One Year with Ujala: A Personal Review
Introduction
This article reflects on a one-year journey with a Skoda Rapid Diesel named Ujala, covering experiences, maintenance, and future plans.
Overview of Ujala
- Model: Skoda Rapid Diesel
- Odometer Reading: 46,000 kilometers after one year
- Driving Experience:
- The car has performed seamlessly, allowing easy navigation through heavy traffic.
- Notably powerful torque available, enhancing the driving experience.
Torque and Gears
Driving Ujala has taught me how to utilize its torque curve effectively, minimizing frequent gear shifts. The power delivered in the third gear remains impressive, even after extensive use.
Driving Adventures
The vehicle has been used extensively on trips across various states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Despite heavy loads during these trips, Ujala has proven reliable and sturdy. However, keeping the car clean can be challenging due to its unique color.
Fuel Efficiency
- City Driving: Achieves approximately 13.5 km/l in traffic with average speeds around 17 km/h.
- Highway Driving: Can deliver over 20 km/l on long drives.
Surprisingly, the car’s ground clearance has prevented any scraping on the running board, further affirming its capability on highways and winding roads.
Maintenance and Service
The Service Experience
Ujala underwent annual maintenance at Engineering Exponents with the following highlights:
- Service Interval: 42,000 kilometers
- Cost: 13,000 INR
- Key Services:
- Oil change (switched from Motul to FUCHS)
- Brake fluid replacement
- Filter replacements
The brake fluid had not been changed since the car was purchased. An issue was detected with the rear right ABS sensor, but instead of replacing it, I opted for a refitting. After the service, the ABS light did not return, indicating the issue may have been minor.
Thoughts on Products
The switch to FUCHS oil did not yield significant benefits over Motul, so I plan to return to Motul for future oil changes.
DIY Fixes and Repairs
AC Vent Repair
Recently, I faced a minor setback when the AC vents broke on the front sides. After opening the vents, I used super glue to make a temporary fix. Although it’s not a robust solution, it has been working adequately so far.
- Future Considerations: While new vents are available, they felt flimsy upon inspection. I may explore options from older Golf or Vento models that might offer better durability.
Other Repairs
- Clutch Issues: The clutch has started to become hard, but it is not severe enough to warrant immediate replacement. I’ll monitor it for now, as it hasn’t affected driving performance significantly.
Fuel Additives
On the recommendation of a fellow enthusiast, I’ve started using IFTEX System D as a fuel additive. This has shown slight improvements in fuel efficiency and engine refinement. Regular fueling at reputable outlets like COCO or Jio BP/Shell is maintained.
Insurance Experience
Finding reasonable insurance terms for a Skoda has proven challenging. After exploring various agents and platforms, I settled on Acko for decent premiums and IDV, although I received mixed reviews about them.
Future Plans
As I look ahead with Ujala, a couple of upgrades are on my wishlist:
Horn Upgrade: Living in a bustling city like Bangalore has highlighted the necessity for a more powerful horn, so I plan to replace the existing one with a Bosch alternative.
- Sun Control Films: To manage the intense heat and sun exposure while driving, I’m considering a high-visibility sun control film (70-80%) to stay compliant with regulations.
Reflections and Regrets
In retrospect, while researching vehicles, I missed out on other options like Nexon, XUV300, and more, which have since received upgrades. Additionally, Skoda introduced the Kylaq model at competitive prices after my purchase. Yet, considering the overall ownership cost and my satisfaction with the Rapid, I don’t harbor significant regrets.
Conclusion
One year with Ujala has been filled with enjoyable experiences, and the Skoda remains an impressive performer in its segment. With careful maintenance and planned upgrades, I hope to continue enjoying it for many more years to come.
