Czech auto maker Skoda has introduced a diesel version of its premium sedan Skoda Rapid following the fabulous success of its petrol model. MAW Enterprises, the sole authorised distributor of Skoda in Nepal, announced the launch on Monday.
MAW Enterprises said in a statement that the diesel variant had been introduced considering the rising demand for diesel cars in the domestic market. “Diesel cars have more benefits compared to petrol cars as they are more economical, provide better mileage and pick up and deliver high torque,” the company said.
All the new variants — Skoda Active Plus, Ambition Plus and Elegance — are equipped with 1.6-l diesel engines, the largest in its price segment. The power plants can churn out a maximum power output of 105 ps at 4,400 rpm and a torque of 250 Nm at 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.
The cars have a ground clearance of 168 mm and a storage capacity of 460 l. The company has claimed that the newly introduced diesel variant gives a mileage of 20 kpl under test conditions. MAW said that the car with a new slogan “Drive by
Excellence” is a real sedan with 1,600 cc of pure exhilaration. The car has been designed with thoughtful features to impart driving pleasure to the driver and passengers. All the variants of the new Skoda Rapid have rear fog lights, halogen headlights with manual levelling, dust and pollen filter, remote key with window operation, anti-pinch windows and rear air conditioning vents under the front seats.
In addition, all the variants have unique features in the sedan class such as height and length adjustable steering wheel which allows the driver to position the steering for comfortable driving, and dual rate brake assist which helps during emergency braking. The higher end Elegance variant comes with extra features such as 15-inch alloy wheels, front passenger airbag, multi-function display (MFD), ergo lever for front passenger seat adjustment from rear seat, automatic air conditioning with electronic regulation of cabin temperature and electrically adjustable external mirrors, among others.
MAW is offering the Active Plus at an introductory price of Rs 3.49 million, the Ambition Plus at Rs 3.79 million and the Elegance at Rs 4.09 million.
