Yesterday marked the completion of 1st month with my ride. The ODO read 1917km when I parked the vehicle yesterday at 11pm. After the end of first month of ownership, I can say that I am very happy with my ride. The only niggle till now is the broken plastic cover in the arm rest which I have explained few posts below. I hope I don't face any more niggles.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan Hi Narsi,
Let me be the first to congratulate you for your brand new Rapid. Loved reading your excellently written review. Upgrading to a Skoda from another Skoda makes me to believe that the horror stories we very often hear about Skoda service & the cost of maintenance are not much of a bother now. |
Thanks for your wishes Chitta Pradhan. As I have already mentioned it all depends on how you get the job done from the A$$. If we are firm, we can get the job done and be happy.
Regarding your TD of Rapid, I am sure that you will fall in love with the beast. It will impress you a lot, especially in high speeds and the way it gobbles uneven roads at that speed. I have given my comments in bold below.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan it seems that I will miss:- |
- the dead pedal
This is a serious omission on part of Skoda but the foot well is spacious and you will get used to it.
- electrically folding mirrors (both are extremely useful features, can not be retro fitted either)
You will miss it
- silent cabin to an extent
I agree Verna has a well refined engine, but Rapid is also not very bad. The noise vanishes as soon as the speed builds and the engine reaches optimum operating temperature. The cabin is well insulated
-6th gear (does 100 kmph @ 1800 rpm)
Even Rapid does 100kmph @ 1800 - 2000 rpm
- company fitted rear sensors & camera
The rear view camera that I have got fixed from dealer works well and the job is neatly done. The camera is fixed in the bumper while the display is separate which you might not like. The sensors also work well it does not occupy much space either
- cooled glove box
Even I miss this.
- peace of mind of having a Hyundai
Cannot comment as I have no first hand experience of owning cars other than Skoda and HM Amby
- probably cheaper maintenance cost.
Annual maintenance for Rapid is around 9k. I am talking about service alone
- Indian style of wiper/ lighting controls
You will get used to it in no time Quote:
Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan I will gain- |
-lesser turbo lag
True
- better dynamics at high speeds
True
-better steering feel
True
- better suspension set up
True. The difference will be huge at high speeds
- projector head lamps
True if you opt for Elegance variant
-rear AC vents
True
- air release botton of fuel tank
True
- steering rake adjustments.
True Quote:
Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan Am I wrong or missing any thing important??
Few queries- |
1. Verna's driver seat hight adjustment is a waste. It just adjusts the angle of the base rather than height. I am forced to keep it at the lowest position always. How it is for Rapid?
The adjustment range offered in Rapid's driver seat is phenomenal. The range is large for both height and reach. You will be very comfortable.
2. If I go for the top end version ( not Ultima ), then I have to install rear sensors & camera as I am so used to it in my Verna. How much extra I have to pay for those add ons and is the quality equivalent to that of Verna.
I would suggest you to go for any one, either camera or sensor. My preference will be camera alone. When you have a visual aide, I don't think there is need of sensor. The cost is 9k and it is advisable to fit it from dealer to avoid any warranty issues.
3. Are the spare parts of Rapid readily available? I presume those should be costly than Verna. If so, by what % ? If the variation is around 10-15 % it's ok for me. If higher, then I have to think hard.
Not very sure about % difference is costs, but the parts except rare ones are readily available.
4. How reliable is Skoda. Since you have used one for long, you know the best. I am asking this because Germans are surely less reliable than Japs.
My experience with Skoda - Reliable
5. You felt that Vento with same engine was nosier. Is the difference significant?
Yes it is significant. Moreover, the suspension is again soft in Vento like that of Verna.
6. Verna has an illumination control for the dash & speedo console. Very
useful for night driving. Has Rapid got this feature.
There is no control as such, but the dash and speedometer dims when you switch on the parking lights.
Finally what's your opinion on my thoughts of changing from Verna to Rapid.
My question to you is, why would you sell a car which has done only 44k kms even if you get good resale? It has lot of life left in it. I would not have sold my 77k (4.5 years) run Fabia if there was no need for more space. Quote:
Originally Posted by stanjohn123 Good Write up and congrats on your new ride |
Thanks mate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by torque18 Congrats! awesome machine with loads of driving pleasure awaits you
A query - Can you describe the functionality of the projector headlight setup?
I am considering swapping my halogen units with these projector units. A fellow bhp-ian informs me that when you switch to the high beam, the low beam(projectors) dims. I don't have any reason not to believe him but it does sound a bit strange to me. I would appreciate if you could confirm this behavior for me.
Regards |
Thanks mate for the wishes. As for the projectors, yes they dim when high beam is on but the difference is not noticeable from driver seat. The lighting set up is really good and it is awesome for our highways. Believe me or not, I forgot to switch on the headlights more than 4 times in last one month. The fogs were switched on and it was inside city.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pferdestarke Congratulations on your Rapid mate. Looks stunning in cappuccino beige. What an exhaustive thread! Nicely written. Happy mile munching Now, that definitely seems like a cost-cutting measure. Be a bit heedful with the key fob, losing it would warrant the replacement of whole central locking module which costs a whooping ₹16000. |
Thanks mate for the wishes and the caution
.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shanksta Congrats! on your new Skoda, It is a handsome looking car and it wears the Cappuccino beige beautifully, though still in my mind red/black are the best colors on the Rapid. That 1.6L TDi is a cracker and wish you many miles of happy motoring. |
Thanks Shanksta
Quote:
Originally Posted by deepfusion Congratulations, mate on the rapid elegance.
Very nicely written, crisp and elaborate presentation of the possession.
Why did you not go in for the ultima?
I think the package is good. In fact, I find the lining lends a sporty look to the car.
Plus the accessories, the seat covers and the rear camera, coupled with teh sat nav system infact complement the already good audio in the car.
What was the final on road price for the car? |
Thanks deepfusion for the wishes. I have documented the reason for not buying the Ultima variant here -
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offici...ml#post3384667 and here -
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offici...ml#post3396258
I felt it was just a marketing gimmick.
Regarding the price and discounts, here you go
On Road Price: 11,26,978 (After discount)
Freebies: Extended Warranty
Reverse Camera: 9,000
Seat Covers: 10,500
Price including accessories: 11,46,478
Quote:
Originally Posted by Satshan Very well written review, Narsi.
Superb choice of the Skoda Rapid, that engine is a Gem! You have exactly nailed down the smallest of observations in the Rapid. Continuing with the Skoda badge after the Fabia would have been a nice experience.
Many Congrats on the possession! Wish you happy cruising miles ahead! |
Thanks Satshan for the wishes. Yes, it is a nice experience to continue with Skoda. In fact, I am addicted to the European cars.