Test drive Skoda Rapid
Test Drive

Test drive Skoda Rapid

Using the example of the updated Czech liftback, we find out what to look for when buying a "state employee", what options should be ordered and how much a well-equipped B-class car now costs

Highway 91 in Greece is the most scenic road in the entire Balkan Peninsula. The section leading from Athens to the south is especially good: cliffs, sea and endless turns. It is here that the character of the updated Skoda Rapid reveals itself - the 1,4-liter TSI cheerfully spins straight, the DSG “robot” juggles gears dashingly, and the rear wheels in long arcs are almost imperceptible, but still whistle.

Roads in Greece have not been repaired since the 2004 Olympics, so deep potholes are encountered here no less often than in the vicinity of Volgograd. Rapid is used to this state of affairs: the suspension diligently works out all the defects of the web, but sometimes it does it too roughly.

Colleague Evgeny Bagdasarov has already examined the updated Rapid almost under a magnifying glass, and David Hakobyan even managed to compare it with the new generation Kia Rio. Everyone agreed that the Skoda Rapid is the ideal representative of the B-class in Russia, although in some trim levels it is too expensive.

Test drive Skoda Rapid

It is very roomy, it has the longest list of options, where there is even xenon optics and a keyless entry system. All this ultimately had a strong impact on prices: if the basic Rapid (which is mainly driven by taxi drivers) dealers estimate at $ 7 -913, then the most equipped versions with all the options packages cost more than $ 9. It was on the example of the updated Rapid that we decided to draw up instructions on how to choose the right budget car in 232.

1. It is better to overpay for a motor, not for options

Skoda offers Rapid with three engines to choose from: atmospheric 1,6 liters (90 and 110 hp), as well as a turbocharged 1,4 TSI (125 hp). If the first two work with a 5-five-speed mechanics and a 6-range "automatic", then the top-end supercharged engine is only equipped with a 7-speed "robot" DSG.

Test drive Skoda Rapid

Most often, Rapid is bought with a 1,6 liter engine, which is considered more reliable and unpretentious. However, a turbocharged and naturally aspirated liftback are two completely different vehicles. It is better to sacrifice some options, but choose 1,4 TSI instead of 1,6 - this Rapid is noticeably more dynamic and reckless. With abrupt starts from a standstill, it allows even slight slippage, and overtaking on the track is easier for such a Rapid. In addition, in everyday use, it is significantly more economical than the 1,6 version - taking into account traffic jams, the average consumption during the test in Greece was 7-8 liters per 100 kilometers.

But another thing is important: the Skoda Rapid with a turbocharged engine is the fastest car in the class (like the soplatform VW Polo). He gains the first "hundred" in 9 seconds and is even capable of reaching the maximum 208 km per hour.

2. Buy options in packages

In the budget segment, when buying a car, you have to choose from what dealers have available. Nevertheless, you need to carefully select a complete set so as not to overpay. For example, Skoda, like all Volkswagen brands, offers options both separately and in packages. Moreover, the second option is more profitable.

Test drive Skoda Rapid

For example, bi-xenon headlights in the Skoda configurator cost an additional $ 441. At the same time, package number 8, which includes bi-xenon optics, rain and light sensors, rear parking sensors and rear wiper, costs $ 586. If bi-xenon optics are not a prerequisite for you, then we advise you to take a closer look at package number 7 ($ 283). It includes front and rear parking sensors as well as a rear wiper.

3. Choose your multimedia system carefully

Skoda Rapid is offered with three types of audio systems: Blues, Swing and Amudsen. In the first case, we are talking about a one-din radio tape recorder with a tiny monochrome display ($ 152). Swing is already a two-din radio tape recorder with a 6,5-inch touchscreen display. It is appropriate for all Rapids, starting with the middle Ambition configuration. However, Swing can also be ordered for a basic liftback - in this case, you will have to pay an additional $ 171.

Test drive Skoda Rapid

The most expensive trim levels provide an Amudsen audio system - with six speakers, support for all digital formats, navigation and voice control. By the way, the built-in maps are distinguished by excellent detailing and detailed drawing of the route. The complex does not slow down, responds quickly to pressing, but it still costs a little expensive - $ 453. If you want the system to duplicate the image of a smartphone connected to the system (the option is called Smart Link), you will have to pay an additional $ 105.

On the one hand, in total it turns out to be too expensive, even by the standards of the older C- and D-segments. On the other hand, the large display and advanced functionality significantly transform the interior of the liftback, where there is still a lot of hard plastic, and the front panel does not differ in design delights.

Test drive Skoda Rapid
4. Decide on a complete set before going to a car dealership

The Skoda Rapid is sold with so many checkboxes in the configurator that it seems that an absolutely unique car can be assembled. In the basic configuration ($ 7), the liftback will not even have an air conditioner, while the fully equipped version will have options from the high classes, keyless entry, heated rear seats and navigation.

We put together the most expensive Rapid in the configurator - and we got $ 16. It is more expensive than all competitors in the B-class. For that kind of money, you can buy, for example, a Ford Focus in the maximum Titanium configuration with a 566-horsepower engine, a Kia cee'd in the top-end Premium version (150 hp), or, for example, the most equipped Hyundai Creta with an “automatic” and all-wheel drive. ... Therefore, before going to an authorized dealer, it is better to decide in advance which Rapid you need.

Test drive Skoda Rapid

The most optimal offer is a liftback with a 1,4 TSI engine, a robotic box in the Abbition configuration (from $ 11). You can also order options for the 922: climate control, rear parking sensors, three-spoke steering wheel, front armrest and crankcase protection. As a result, the car will cost $ 505 - at the level of the top-end Kia Rio ($ 12), Ford Fiesta ($ 428) and Hyundai Solaris ($ 13).

A type
LiftbackLiftbackLiftbackLiftback
Dimensions (length / width / height), mm
4483/1706/14744483/1706/14744483/1706/14744483/1706/1474
Wheelbase, mm
2602260226022602
Ground clearance, mm
170170170170
Cargo space, l
530 – 1470530 – 1470530 – 1470530 – 1470
Curb weight, kg
1150116512051217
Gross vehicle weight, kg
1655167017101722
engine's type
4-cylinder,

atmospheric
4-cylinder,

atmospheric
4-cylinder,

atmospheric
4-cylinder,

turbocharged
Working volume, cubic meters cm
1598159815981390
Max. power, h.p. (at rpm)
90 / 4250110 / 5800110 / 5800125 / 5000
Max. cool. moment, Nm (at rpm)
155 / 3800155 / 3800155 / 3800200 / 1400-4000
Drive type, transmission
Front,

5MKP
Front,

5MKP
Front,

6AKP
Front,

7RCP
Max. speed km / h
185195191208
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h, s
11,410,311,69
Fuel consumption, l / 100 km
5,85,86,15,3
Price from, $.
7 9669 46910 06311 922
 

 

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