[vc_single_image image=”47106″ img_size=”article-image”]With the reinvention of the Skoda Rapid into its current form- the Rapid’s first outing being all the way back in 1935. And then again in 1984 in the form of a ‘poor man’s Porsche 911’ coupe… It’s obvious to say that it’s come a long way since the days of yesteryear. With its considerable identity issues, has it finally discovered its niche?
With the Octavia getting big enough to take on the larger family cars such as the Ford Mondeo, there became a gap in Skoda’s line up for a no frills, practical and affordable family hatch back. Skoda has re-shaped the Skoda Rapid to be just that. The Rapid represents a more mature car than its rivals such as the VW Golf or the Vauxhall Astra. It holds no illusions to what it is. It’s a gimmickless car that offers up practicality and value in the space of more dynamic qualities. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It could be a case where you get a lot for your money.[vc_single_image image=”47108″ img_size=”article-image”]It’s easy to see that the design is a million times removed from the 1980’s coupe (thank God). This new model was styled by Jozef Kaban, the same man who penned the Bugatti Veyron believe it or not. It’s not easy to see the style resemblance admittedly, but it does its bit of looking modern and smart with a distinctive grill. It’s also longer (4 ½ metres) and slimmer (just under 2 metres) than your average car in this class. The width is very useful for navigating tighter roads and slipping into parking spaces. Inside, it’s very simplistic and functional but quite unexciting. Everything in the cabin is well set out and built to last with good visibility all round. Simple maybe. Classy, perhaps not so much. But effective definitely. Despite the slimness of the car, its actually very spacious in the back allowing lots of headspace and legroom that other cars in the class can’t really match, making it great for driving a family around in whatever their age. Where this car really excels though is its boot space, which is simply enormous at 550ltrs (that’s 60% more than a Ford Focus) extending to 1490ltrs amounting to the same sort of carriage you get with an estate model. This also comes with a fantastic double spaced boot mat, which is carpeted for everyday use on one side and, with a flip, becomes grippy and solid for transporting things like muddy boots or the like, meaning you don’t have to mess up your car ever again. This car rocks on its practicality in this regard.
Effective, solid and reliable seems to be the motto with the Skoda Rapid. Seemingly constructed from a mish-mash of proven VW group parts which, when put together actually perform decently well. It’s fair to say that there’s nothing spectacular about the drive quality, but it does everything you need of it. The ride is on the firm side with light, well weighted controls making it agile where it needs to be. Engine-wise, you’ll be wise to avoid the entry level 75PS 1.2ltr 3 cylinder petrol model which doesn’t really do the trick when moving a vehicle of this size and also falls down on economy compared to the other engines. The 4 cylinder 86PS 1.2ltr TSI petrol engine isn’t much more expensive but does a better job overall with a 0-62 in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 118mph. If you want to shell out on a bit more power, then the turbocharged 105PS will give you 0-62 in 10.3s and top out at 121mph.[vc_single_image image=”47105″ img_size=”article-image”]All in all, what have we got here with new Skoda Rapid? While the 2014 Skoda Rapid isn’t quite as rapid as the name suggests and tends to be outdone by rivals on drive quality, sophistication and available specification; you’ll be hard pressed to find a car in this segment that is as spacious, versatile and affordable as what you have here. The Skoda Rapid is a no frills but solid and practical family car that will certainly do well for those not so concerned with showing off as having a good value car which does everything you need it to.
If you want to lease or finance the new Skoda Rapid then don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact us page or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out about our Skoda lease deals.[vc_single_image image=”47107″ img_size=”article-image”]
