The engine in the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo starts very silently — I had to glance at the rev-counter the first time I started it up to make sure it was indeed running. The clutch travel is rather long but it’s not a bother. Prod the throttle a little and there’s a throaty burble. The engine stays silent on the move, though with no urge felt to upshift doing 40 km/h in second with about 3,000 rpm on the clock. That sight was probably the only reason I shifted up to third. It’s smooth and refined, but rev it up to the red-line and it sounds strained and unhappy. However, it’s a smart car for a smart new world and those stuck in the past will need to revisit their priorities in this day and age when wasting even a drop of fuel unless absolutely necessary should be a crime. I, personally, can’t wait to see this 1.0 do duty in larger models with electric motor assist. Upwards of 70 km/l should be an easy accomplishment. That said, the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo TSI, when pushed, is far from the most efficient.
For the test, I managed to get it from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.75 seconds. The economy was less than 10 km to the litre then. However, ease off the childish and irrelevant antics and the more important figures come to the fore. In third gear, the Rapid TSI feels the most potent; evident in its 60-80 km/h roll-on time of just over a second after taking some time to build up from 40 km/h. The surge continues after that as well. Fourth gear is less intense but still extremely potent. For instance, the highway speed limit of 80 km/h is done at an indicated 2,600 rpm in fourth. Factor in the difference in sixth where it’s doing 1,750 rpm to maintain the same speed, on the brink of the torque peak, with the potential to overtake with ease.
The suspension is set up on the firmer side but its calibration is excellent. The Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo holds its line well and stays on course reassuringly. The steering feels nicely weighted and is a joy to use with a commendable level of feedback. One point to note is that hard braking from highway speed is not one of its strong points.
All said and done, the highway economy figure managed — hot day, air conditioning, co-passenger, bags and half a tank of fuel included — was about 16 km/l. There is potential for better, without a doubt, as Skoda claim 18.9 km/l and just over 100 g/km of CO2.
Even so, as I’ve said before, the best way to cut fuel consumption is to properly cut down on usage with electric assist. And not just by two or three per cent, but by more than 50 per cent. Plug-in hybrids make that possible when used right and the major factors now in the way are cost of production, taxes, and the acceptance of people that they’re headed to extinction if they don’t mend their ways right now.
The Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI is a prime example of a step in the right direction. It gives buyers the things they most need: robust build, high level of safety, punchy engine where it’s needed the most, and efficient performance across the essential spectrum, with loads of connectivity and electronic goodies as well. If the need is for a car that delivers rapid response in any gear at any speed, the new Skoda Rapid does that very well indeed.
Need to Know – Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI
Price: Rs 11.79 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 999-cc, in-line three, turbo-petrol, direct injection
Max Power: 110 hp @ 5,000-5,250 rpm
Max Torque: 175 Nm @ 1,750-4,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, compound link rear
Weight: 1,138 kg
Performance:
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.75 s
Fuel Efficiency: 18.9 km/l claimed; 9 km/l city, 16 km/l highway, 10.75 km/l overall
CO2: N/A
