Skoda revels new saloon

SKODA has launched its new compact saloon, the Rapid, across showrooms nationwide.

Available with three different specification variants, both manual and automatic transmission options and five engine alternatives, the Rapid is competitively priced from e15,995 and will suit families looking for a roomy car at an affordable price.

To mark the launch of the Rapid into Dublin, Annesley Williams, Cloghran, Pilsen Auto Ltd, Ballymount and Autostation, Sandyford are all holding an Open Week until Saturday, November 3 where motorists can test drive the Rapid and avail of special introductory offers for new 2013 purchases.

Competing in the diesel dominated A-segment the new Rapid offers a broad range of petrol engines from the 1.2 MPI delivering 75bhp to the turbocharged units in 1.2 and 1.4 TSI ranging from 86bhp to 122bhp. A diesel unit is offered in the form of 1.6 TDI producing 105bhp.

In CO2 emission terms the 1.6 TDI, 105bhp and 1.2 TSI 86bhp both achieve Band-A status with the remaining engines falling into Band-B.

Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing, Skoda Ireland, said:

“The Rapid is fitted with low volume TSI Petrol engines that utilise the latest turbo charging and direct fuel injection technologies to produce surprising power with diesel rivalling fuel economy and CO2 Emissions.

“The primary reason for purchasing a diesel vehicle is to acquire annual taxation and fuel savings over a petrol vehicle. The basic premise is you pay a higher initial outlay for the diesel car but over time you will recoup the savings through operating costs. The question is how long will it take to achieve these savings? Take the Rapid 1.2 TSI, 86bhp it consumes just 0.7l/100km more than the Rapid diesel alternative and both achieve Tax Band-A status. Using today’s fuel prices it would take 14-years for the diesel version to justify and recoup the savings on fuel alone.

“This brings petrol back into the equation.

Designed as a roomy, elegant and affordable car for the whole family, the Rapid draws parallels with other models in the range with class leading passenger leg and head room and 550 litres of luggage capacity rivalling competitors from higher model segments. The Rapid also offers simple yet clever solutions such as a high visibility vest under the front driver seat and an ice scraper inside the fuel tank flap.

Safety also features prominently in the Rapid with standard safety equipment on board including ESP and ABS systems, six airbags including large capacity driver and front seat passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags to prevent head injuries.