Skoda Rapid: prices and specifications

The name Skoda Rapid comes from the English word "Rapid" — meaning "fast," "swift." This model embodies two conceptual ideas: speed as the engine of the brand's progress and the swift silhouette of the body. The car is built on the basis of the Mission L concept, which was presented in September 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The five-door liftback became the embodiment of the new styling of the Czech brand. This is a completely new concept, although the name Rapid is not new for Skoda — models produced from 1935 to 1947 and from 1984 to 1990 inclusive were called that.

The official premiere of the Skoda Rapid took place at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012.

The car is built on a modified platform (with an extended wheelbase and increased body dimensions), which underpins the sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo. In addition to the liftback body, the company's management plans to launch production of the Skoda Rapid in a hatchback body. Also, Skoda does not reject the idea of creating a station wagon based on the Rapid, since all modern models of the Czech brand have or had this body modification.

The car is equipped with a number of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines with a displacement of 1.2 and 1.4 liters. Also under the hood of the model can be a diesel 1.6-liter unit with a turbine and a TDI direct injection system. The units work in conjunction with a five- or six-speed manual or seven-speed robotic transmission. The car has front-wheel drive. The front of the Skoda Rapid has an independent MacPherson suspension, the rear has a semi-independent suspension. Especially for the CIS countries, the car is equipped with a "bad roads" package, which includes enhanced anti-corrosion treatment of the body and a ground clearance increased by 15 mm. The interior of the Skoda Rapid is practical: the creators equipped it with many niches and containers (for example, under the front passenger seat), a special stand for a mobile phone. The model's trunk has a double floor and side niches, and its volume (550 l) is one of the largest in its class.

History

The Skoda Rapid debuted in 2012 and was created in the image of the MissionL concept presented at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, the history of the Rapid begins in the 30s of the last century. The ancestor of the Rapid was created in 1935. It was a coupe with a 50-horsepower engine, called the Rapid Six. The production run of the model was only 4 cars.

The successor to the Rapid Six was the 31-horsepower Skoda Rapid of the 1936 model year. This car was produced for 3 years and was offered in 4-door sedan, 2-door sedan, station wagon and convertible bodies.

In 1938, the Skoda Rapid OHV appeared. This model was produced until 1947 and was essentially a restyled version of its predecessor. In addition, the Rapid OHV developed a higher speed (by 10 km/h). Over the entire period, less than 2 thousand copies were produced.

Until 1984, the name "Rapid" was not used, until the new Skoda Rapid 130 car appeared. The Rapid of the 80s was a coupe with 4 seats and a rear-mounted engine. Power — 58 horsepower. There were also versions Rapid 135 and Rapid 136, which were produced from 1987 to 1990. They differed from the 130th modification in improved dynamic characteristics and were almost indistinguishable externally.

In 2012, the production Skoda Rapid was presented at the Paris Motor Show. At the end of the year, sales of the Rapid started in Europe, and in 2013, assembly of the Skoda Rapid began in Ukraine at the Eurocar plant.

In 2014, sales of the Rapid hatchback began in Ukraine, which received a separate name on the domestic market — Skoda Spaceback.

Exterior

In the liftback body, the Rapid resembles a reduced Octavia. The Rapid looks just as harmonious and presentable as the higher-class Octavia model.

The Rapid has almost the same dimensions as the first-generation Skoda Octavia, but at the same time it has a significantly larger wheelbase. Many potential buyers compare this model with such budget sedans as the Peugeot 301, VW Polo Sedan or Renault Logan. However, the Skoda Rapid looks the most presentable among competitors.

At the front and rear, the Rapid shows the corporate style of the Czech brand, combined with German pedantry.

Interior

The interior of the Skoda Rapid does not have many lights, an intricate instrument panel or a fancy center console. The interior of the Rapid is restrained and conservative. There is nothing superfluous here, but everything is at hand. Ergonomics are top-notch.

The range of seat adjustments allows any person to sit comfortably, regardless of height and build. The seats are moderately firm, have good lateral support and lumbar support, so on a long journey the back and neck almost do not get tired.

In front of the driver is an informative instrument panel that looks impressive in the dark when the lights come on. During the daytime, the instrument panel does not stand out in any special way.

There is a lot of space in the back row. For this class of car, it is record-breakingly large. The width of the sofa allows three passengers to sit.

The trunk is beyond praise. This applies equally to both the liftback and the Spaceback version. In the liftback, the trunk capacity is more impressive. It easily fits a stroller, bicycle or piles of things.

The Skoda Rapid is offered in 4 trim levels.

Engine and transmission

On the Ukrainian market, the Skoda Rapid is offered with petrol and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.2 l to 1.6 l. The base unit develops 75 horsepower, all other engines — 105 hp. In particular, the 1.2 TFSI produces 105 hp. Regardless of power, 1.2-liter engines are available only with a manual transmission.

The same applies to the diesel unit, which is offered in Ukraine exclusively with a manual transmission. Its power is 105 hp, and the average consumption in the city is about 5.6 l.

An automatic transmission is provided for the 1.6-liter petrol engine with 105 hp. It can also be paired with a manual gearbox.

Safety

The Skoda Rapid underwent crash tests in 2012. According to Euro NCAP results, the Skoda Rapid received 5 stars.

The car showed a decent level of protection for the driver and passenger. In a side impact, the Rapid also demonstrated maximum results, but in a side impact, the dummy received a chest injury.

For the protection of children under 3 years old, Skoda scored the maximum number of points. For pedestrians, the Skoda Rapid is quite dangerous.

Features

Among competitors, the Skoda Rapid in Ukraine is one of the most expensive models in the class of budget sedans. However, in terms of handling, this car is almost a benchmark.

Thanks to adaptation for bad roads, the Skoda Rapid handles bumps well. In motion, the Rapid is obedient and comfortable. It is worth noting the high efficiency of the diesel engine, as well as decent dynamic performance even with the weakest engine.

Popularity in Ukraine

Skoda cars are in good demand in Ukraine. This applies equally to both the new and used car markets.

Immediately after the start of sales, the Rapid literally burst into the list of the best-selling budget sedans in Ukraine. The Spaceback hatchback is not in such high demand.

Our verdict

The Skoda Rapid is an ideal option for those who want to have a comfortable and not cheap-feeling car. The Rapid looks good, is comfortable inside and functional, so we recommend considering it as a purchase option.

The cost of the Skoda Rapid is one of the weak points of this model, but the initially high price pays off when selling the car on the secondary market, where all Skodas, including the Rapid, do not lose much in price.