|
Search Forums |
Advanced Search |
Go to Page... |
Search this Thread | 48,726 views |
15th October 2013, 22:20 | #16 |
BHPian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 57
Thanked: 35 Times
| I'm sorry to hear about your overheating engine experience. I'm not an expert on these things but it's possible that your car is indeed fine and that you just happened to run into a one-off episode involving a combination of high AC requirement (21 is borderline though) over extended distances (300 isn't too much however), heavy load (if any), sudden demands on engine (any spirited driving through hills at lower gears?) and/or high ambient temperature (perhaps?). Not go mention any coolant leak issues, blocked radiator fans etc. Now I've done more than a couple of trips involving trips through highways, bad roads, forests, hills and high traffic over distances of 450km, with a fully loaded Rapid (4 adults plus assorted luggage) and I can't say I've had any problems thus far. All without a glance at coolant or engine oil levels before undertaking the trips. Perhaps a bit foolhardy, but in my defense I do have a rough idea about those since I check on them on a regular basis anyway. Tyre pressure is one thing I *always* check before every trip though. My driving style for these long trips are as follows: AC on at start of journey to about 22 degrees to bring cabin to comfortable levels. I stay in Bangalore so this isn't saying much. leisurely start of trip with not much spirited driving for the first 5 km to let the engine and tyres come up to speed. By this I don't mean driving at 60. I try to hit 100 as soon as I can as that's a good RPM toil vs speed balance for the Rapid. I also tend to switch off the AC on hills as there's no real reason to have them on unless you're driving through Mordor and the temperature is less than welcome. Plus, the extra power the engines gets, helps! Besides there's nothing like fresh air for queasy passengers on long drives. I also like taking a min 15 min break every 200km if possible, if not for myself, at least for the car. And passengers. That's not to suggest there's nothing wrong with the car but I believe In Murphy's laws. If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. But perhaps you can try delaying it a bit. |
(2) Thanks |
The following 2 BHPians Thank KnightRider77 for this useful post: | sanchit223, smydtt |
|
8th November 2013, 21:09 | #17 |
BHPian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Gurgaon
Posts: 26
Thanked: 23 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Hi Hope the overheating problem has not recurred. I bought a Rapid MPI 3 months back and the reviews on teambhp were of great help in this decision. So far the car has done ~3500 km and never fails to put a smile on my face, especially now that I can rev it hard as the running in is over . However i am facing a few niggles. You mentioned efficiency of around 13kmpl in city in your 7000km update. My car has done around 3500 km so far and I am getting 9 kmpl in city (primarily commute to office which is 9-10 kms) and 13-14 on highway. Admittedly I do not always drive thinking how to get the best fuel economy... and these numbers should improve after engine oil change, yet the present figures feel too low. I have maintained proper tire pressure recommended by Skoda, even kept it slightly higher at times. So wondering if you were getting more than 13 kmpl right from the beginning or did the numbers improve with time? |
() Thanks |
9th November 2013, 20:24 | #18 | |
BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bhubaneswar
Posts: 529
Thanked: 203 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Quote:
Wonderful ownership report indeed. Has the overheating problem gone? Have you finally reached a conclusion about the reason of over heating? Thanks | |
() Thanks |
20th November 2013, 19:44 | #19 | ||||
Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New Delhi
Posts: 14
Thanked: 18 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Apologies for the delayed reply! Quote:
Quote:
The car has done about 11400 km so far. All the driving since my last update (at 7000 km) has been within city (though there have been many times when the car has been stuck in traffic jams or stop-and-go slow-moving traffic for hours at 40+ temperatures with AC). I have not faced any overheating problem since then. So now, I do not know what to make of it. Perhaps, hopefully it was a one-off incident. But the point of concern is that the cause of that one incident is still unknown. I have not had the opportunity to test the car on a long-distance run since then - hopefully I will get a chance to do that around New Year. Apart from that one incident, the car has not given any other problem. I would say that I am quite happy and satisfied with its performance so far. Quote:
Quote:
Finally, the only niggle with the car at the moment is the terrible stock headlights. Someone should sue Skoda for these - there is no way anyone can drive regularly at night with these headlights without meeting with an accident. So I want to change the headlights, but would prefer getting it done from Skoda to avoid voiding the warranty. Any suggestions? | ||||
() Thanks |
17th December 2013, 17:42 | #20 |
Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New Delhi
Posts: 14
Thanked: 18 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Ok, I am writing this post with two objectives: firstly to report an update about the car and secondly, to post an important query seeking advice. Firstly the update: With the onset of Delhi winters, I am now even more impressed with the climate control feature of the AC. These days, the weather in Delhi has been fluctuating quite a bit, so it is pretty chilly and a bit uncomfortably cold in the morning, but as the sun comes out, very soon the cabin tends to get a bit uncomfortably hot. This is a perennial problem with the weather in Delhi around this time of the year. But with climate control, the problem is solved! All that one needs to do is to set the AC in auto mode with the temperature around 22 degrees. It decides on its own when to warm the cabin, when to switch itself off, and when to start cooling the cabin. Significantly, unlike all my previous vehicles, the cabin does not get uncomfortably warm or give you a headache while in the heating mode. It just warms enough to keep the cabin comfortable. Controlling the cabin temperature had never been easier! Now the query: I want to change the headlights. Stock headlights are too weak even for well-lit city roads, let alone highways. Just called up the Skoda A.S.S. accessories shop - they say that they do not keep any other headlights, nor can they change the lights even if I get better quality lights from outside, and if I get any after market fitting it will void the warranty. Basically I am told that I will have to put up with these ridiculous headlights. So I want some advice on this front. I am planning to drive down to Amritsar towards the end of this month, and though generally I avoid night driving on highways, given the state of current weather in Delhi, some amount of non-daylight driving might not be avoided. So I need some solutions which will not void the warranty. |
(1) Thanks |
The following BHPian Thanks smydtt for this useful post: | VeluM |
24th May 2014, 22:44 | #21 |
BHPian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Pune
Posts: 93
Thanked: 124 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Hi, a very nicely written review. How is your car doing now? I plan to go for the same car, so I really need to know. Also, an update on the ASS would be nice. |
() Thanks |
8th August 2015, 13:57 | #22 |
Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pune
Posts: 4
Thanked: 0 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Excellent review, extremely useful for buyers looking at this machine seriously. It's been more than 2 years now for you and would be great to hear more about your ownership experience and skoda A.S.S. |
() Thanks |
11th August 2015, 00:30 | #23 | |
BHPian | Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Hi Smydtt, First of all, Hearty Congratulations on your Rapid. Being another Rapid owner - though a Diesel one, I can definitely say, the car is a Gem and I am very happy with the Car a very satisfied Owner. Sorry about the overheating issue, not sure what could have happened, but, good thing, it has not repeated. ' Regarding Headlamps, I was exactly in the same boat as You, I had taken extended warranty, and did not want to loose it at any cost specially because of negative feedback on Skoda A.S.S and repair costs, However, on couple of highway trips, Pune to Hubli (KA) about 450 kms 1 way, I was totally uncomfortable driving on highway at late evenings. In my older Car (GETZ), I had upgraded the Bulbs to 100/90 - with Philips Relay and Kit, and I was pretty happy about it, However, I could not go for same as this would void the Electrical Warranty, So, after lot of reading and checking out, I finally got a Xenon HID Kit Installed. I got this done by Skoda itself. They are fitting "GENOME Xenon HID Kit", Not sure about the Brand, just went with it because Skoda was fitting the same in their A.S.S with Warranty intact. I had an option of trying to source a Philips or Osram Xenon Kit, but, decided, I will get whatever the brand fitted by Skoda itself, Even though the Philips/Osram Kit would NOT have voided the warranty. I am still not 100% satisfied by this, but, believe, its money worth spending, I am about 90% OK with this for what I would have liked the lighting to be on my car. I have not done any highway runs yet after this, its just last Saturday I got this done, but, some rounds on the Pune - Mumbai bypass and some kms of driving on couple of roads leading out of Pune, seem much much better and confidence inspiring than Stock lighting. The Bulbs are of 55 watts and 5000 K rating, Skoda is using 5000 k rated bulbs only, and they informed that same unit is being used in Superb and Octavia (I don't take their word on face value..), I am intending to change my high Beam and Fog lamps as well to either Philips or Osram, I am still searching for proper info on these changes,, My advice would be, You can try getting a Philips/Osram Xenon Kit - preferably 4300 kelvin (this is most recommended rating), 55 watts, H7 type Bulb (Low beam) Unit and get it fitted for a much better illumination from your FNG, Or, go for a Genome Kit from Skoda A.S.S. I Paid Rs.12,500/- for same. Wish you happy and safe journeys !! Quote:
| |
() Thanks |
11th August 2015, 18:05 | #24 | |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 1,800
Thanked: 1,507 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Quote:
I agree with you regarding the FE of the petrol Rapid, I am perpetually surprised that such a large and fairly powerful engine can return such good FE figures. Probably because the car performs fairly adequately in city without needing too many gear changes or wringing of the throttle. However, I find that highway performance leaves a bit to be desired, because she doesn't pick up as one would expect from a 1.6. This is where one needs to thrash the engine a bit. Driven sedately I have achieved 18+kmpl on the highway over a few 600km trips! | |
() Thanks |
12th August 2015, 09:40 | #25 | |
BHPian | Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Last week I fitted a Xenon HID kit to my 2014 Rapid - with projectors - for Low Beam, from Skoda A.S.S, and there is NO impact on Warranty. Please check with your Dealers on same. There is a huge improvement over the Stock lighting (Projector), and I feel its worth the money. Quote:
| |
(1) Thanks |
The following BHPian Thanks Hemant_Joshi for this useful post: | VeluM |
12th August 2015, 11:25 | #26 | |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 1,800
Thanked: 1,507 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Quote:
I'll check again though because I frequently drive in the city and on the highway in the mornings and late evenings, and the current setup is quite nerve racking! Maybe that they've relaxed their kill requirements. | |
() Thanks |
|
12th August 2015, 13:02 | #27 | |
BHPian | Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Hi Velu, Mine has a Projector - Rapid 2014 Elegance TDI, Driving with Stock bulbs on highway was a Scary experience for me as well, and, I had to cut down my speed. I was told If I purchased the Kit from them and get it fitted by their A.S.S, no issues with warranty, But, If I get it done from outside, it will void warranty. I got it done from their A.S.S. Please double confirm about the Waranty, and then go for the upgrade,, I am confused on changing the high beam lamp also, weather to go for Philips or Osram, H7 - 60 Watts. I will change them for sure, once I get more info and decide which ones are better... Quote:
| |
(1) Thanks |
The following BHPian Thanks Hemant_Joshi for this useful post: | VeluM |
12th August 2015, 13:11 | #28 |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 1,800
Thanked: 1,507 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report
Ah, mine is the in-between 2013-end Elegance that got the leather wrapped steering, gear boot and lever, and hand-brake, along with the new logo, but didn't get the projectors. No options for the older cars to upgrade to projectors without losing warranty then |
() Thanks |
12th August 2015, 16:46 | #29 |
BHPian | Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report |
() Thanks |
12th August 2015, 21:30 | #30 |
Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New Delhi
Posts: 14
Thanked: 18 Times
| Re: Skoda Rapid (MPI Elegance MT): Test-drives & Initial Ownership Report Hi everyone, Sorry for this delayed reply. I have been away for a while and could not reply to all your messages. I also apologize for not regularly maintaining this thread with updates, something which I had always been meaning to do. Anyway, first the headlights. I had changed the stock headlights with Philips X-treme Vision 60/55 a long time back (again, forgot to post about it here). The suggestions for this particular set of lights came from various team-bhp forums. As long as it is 60/55 W and does not require a relay, the guarantee should be good. But to be doubly sure, I bought the lights from a Reliance Autozone and got them fitted at Skoda Service Center. I am largely satisfied with the performance of these lights. I do not drive much in the highways at night, but it certainly is adequate for my usual city driving (sometimes through dark stretches). Definitely these are a HUGE improvement over the stock lights. Second, the overheating issue: This problem continued to trouble me for quite a while. As I mentioned in my post above, when it happened for the first time, I had taken it to Skoda, but they did not take it very seriously. The overheating happened couple of times more, but everytime, the response from Skoda was the same - that the car is fine and there is no problem with it. I started carrying an OBD adapter with me all the time, so that I could constantly monitor the problem. Finally, after more than a year, the overheating problem occurred when I was reasonably close to the service center, and I decided to drive with the overheated engine to the service center. This was the only way I could make them take this problem seriously. So, finally they did look at this problem and found a fault with the cooling fan and replaced it under warranty. I have not had the overheating problem since then. Finally, an overall update of my experience with owning this car - I must say a large part of it consists of my troubles with the service center (and this is a pity - this is a great car, it is great to drive, if only they could manage their A.S.S.):
All in all, I should say that my experience with service center has really marred my otherwise happy experience with this car. And this is a pity, because I still enjoy driving this car - enjoyed many happy moments with it. It is probably one of the best non-turbo petrol engines around. It is stable at high speeds. And it can easily return a FE of 15+ kmpl in city driving (from my home in East Delhi to my office in Chanakyapuri in non-rush hour, if not driven spiritedly). I should add, that despite my otherwise good experience with this car, I have dissuaded/cautioned several close family members and friends from buying this car only due to the A.S.S. My parents bought a new car about a year after mine, and despite liking Rapid they bought a Chevrolet Sail Sedan diesel instead. My mother-in-law bought a Chevrolet Sail Sedan this year, based on my unhappy experience with Skoda A.S.S. and my parents' happy experience with Chevrolet A.S.S. And my brother-in-law recently bought a Ciaz - he test drove a lot of cars and had liked the Rapid quite a lot, he almost zeroed in on the Rapid diesel automatic - but finally went for Ciaz solely because of the issues I faced with Skoda A.S.S.! Oh, and by the way, I test-drove the Rapid diesel automatic recently (when my brother-in-law was deciding on a car) - it is truly gem of a car, probably the best bargain you can find at this price range (I test-drove almost all cars at this price range thanks to brother-in-law taking a long time to decide!). It also has a few gizmos which my 2013 Rapid did not - steering mounted controls, projector headlamps, cruise control etc. If only they could get the damn A.S.S. right! |
(2) Thanks |
The following 2 BHPians Thank smydtt for this useful post: | Blue Thunder, VeluM |