Skoda India has launched the 2016 Rapid facelift with prices starting at Rs 8.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). The updated Rapid sedan is available in both 1.6 MPI petrol and 1.5 TDI diesel variants and will be offered in three trims – Active, Ambition and Style. The automatic versions, however, will not be available in the base Active trim. This piece will help you in figuring out what features each variant gets and what it misses out on. Have a look.
Active trim (available in 1.6 MPI MT at Rs 8,34,906 and 1.5 TDI MT at Rs 9,57,335)
This is the entry-level variant of the sedan that gets many basic features like power windows, electronic mirrors, air-conditioning etc. like the top-end versions. That said, there are also few features which it misses. For example, the new projector headlamps with DRLs is the most interesting cosmetic update on the 2016 Rapid, and that itself is missing. Instead you get halogen headlamps with manual levelling adjustment. Coming onto the sides you will notice there are no alloys, but 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. The exterior and interior chrome accents that add to the bling have been left out. Inside, you get a manual air-con unit and there is no infotainment system, but only an arrangement for an after-market 1-DIN audio player. Thankfully, Skoda hasn’t bargained in terms of safety features and offered ABS and dual airbags as standard right from the base variants.
Ambition trim (available in 1.6 MPI MT at Rs 9,26,728, 1.6 MPI AT at Rs 10,38,841, 1.5 TDI MT at Rs 10,49,157 and 1.5 TDI AT at Rs 11,71,471)
This variant is a step above the base trim and features front and rear fog lamps, which were missing on the Active trim. This one rides on 15-inch bold alloys instead of the steel rims. Your air-conditioning needs will be taken care of by an automatic climate control unit. Then the interior gets Skoda’s 2-DIN audio system with audio controls on the steering wheel. The latter comes wrapped in leather and so does the gear-lever. The carmaker has also equipped this trim with rear parktronic sensors. The petrol automatic variant gets Hill Hold Control (HHC), while the diesel automatic, in addition, benefits from Electronic Stability control (ESC) as well.
Style trim (available in 1.6 MPI MT at Rs 10,44,163, 1.6 MPI AT at Rs 11,46,187, 1.5 TDI MT at Rs 11,66,590 and 1.5 TDI AT at Rs 12,78,590)
The Style variant is the top-of-the-line version of the Rapid, and as the name suggests, should mark your arrival in style. It comes with all bells and whistles that Skoda has to offer with the new Rapid. You will notice the 15-inch Matone alloys and additional chrome in the exterior and interior. However, the most noticeable change is the new quartz-cut headlamps with LED DRLs as against the conventional headlights in the other variants.
Inside the cabin, unlike the nano ivory fabric upholstery in the Active and Ambition, this one gets seats wrapped in leather. Then features like cruise control, automatic headlamps, wipers, interior dimming lights etc. are offered in addition to what is available in the Ambition trim. A 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system finds a prominent place in the centre console. It comes paired with a host of tech like MirrorLink apart from the standard sorts.
Which one would we suggest you to buy? The Style trim should be your pick. Sure it’s easily a lakh rupee more than the Ambition variant, but then the premium is justified for the features and tech you get.