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The Rapid comes with dual-airbags and ABS as standard
Safety – Its tank-like build quality assures you that the car is quite safe. Skoda offers the Rapid with ABS and dual-airbags as a part of its standard equipment. The diesel automatic also features Electronic Stability Control while both the diesel and petrol automatics feature Hill Hold Assist. The Volkswagen Polo (upon which the Rapid is based) has scored a 4-star Global NCAP crash-test rating meaning it is quite safe.
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The Rapid Onyx offers enthusiasts a tough, reliable and sporty alternative
Verdict – The Rapid Onyx Edition carries all the strengths and weaknesses of the standard car in a fancier suite. It is good to look at and blessed with an exceptional engine, superb gearbox and excellent driving dynamics. The sense of quality and the feeling of robustness is pervasive in everything that the car does. This car feels properly well engineered and this could be reason enough for many to go and buy it. Where the Rapid takes a back seat is that it comes across as being a little long in the tooth. The interiors don’t feel futuristic and we would’ve appreciated more equipment. Also, at Rs. 12.73 lakhs, it is pricey. However, if driving pleasure is what you are after and appreciate the European quality and are ready to pay the premium, the Rapid Onyx is a compelling choice.
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The flat-bottom steering wheel and dual-tone interiors make the cabin feel premium
What’s Cool
* Looks elegant and modest
* Spacious and well-loaded interiors which are built to last
* Powerful engine along with a responsive gearbox
* Great high-speed stability and ride quality
What’s Not So Cool
* Interior feels outdated and lacklustre
* Steering could have offered more feedback
* Pricier than the competition
Alternatives: – Volkswagen Vento, Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Toyota Yaris, Maruti Ciaz, Fiat Linea
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The tactile buttons offer great feedback
Testers’ Note:
“Who doesn’t like German cars? I love em and the C-segment has a very few of them. The Rapid has been one of my favourites in its segment, it looks cool and is a delight to drive. While the Onyx edition looks attractive, it tries hard to hide its age which you can feel while driving the car. I hope Skoda comes up with a new gen Rapid soon having updated interiors and tech.” – Aariz Rizvi, Assistant Editor, MotorBeam.
“The Skoda Rapid has always been a very nice car to drive around and I’ve loved the diesel AT combo because it is almost flawless. The sedan also looks the part but when I drove the Onyx Edition, I really found the Rapid to be slightly dated when compared to its immediate rivals. However, this sedan continues to impress in terms of driving fun and of course that build quality.” – Parth Gohil, Associate Editor, MotorBeam.
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