The name Rapid is certainly not new to the Skoda connoisseurs. Skoda introduced the Rapid in 1935 with a six-cylinder, 1165cc boosting 26bhp. Skoda used the name Rapid again in 1984 with a 2 door rear engined coupe which, in 1.2ltr guise, produced 55bhp, referred by Autocar as "the poor man's Porsche". Today, the Skoda Rapid is available as a 5 doors hatchback with a variety of engines: 1.2ltr 75bhp, 85bhp with 5spd manual, a 1.2ltr 105bhp with 6spd manual, a 1.4ltr with a 7spd DSG automatic and a 1.6ltr TDI with 5spd manual. The trims available are S, SE and Elegance. The Rapid is available in 13 different colours. We tested the 1.2 TSI 105 in SE trim in Brilliant Silver Metallic.
EXTERIOR: The Rapid is the first Skoda to use the manufacturer's new design with the front badge now placed on the bonnet and kept separate from the grille. We also like the lower honeycomb grille which adds a sporty edge to the clean and crisp styling. The profile is neat and dynamic whilst the back is a mixture of sharp and precise lines inspired by the Bohemian crystal produced in the Czech Republic, a proud patriotic reference.
INTERIOR: The interior is a familiar place to Skoda and Volkswagen owners alike, the V-shaped centre console could easily belong to a VW Passat. All controls are placed with a brilliant exercise in ergonomics and every control is intuitive to use. The instruments are clear to read and the trip computer in our SE spec car abound with information on fuel consumption, range, exterior temperature and so on. The only gripe was the indicators and wipers stalks which we found a tiny shorter than the diameter of the steering wheel but, considering the interior quality, we could easily live with it.
DRIVING: Our 1.2ltr engine produces a remarkable 105bhp thanks to the clever TSI technology. This unit is mated to a 6 speed gearbox with positive and well spaced ratios. The engine has a brilliant response throughout the rev range and has no hesitation or flat spots. The 6th gear helps it to be a whispery cruiser. Under brisk acceleration this 1.2 TSI engine emits a rather pleasant growl and it's never thrashy. The fuel consumption is the biggest revelation, with urban average of 38.7mpg and a combined average of 51mpg, which could easily divert interest from the diesel option.
PRICES: Prices start at £12,900 for the 1.2ltr 75 S with the 1.6TDI Elegance topping the scales at £17,850. Our 1.2ltr 105 TSI SE costs £15,350 which represents fantastic value-for-money. The Rapid comes with a 3yrs-60,000mls warranty, the first 2 years with unlimited mileage. It also comes with 3 years European-wide Road Assistance Cover provided by RAC.
VERDICT: It's literally no surprise that the new Skoda Rapid is becoming a popular car already. The hatchback practicality hidden in a stylish saloon body with an impressive 550 litre boot is 'Simply Clever' to use a Skoda slogan. Skoda also likes to define itself as the "Manufacturer of happy drivers" especially after they won the 2012 Driver Power survey for the fourth year running. All this has been proven when we visited the Benfield Skoda in Newcastle upon Tyne to pick our test car, where the staff couldn't have been more welcoming and proud of the Skoda brand. We are eagerly awaiting to pick up the new Octavia for a review but we have no doubts that it will be another quality product from a brand with a very bright future. MG
Skoda is one of those brands which makes the premium and elite cars at lesser price than the other brands.Like its own parent group Volkswagen prices its cars very high.The all new Skoda Rapid looks a great deal for those who wants to buy a luxury sedan at less rates.
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