Toyota Yaris Vs Skoda Rapid: specifications, comparison

The Yaris has come out as a potent contender in a cut-throat sedan segment. But how good is it against a competent package that the Skoda Rapid is?

Toyota has packed the Yaris with a lot of equipment including some segment firsts. But how well does it fare in a spec-sheet comparison against the Skoda Rapid?

There’s not much that separates the Yaris and the Rapid as far as their exterior dimensions are concerned. However, the Yaris’ ground clearance is better than the Rapid’s and it has a bigger boot as well. And hence, it should be better at tackling bad patches of roads and also be able to pack an extra bag on a road trip.

Engines

• While the Skoda offers a petrol as well as a diesel engine, the Yaris is the only offering in its segment which doesn’t get a diesel motor. The Yaris’ lower capacity engine generates 2PS more but 13Nm less than the Rapid’s 1.6-litre unit

• The Rapid’s petrol engine is less fuel efficient on paper than the Yaris’ 1.5-litre unit, both with manual and automatic transmission

• The fuel tank of the Yaris is smaller than the Rapid’s by 13 litres. So, despite a lower fuel economy, it’s the Rapid which will need fewer top ups on a long journey

Features

Standard:

Yaris

• 7 airbags

• ABS with EBD and brake assist

• Tilt-adjustable steering

• 60:40 split rear seat

• Audio system with CD, MP3, Bluetooth and Aux-in

• Height-adjustable driver’s seat

• Cooled glovebox

• Electrically adjustable ORVMs

Rapid

• Dual airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Remote control with foldable key

• Front and rear center armrest

• Tilt and telescopic steering

• 2-DIN audio player with USB, SD, MMC and four speakers

• Rear ac vents

As far as the standard features are concerned, the Yaris not only tops the Rapid, thanks to its safety kit, but also the entire segment. But the Rapid isn’t very far behind and has a decent list of features in its kitty from the base variant onwards.

Features On Top Variant

On the top variant, the Yaris gets 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors and Brake assist with central locking. The top-spec VX variant also gets auto projector headlamps with LED DRLs, 7-inch LED touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, climate control, cruise control, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, push start/stop button, rain-sensing wipers and tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Skoda Rapid’s top variant, the Style, is a little behind the Yaris in terms of safety features but it’s loaded nonetheless with dual front and side airbags, ABS, hill-hold control, ESC (automatic variant), rear parking sensors with camera and central locking. Then there are projector headlamps with LED DRLs, front and rear fog lamps, 6.5-inch touchscreen with USB, AUX, and SD card reader, four speakers, climate control, cruise control, and rain-sensing wipers.

Prices:

The Toyota Yaris is priced in the range of Rs 8.75 lakh to Rs 14.07 lakh. It’s equipped with a lot of features in its lower variants and that’s where its strength lies. While the higher variants of the Yaris are also well-equipped, they’re a bit expensive as well.

The Rapid’s starting price of Rs 8.47 lakh is lower than the Yaris’ by Rs 28,000. In fact, even its top-end manual Style variant, at Rs 9.99 lakh, is Rs 2.85 lakh cheaper than the Yaris’ manual VX variant (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). If it’s about features and equipment, the Rapid’s top variant makes a lot of sense as you might get some features less but you’ll save significantly over the Yaris considering that only the Yaris’ base variant is available under Rs 10 lakh.

However, if you’re planning to keep the car for a longer duration, it’s the Yaris that might suit your needs better, given Toyota’s renowned after-sales service and overall ownership experience. Additionally, the Yaris is also likely to fetch more in the used car market compared to the Rapid in the long run.

Manual Transmission (all prices ex-showroom)

Automatic Transmission (all prices ex-showroom)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.