- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.4T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
92kW, 200Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 4.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2014)
Skoda Rapid first drive review
This is a defining moment for Skoda in Australia.
For seven years the Czech brand under the control of Volkswagen has struggled to make in-roads into the local market with its quirky and unconventional models, such as the Superb sedan and Yeti compact SUV.
But with the launch of the new Rapid hatchback Skoda is joining the biggest fight in the new car market place. The Rapid will go up against the most popular cars in the country – the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 – and the Volkswagen Golf (with which it shares plenty of DNA).
In a class as competitive as this Skoda needs to bring its A-game. And, on the surface at least, it appears to.
The Rapid misses out on the latest generation Golf' lightweight underpinnings, instead relying on a combination of VW and Seat parts. Under the bonnet are two of the VW Group’s fuel efficient petrol engines; 77kW and 90kW versions. And the pricing is sharp, with an entry point of just $18,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs).
But is it enough to win Skoda the new buyers it needs?
Certainly our drive in the Rapid 90TSI demonstrated a capable small car that is engaging to drive on the open road and quiet on the highway.
The engine, the same 90kW 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol found in the Golf, offers up good performance. There is plenty of pulling power from down low in the rev range, thanks to 200Nm of torque available from 1500rpm, and it keeps chugging hard all the way to the redline.
The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox shifts smoothly on the move, but still has hesitation at low speeds.
In combination they use a combined 6.0-litres per 100km, which is good for the class but the Rapid demands premium unleaded.
Being based on the old Golf means the Rapid has similar driving manners to the popular German hatch. The steering is nicely weighted, responsive and direct and the brakes offer plenty of initial bite.
The Rapid sits relatively flat in the corners and offers up good grip, the dynamic trademarks of the Golf.
But that doesn’t come without compromises. The suspension set-up of the Rapid is noticeably firm, as it jars over big bumps and gets uncomfortable over repeated imperfections.
Overall, though, the Rapid drives not too dissimilar to a VW Golf.
Inside the VW family resemblance continues with plenty of equipment and materials that will be familiar to Volkswagen owners.
The design is simple and there is plenty of hard plastic used throughout, giving the impression this is a car built to a tighter budget than its VW-badged siblings.
Space for passengers is good, especially in the rear where there is adequate legroom for adults, but small item storage is limited, despite Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ marketing spin.
It’s a different story in the boot, with a large load area capable of swallowing 384-litres of luggage.
But closer inspection of the interior and the features list raises some red flags.
A reversing camera, navigation and a touchscreen infotainment system are all unavailable – even as optional extras.
Instead you are left with a six-speaker stereo, USB input, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels as the major features of the base 77TSI Ambition model.
But while it may be light on gear the $18,990 (plus on-roads) starting price at least softens the blow.
But the 77TSI is only available with a six-speed manual which may limit its customer appeal in Australia’s automatic heavy market.
Stepping up to the 90TSI engine brings two different trim levels – Ambition and Elegance.
Aside from the bigger engine and standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox the 90TSI Ambition mirrors the spec of the 77TSI and is priced from $21,890 (plus on-roads).
The 90TSI Elegance adds 17-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, climate control aircon, privacy glass, auto lights and wipers and front fog lights with cornering function for its $23,750 (plus on-roads) asking price.
The options for both cars are limited to two package offers – Sport Pack and Style Pack.
The Sport Pack adds Xenon lights, front sports seats, rear parking sensors, a double sided boot mat, privacy glass and stainless steel pedals. On the Ambition the Sport Pack costs $1600 and on the Elegance it adds $1000.
The Style Pack includes 17-inch black alloy wheels, a fixed glass roof, darkened taillights, a black painted tailgate and larger boot spoiler. It costs $2100 on the Ambition models and $1800 on the Elegance.
And both packs can be added to the same car if you want all the optional extras.
The Rapid is covered by Skoda’s capped price servicing program and comes with a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty that can be expanded to five-years at an extra cost.
Skoda says it has pushed hard to get the Rapid in at $18,990 which allows it to undercut the likes of the Corolla (from $19,990), Kia Cerato (from $19,990) and Mazda3 (from $20,490).
The 77TSI also manages to undercut the base model 90TSI VW Golf, which starts at $21,490, equipped with a six-speed manual.
The brand is relying heavily on the fact the Rapid is a European car, but at the bottom end of the small car market value-for-money is a major factor.
Ultimately, the Rapid feels like a cheaper alternative than the VW Golf, in terms of quality not just price.
Skoda Rapid pricing and specifications
77TSI Ambition
Price: $18,990 plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 77kW at 5000rpm
Torque: 175Nm at 1550-4100rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, FWD
Fuel consumption: 5.4L/100km
90TSI Ambition and Elegance
Price: $21,890 (Ambition)/$23,750 (Elegance) plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 90kW at 5000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1500-4000rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, FWD
Fuel consumption: 6.0L/100km