a boot space of 460 litres for all your travelling needs. Rapid is available in both petrol and diesel variants. The petrol variant runs on a 4-cylinder 16-valve liquid cooled 1598 cc engine that delivers a maximum power of 77 KW at 5,200-5,250 rpm and a peak torque of 153 Nm at 3,750-1,800 rpm. There is option of both manual and automatic transmission. The manual model comes with a 5-speed transmission where the automatic one has 6-speed with tiptronic manual gear changing. The diesel variant is powered by a 16-valve DOHC liquid cooled 1498 cc engine that generates a maximum output of 81 KW at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. The diesel variant too is offered in manual and automatic transmission.The manual mode is 5-speed transmission, and the automatic one has 7-speed Direct-shift gearbox (DSG). According to the company, the diesel variant gives a mileage of 14-15 kmpl in city and 18-19 kmpl on the highways. Similarly, the petrol variant gives a mileage of 10-11 kmpl on city roads and 14-15 kmpl on the highways. The new Rapid is forged from galvanised steel body that is safer and stronger. The car goes through an 11-stage paint process that ensures there is no rusting, and provides long-lasting shine and glow. The safety features of rapid include height-adjustable three-point front seat belts, height adjustable head restraints, child-proof rear door and window locking, fuel supply cutting system during crash and many others. The braking system is equipped with ABS, Hill Hold Control (HHC) for automatic transmission and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for diesel automatic transmission models. All the models come with driver and front passenger airbags. There are numerous features in the new Rapid for comfort, convenience and entertainment. The dashboard has a 6.5 inch touch screen with mirror link connectivity for multimedia usage. The audio controls are there on the multi-functional steering wheel. The automatic air-conditioning with dust and pollen filter ensures the flow of fresh air inside the cabin. Other convenient features include reading front lamp, reading spot lamps at the rear, illuminated luggage compartment and foldable roof handles for front and rear passengers. Skoda Rapid is available in six colour options, and the price starts from Rs 3,495,000 and goes up to Rs 4,675,000 for the top-end model. The company provides eight free servicing, and there is a warranty of two years and unlimited kilometres.