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ZW-Skoda-Rapid-Rider-Plus-Dzire-Amaze-Aura

The. Skoda is right now giving an opportunity to buyers to upgrade to the Rider Plus.

This got our heads scratching with the idea: 'Do you really need a sub-4 metre sedan when you can get a bigger compact sedan?' To answer that question, we pitch the Rapid Rider Plus with the top three sub-4 metre sedans: the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and the Hyundai Aura. Let the game begin.

First, the Price:

Note: Since the Rapid is offered in petrol MT guise, we have pitched it against the petrol manual sub 4-metre sedans only

Skoda Rapid Rider Plus

Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ MT

Honda Amaze VX MT

Hyundai Aura

Prices (ex-showroom)

Rs 7.99 lakh

Rs 8.28 lakh

Rs 7.93 lakh

Rs 8.05 lakh (NA petrol) / Rs 8.55 lakh (Turbo)

Yes, the Rider Plus undercuts the Dzire and Aura while it's priced at par with the top-spec Honda Amaze. Some of you might be thinking that this might not be a fair comparison as the Rapid Rider Plus is from a segment above.

ZW-Skoda-Rapid-Rider

But let us explain why you should consider Rapid Rider Plus over these sub-4 metre sedans. Grab some popcorn and swipe down.

The Rapid Is Bigger

Skoda Rapid Rider Plus

Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ MT

Honda Amaze VX MT

Hyundai Aura

Length (mm)

4413mm

3995mm

3995mm

3995mm

Width (mm)

1699mm

1735mm

1695mm

1680mm

Height (mm)

1466mm

1515mm

1501mm

1520mm

Wheelbase (mm)

2552mm

2450mm

2470mm

2450mm

Boot Space (litres)

460 litres

378 litres

420 litres

NA

Considering that the Rapid is from a segment above, it's the longest in this test and even has the largest wheelbase here. This should ideally translate to more legroom and a larger boot space. However, its narrow width means it's more of a four-seater, which is further accentuated by the large rear hump, making things uncomfortable for the fifth occupant.

ZW-Maruti-Suzuki-Dzire

The widest car in this test is the while the tallest car here is the Hyundai Aura. A shoutout must be given to the Honda Amaze, which manages to pack a large 420 litre boot despite measuring under four metres.

Not Exactly Base-specandhellip;

Skoda Rapid Rider Plus

Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ MT

Honda Amaze VX MT

Hyundai Aura

Headlamps

Halogen Unit

LED Projector

Halogen Unit

Halogen projector Headlamps with LED DRLs

Fog Lamps

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Infotainment

6.5-inch touchscreen

7-inch touchscreen

7-inch touchscreen

8-inch touchscreen

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Climate Control

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Keyless Entry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Power Windows

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Push Button Start

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Cruise Control

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Steering Mounted Audio Controls

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Multi-info Display

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Alloy Wheels

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

The Rapid Rider Plus comes with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, keyless entry and power windows on all corners. All of these features are found in the sub-4 metre sedans featured here as well.

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However, the Rapid Rider Plus, being a base-spec variant, misses out on niceties like push button start, cruise control, steering-mounted audio controls, alloy wheels and even a multi-info display. These are offered in the Dzire, and the Aura.

ZW-Hyundai-Aura

But hey, we aren't complaining as the base-spec Rapid comes equipped with most of the features one would ever need. Height adjustable driver's seat and a multi-info display would have completed the package though.

Safe Enough

Skoda Rapid Rider Plus

Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ MT

Honda Amaze VX MT

Hyundai Aura SX (O)

Airbags

2

2

2

2

ABS with EBD

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Parking Sensors

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Rear View Camera

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

ISOFIX

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Electronic Stability Control

No

AMT Only

No

No

ZW-Honda-Amaze

All cars here get the bases covered with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. This being a base-spec Rapid, it misses out on a rear parking camera and ISOFIX mounts, both of which are offered in the other cars. Only the AMT variants of the Dzire come with electronic stability control.

The Most Powerful Here

Skoda Rapid

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Honda Amaze

Hyundai Aura NA Petrol

Hyundai Aura Turbo

Engine

1.0-litre TSI Turbo

1.2-litre DualJet

1.2-litre i-VTEC

1.2-litre VTVT

1.0-litre Turbo

Power (PS)

110PS

90PS

90PS

83PS

100PS

Torque (Nm)

175Nm

113Nm

110Nm

113Nm

172Nm

Transmission Options

6-speed MT

5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT

5-speed MT / CVT

5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT

5-speed MT

Fuel Efficiency

18.97kmpl

23.26kmpl (MT) / 24.12kmpl (AMT)

18.6kmpl (MT) / 18.3kmpl (CVT)

20.5kmpl

20.5kmpl

The Skoda Rapid is the most powerful car in this test. This fact could seal the deal for enthusiasts. Read how it performs in our. The only car that comes close to the Rapid in terms of power and torque is the Hyundai Aura Turbo.

ZW-Dzire

That said, you might be put away with the fact that the Rapid is offered with a manual transmission only for now. It remains to be seen if the upcoming 6-speed torque converter gearbox will be offered in the Rapid Rider Plus. The Dzire and NA petrol comes with an AMT while the Amaze is offered with a CVT.

ZW-Hyundai-Aura

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Rapid isn't the most fuel efficient here though it manages to better the Amaze's claimed efficiency by a smidge. Unsurprisingly, the Dzire is the most fuel efficient car in this test.

Verdict:

ZW-Skoda-Rapid-Rider-Plus

Sure, the Rapid Rider Plus has some downsides in this test:

  • It might not be capable of carrying five occupants due to its narrow width and high centre tunnel.

  • Some essential features found in its sub-4 metre rivals are missing.

  • It's a decade-old model and the interior design is downright dated.

  • Skoda's after-sales and service network is not as vast as the other three.

But as a package, the Rapid Rider Plus feels complete, especially when you value its aggressive Rs 7.99 lakh price tag. Here are some positives:

  • As a four seater, it's a much more spacious and comfortable car.

  • Comes equipped with all the essentials one would ever need. You can use the spare money to add on extra features.

  • The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is brilliant. It loves to be revved hard and is a strong performer.

  • The design is nicely executed and it looks like a proper 3-box sedan when compared to these sub-4 metre sedans.

The Rapid Rider Plus, though aged, makes a good case for those who are ready to trade in some niceties for a bigger car with better road presence. It's also more solidly built and has decent performance onboard. Do you agree with us on our verdict? Let us know your views in the comments below.



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