Skoda Rapid
MODEL TESTED: Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI SE PRICE: £18,360 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 113bhp
SKODA has always been a brand associated with value, and although prices of cars like its Fabia supermini have steadily crept higher, the Rapid still combines versatility with an affordable price tag. We test the £18,360 1.6-litre TDI manual model in SE spec to see if it’s a match for the new Fiat.
Styling 3.2/5
AS with the larger Skoda Octavia, the Rapid’s rear end shape comes from its big boot, but unlike the Tipo and C4 – which both feature more conventional upright hatchbacks – the Rapid’s tailgate slopes more gently down to the base of its C-pillars. Despite this bigger hatch opening, the Rapid is actually shorter than the Tipo by a considerable 15.5cm, although the Skoda’s overall shape and styling mean this difference isn’t as noticeable when they’re parked side-by-side.
The Rapid conforms to Skoda’s relatively conventional, reserved design, so there aren’t many flourishes to speak of. There are lots of geometric shapes at the front whereas the Tipo and C4’s designs are more curvaceous, so the Rapid’s main grille and headlights, and lower grille and foglamps, create two strong, wide elements in the front bumper.
Apart from a depression at the bottom of the doors, the crease that connects the headlights to the tail-lamps down the car’s flanks is the Rapid’s only notable detail in profile, while at the rear the C-shaped tail-lights and creases on the bootlid give a little bit more visual interest to what’s an otherwise plain and simple shape.
Although the Rapid pre-dates the firm’s flagship Superb model, Skoda’s value-focused hatchback features a few styling cues similar to the larger, more expensive car inside. The dash top doesn’t drop away towards the sides of the car, remaining almost the same level across the width of the cabin. This accentuates the sense of width and space, although the Rapid is actually 3cm narrower than the Tipo.
The drawback is that it feels like there’s a lot of low-rent plastic in prominent areas, although in reality it’s still better than in the Tipo. However, the slabby centre console constructed of unforgiving material still highlights the Rapid’s price.
This houses the £575 optional touchscreen satnav unit (no trim level gets it as standard), which is the highlight when it comes to equipment fitted to our test car. SE spec includes cruise control, Bluetooth and air-con, while DAB is a £100 extra.
There are some options worth investing in, such as rear parking sensors, but these cost £380, which is fairly steep for a car in this class. Xenon headlights are £500, a rear-view camera £230 and heated seats £250. If you want to upgrade the standard air-con to climate control, that will cost an extra £440, as only top-spec SE L models get this as standard.
Driving 3.0/5
ALTHOUGH the Skoda gives away a few bhp to its two rivals here – not to mention a significant amount of torque – the relatively light 1, 205kg kerbweight meant the Rapid still offered enough performance during our track test.
The 113bhp 1.6 TDI is quite gruff at idle and gets even noisier if you extend it through the rev range, so it’s best to keep a lid on things and use the 250Nm of torque, where its in-gear performance is acceptable. Apart from the 0-60mph sprint, the Rapid couldn’t match the Tipo’s performance, partly because it only features a five-speed box, so has fewer gears to span a similar speed range.
While the Skoda trailed the Tipo and C4, its 1.6 TDI still offers enough performance for most situations, plus the gearbox has the most mechanically precise shift action of the three. This trait is replicated with the steering – the Rapid turns in well and the chassis serves up more grip than the Fiat or Citroen.
Unlike the larger Octavia, the Rapid isn’t based on the VW Group’s MQB platform, and instead shares much of its architecture with the current VW Polo. This well developed platform means the Rapid rides relatively well, even on upgraded £670 17-inch wheels (16-inch alloys are standard on SE models).
Washboard roads and harsher bumps or potholes still give a high-frequency patter through the suspension, although the dampers just shave the edge off bigger bumps well. On the motorway the Skoda feels relaxed, while the compromise when it comes to ride quality on country roads helps the chassis steer sweetly. It won’t set your pulse racing, but it’s surprisingly engaging for a budget hatchback.
Ownership 3.7/5
SKODA routinely performs well in our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey, and in 2016 the brand notched up a third place result behind Tesla and Lexus. Its dealers couldn’t match Fiat’s for customer service, though, finishing mid-table in 15th position.
When the Rapid was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2012 it received a full five-star rating. Most of this is due to the Rapid’s inherent crash safety, as there’s not much safety kit as standard. Six airbags are fitted, but Skoda’s Front Assist collision warning and autonomous emergency braking system is £315.
Practicality 3.9/5
THE booted look gives the Skoda a significant advantage when it comes to room, with a 550-litre load bay. Fold the rear seats down and this rises to a maximum capacity of 1,490 litres, making it the most spacious car of our trio.
The Rapid has more to it than just a big boot. SE versions get a storage compartment for sunglasses, while an umbrella under the front seat, an ice scraper in the fuel filler door and a parking ticket holder are all part of Skoda’s Simply Clever touches. A £180 load-through hatch is available and adds more versatility, while storage elsewhere is good. Despite a shorter wheelbase than the Fiat, legroom in the rear is actually the best of the three.
Running costs 3.7/5
THE Rapid’s ownership prospects are even better when you analyse its running costs. Skoda’s two-year service pack will set you back £279, which equates to £139.50 a year. This compares with £133 annually for the C4’s £400 three-year maintenance pack, while Fiat’s £16-per-month servicing deal works out at £192 a year.
It’s not the only area where the Rapid excels, as our 1.6 TDI SE test model is likely to resist depreciation best out of this trio, with predicted residual values of 40 per cent. Of course, you’re paying £365 more for the Skoda than the Fiat, but over three years and 36,000 miles the car is expected to lose only £147 more of its new price than the Tipo (predicted to retain 39.6 per cent), at £11,016.