Demonstrating your superiority over someone you depend on is fraught: the big uncles will remove such an upstart from the run - and remember what they called. It seems all the more surprising that almost every new Skoda manages to at least somehow, but surpass the Volkswagen model. Remember the transformation possibilities of the Yeti interior, which the Tiguan lacks; or, for example, the spaciousness of the Superb sofa, which can arouse the envy of "trade winds". And the volume of the Octavia's trunk is an impossible dream of the owner of any Golf.
And most of all, the Czech economy pleases: cars from Mladá Boleslav are cheaper than the "originals"! So Rapid had to go the same beaten track. However, he chose his own path - in terms of Russian realities.
By the way, in Europe, there is no competition between Polo and Rapid, and there cannot be, because it is very different cars: "German" - compact hatchback, while the "Czech" tramples the golf class in size. But with us "Rapid" had to be more difficult, since the Russian Polo is an impressive sedan, practically not inferior in dimensions to the "Skoda". And although both machines were grown on the same incubator in Kaluga, the Rapid turned out to be more expensive.
Unsurprisingly, buyers took the novelty cautiously: the more expensive Octavia sells for one and a half times better, not to mention the Polo, which sells almost three times better.
Which choice?
And what about the "Active"?
At first glance, the price tag of 479 thousand rubles, taking into account the size of the car and its similarity to the Octavia, looks very attractive. However, if you take a good look at the car, it's easy to see that the picture isn't all that rosy. With zeal worthy of better use, the Czechs save on the essentials: from the basic version of the Active, a merciless hand crossed out the electric drive and heated mirrors, air conditioning, radio and remote control central locking... In terms of safety, there are also gaps: there is ABS, but there is only one airbag - the driver's. But the same Polo has two airbags in its database!
But most importantly, the base Rapid is powered by a puny 1.2-liter engine (75 hp), which is frankly not enough for a car weighing almost 1.2 tons. The presence in the "Active" of a full-size spare wheel, a pair of power windows and heated windscreen washer nozzles is a little consolation.
Choosing the optimum
Starting with the second version of the Ambition with a 1.6 liter engine, the Rapid becomes a full-fledged machine. This configuration itself is 70 thousand rubles more expensive, plus another 50 thousand will be asked for a 1.6-liter engine - perhaps the most reliable power unit from the Volkswagen portfolio. With the motor, everything is clear - this is living wage... Is it possible to save money if you do not overpay for a more expensive package, but retrofit the base with separate options?
Here's what happens. To add to the "Active" heated front seats and mirrors, air conditioning, radio and a second pillow costs 48 thousand rubles. And if you still fork out for Ambition, then the remaining 22 thousand will bring you a whole dozen more not useless options - this is an eyeglass case, a glove box illumination and pockets on the seat backs, an on-board computer, a sofa backrest that folds in parts, a remote control with a central lock and a "navigator »Backlight. Definitely, it is Ambition that deserves to be the optimum.
The same version becomes a starting point if you like the Rapid with a turbo engine and a preselective "robot". The surcharge for 1.4 TSI DSG (based on the Rapid 1.6 AT) is not that great - 35 thousand. At the same time, you will also receive an ESP as a bonus, which itself costs 7,000 rubles. Good offer!
By the way, after a while (not earlier than next year), dealers will have the long-announced Rapid Spaсeback, which is a cross between a hatchback and a station wagon with a shortened rear overhang and a higher roof.
As usual, you can choose the color of the body. The palette consists of nine colors, of which white and blue Pacific are available free of charge. Any of the seven metallics will require an additional payment of 12 thousand rubles.
Outside and inside
Give me a record!
The liftback fully exploits the proportions and style of the senior Octavia. He is not at all aggressive, but he is in a fashionable way. And only after going around the car from all sides, it can be noted that its body is slightly narrower than it should be.
However, a talented salesperson is unlikely to pay attention to this. He will probably suggest starting your acquaintance with the car from the trunk. Effectively and effortlessly (thanks to pneumatic supports!), The high-rise fifth door of colossal dimensions will open access to impressive bins. In shape, it is almost a regular parallelepiped with a volume of 550 liters. If you remove the shelf and fold the back of the sofa, the capacity will almost triple. Perhaps, from the point of view of cargo transportation, Rapid is the record holder in its class.
The only pity is that the doors and bumpers are not protected by moldings: the very first "contact" parking will remind you of their absence. Fog lights are too large - even small stones can leave an annoying crack on the glass. It's bad that you have to pay extra for the "janitor" on the fifth door - and any Rapid needs him! Dirt from the road almost does not fly here - thanks to the step at the stern - however, in rain and snow, the glass quickly loses its transparency.
What other significant disadvantages does Rapid have? Like the Polo, it has very low feet rear springs- they are separated from the ground by only 126 mm. And the Czechs also saved on the lock of the gas tank flap, which is also not good: the ice scraper fixed on it risks becoming an easy prey for thieves.
welcome
Looking around, it is easy to see that the front panel looks strict in German, laconic and at the same time noble. Unless in the basic version there is too much gray, easily scratched plastic - but here there are quite appropriate inserts for aluminum.
The back row guests are waiting a pleasant surprise: legroom is almost the same as that of the best representatives of the class - Nissan almera and Peugeot 301 / Citroen C-Elysee.
There is no shortage of coat hooks and cup holders in either version. And at the optimum, you will also get additional illumination lamps. In addition, for a modest payment of 3000 rubles, you can equip the sofa with a central folding armrest with cup holders.
The only bad thing is that rear glass located at a large slope. So that the passengers of the sofa do not bake the sun on their heads on the road, you will have to take care of a sun blind or tinting.
Behind the wheel
According to the German pattern
If the doorways in the back are hospitably wide, then the front doors are devoid of this virtue. Worse, the front panel tide is treacherous in the opening. In a lordly manner, sweeping my right leg into the salon, I got a bump on my shin. And this is still a moderate build! And what will be the bigger persons?
The ergonomics of the driver's seat are identical to those of other cars of the Volkswagen group. The impressive steering and seat adjustment ranges allow you to sit exactly as you like. Any buttons and levers do not raise any questions: they are extremely functional, and their shape and location are matched perfectly. There are two types of Rapid on-board computer, which are controlled in different ways: either by a button at the end of the right steering column switch, or by buttons on the right steering wheel spoke (Maxi Dot). For ease of manipulation - no complaints.
There are three different audio systems to choose from. The optimal version of Ambition corresponds to a 1 DIN Blues head unit, which plays both discs and reads flash drives - and at the same time sounds not bad. The Swing "head", which is more expensive by only 3000 rubles, looks more elegant, although in terms of capabilities it practically does not differ from the simplest "music". The top-of-the-line Amundsen touchscreen is the finest: this audio system looks better and sounds cleaner. In addition, navigation is "sewn up" in it. The only pity is that it costs 28,000 rubles - too expensive for a democratic "Rapid".
But there is a nuance
Having got used to it a little, you begin to notice nuances imperceptible at first glance. The chair has good lateral support, but for some reason the back is bent unnaturally strongly. An adjustable lumbar cushion would definitely do the trick for her - without it, her back can hurt on the road in a couple of hours. Only the sports front seats included in the Dynamic package are devoid of this drawback. However, this pleasure is not free - 23,000 rubles.
The armrest interferes with the use of the handbrake, and the gas pedal travel turned out to be unexpectedly short - only 4.5 cm. Alas, not everything is all right with the car and with visibility: rear pillars very wide, the boundaries of the boot lid cannot be seen by the driver. The situation is not rescued and not too large side mirrors. Parking sensors can be ordered, but they are not cheap - 13,500 rubles.
Note that the Rapid can only be called truly safe with the Safety 2 package, which increases the number of airbags to six and adds ESP to the car. In EuroNCAP tests, just such a car was able to earn five stars.
On the roads and without them
Without complexes
The reliability of the base 1.2-liter engine is questionable. At one time, this 3-cylinder power unit moved the first generation "Fabia" rather tolerably, but with the "Rapid", which is noticeably heavier, it cannot cope with it. Here is a very short (4.93: 1) main pair, however, she does not save the situation; so I would not recommend this engine even to a very calm driver, so as not to cause an inferiority complex in him.
The 105-horsepower 1.6-liter engine is not only noticeably more powerful, but also much, so to speak, more convenient - it allows you to more accurately control the speed. This power unit confidently pulls from the very bottom, and when it reaches medium speed it becomes even more temperamental. The precise work of the "mechanics" encourages to go faster - however, it makes no sense to turn the engine above 4500 rpm: there will be more noise than dynamics. And on the highway, additional forces would be useful, as well as sixth gear in a manual gearbox.
In combination with an automatic transmission, such a Rapid picks up faster, but turns out to be slower in inter-traffic light races. "Automatic" is clearly tuned to economy: if you handle the gas pedal without undue aggression, it strives ahead of time to tuck the top gear. Saves the situation sport mode: Thanks to it, even with careful handling of the accelerator, the speed does not fall below the 2000 rpm mark. But even when driving at full load, and when overtaking from 80 km / h, you always have to put up with the role of a person who is in no hurry.
More fun
A remark should be made here: the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI is not particularly economical. In traffic jams, he diligently digests, on average, 12.2 liters per 100 km, and only with measured driving on the highway, the consumption is reduced to 7.6 liters. However, a more powerful turbo engine is more economical by a couple of liters in long-range conditions.
The 1.4-liter TSI is generally an excellent student in all disciplines. Skoda accelerates much faster with it! And the turbo has essentially only one minus - in a ragged urban rhythm, you need to or barely stroke the gas pedal, otherwise the impression of the transmission will deteriorate: delays in switching at a snail's speed become annoying. However, all this fully compensates for the dashing set of speed on the move - this is where Rapid gives genuine pleasure!
At the same time, bends with a variable curvature, the car passes very confidently. In "traction" you can safely rush at the limit of the adhesion properties of tires - "Skoda" will not require correction of the trajectory by the steering wheel. By the way, modifications with a turbo engine put rear disc brakes, while less powerful versions get by with drums. With frequent sharp decelerations at high speeds, as well as on mountain roads, this is a rather significant plus.
Other bonuses of the 1.4-liter "Rapid" are the electric heater of the interior, the assistant at the start of the rise and ESP. By the way, the stabilization system is perfectly tuned and allows you to release the car in small slides. And the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires, which tenaciously hold onto the asphalt, are also frankly pleasing.
Outcome
Rapid will definitely find its buyer. First of all, those who need a car like the Polo sedan, but with a more comfortable trunk and a great turbo engine. It can also be advised to those who would like to buy an Octavia, but do not have sufficient funds. And yet, regrettable as it may seem, the price of the optimal version exceeds 600 thousand, as a result of which the language cannot be called a budget model.
The fact that any modern Skoda repeats Volkswagen in many ways is nothing more than a Punchinelle secret. Another thing often remains secret - how, with total dependence on the Germans, the Czechs manage to preserve their originality in cars and sometimes even make them more interesting? The Rapid, which has many intersections with the Polo, is a prime example. The most unexpected thing was that the “poor relative” received a price that was more ambitious than it should be in terms of status.
- Manufacturer - "Volkswagen Group Rus", Russia
- Year of release - 2014
- In operation ZR - since July 2014
- Mileage at the time of the report - 14,000 km
- Publications in ZR: 2014, No. 10; 2015, no. 5.
I got behind the wheel of Rapid in October last year, and since then the odometer has counted 9623 km. During the entire period of operation, I have never scolded him - there were no reasons. Not a single breakdown! Only once did the front left speaker go awry. For no apparent reason, instead of music, he began to publish some kind of rattling. I had to change the audio system settings and transfer the sound to the right speakers. But a day later, the musical hoarseness passed as suddenly as it appeared. I myself am to blame for the second breakdown. One sunny day, trying to hide from the bright light, the sun visor pulled too hard - and he jumped out of the mount. With a slight pressure, he returned it to its place. The troubles ended there.
Rapid's salon is comfortable. With my average height (175 cm), I am very comfortable behind the wheel. The back seat has comfortable attachments for a child seat.
Another plus is the trunk. The liftback body allows you to make it not just big, but huge. During the move from apartment to apartment, I managed to do without truck, even large household utensils fit without problems. If you wish, you can transport a refrigerator or washing machine... Hoarders will appreciate the size of the hold.
But at first I was not happy with the dynamics - there was absolutely not enough traction. I don’t know if it’s a relatively weak engine or an automatic transmission.
With a sharp press on the gas, Rapid first thinks and begins to growl in a deep bass - as if preparing to pulnate, like a sports car. But you don't have to strain - the acceleration is very weak. However, I quickly got used to it. You just need to adjust in advance to traffic situation and not to risk in vain.
All in all, the "automatic" Rapid suits my driving style. Moreover, a quiet ride turns into an enviable economy.
It is clear that real expense higher than declared by the manufacturer. In the combined cycle, Rapid instead of the promised seven and a half consumes 9-10 liters per hundred, and if you tear from each traffic light, tearing the engine, 10-11 liters will be released.
Such a short service life does not allow identifying all the sores of the car. But my verdict is this: Rapid is a reliable and unpretentious car. With a comfortable fit and decent interior. The trunk is the envy of classmates and even larger cars.
There was a desire to purchase this car, but funds are enough only for a used car, then it is necessary to carefully study all the weak points of these cars, otherwise, after the purchase, you will have to spend a certain amount to eliminate breakdowns that have arisen as a result of operation former owner... Skoda Rapid is considered a quality product, but the condition, like other car models, can be affected by unscrupulous care.
Disadvantages of Skoda Rapid
- It would seem that the factory uses high-quality metal, but the wheel arches can suffer from the formation of corrosion (again, it depends on the year of manufacture, but it's worth paying attention!). The same applies to the metal under the luggage compartment cover. This is the weakest spot, especially if the original anti-corrosion treatment was missing.
- If rapid has become your choice, then attention should be paid to windshield... Sometimes, it happens that it is on it that there are small chips and cracks, which can cause it to be replaced soon. Even the smallest chip can turn into a whole web in a week. It should be borne in mind that this car is characterized by vibrations and a harsh suspension, which will greatly speed up the process.
- For the car model, problems with seat belts are inherent, therefore they will also need to be carefully inspected. It happens that Rapid comes from the factory with belts that cannot fully function.
- It is extremely important to look under the hood, since sometimes the Rapid's connections are not tight. This can be attributed as threaded connections and valve covers. Otherwise, you will soon run the risk of a breakdown of significant units.
- The most significant "jamb" is the radiator, which is prone to malfunction. If smudges are visible on it, then this may be a sign of a faulty unit. That is, with such a unit, the engine will not receive adequate cooling. But moreover, at the most inopportune moment, it can simply flow out quickly.
How can you check the above disadvantages of Rapid without special equipment?
A) Skoda tries to use durable metal alloys in the process of creating body components. But the wheel zone refers to the weak points, therefore, an inspection of this area is required. Especially they could suffer if they were not properly cared for.
B) Glasses must be examined very carefully. For example, if any of them is tinted, then most likely the glass has been replaced. At the Skoda factory, tint is not installed.
C) To check the functionality of the belts, it is enough to test them in action. To do this, it is worth pulling all the belts sharply. If the belt does not come out with a sharp jerk, then everything is in order.
D) If even small cracks are visible on the joints, then they can cause serious problems with the car. The fact is that with such damage, fluid leaks can be observed.
E) Not only the presence of streaks can be a sign of a malfunction of such an unit as a radiator. Rust, white bloom can also speak of this. Especially in summer weather, it is important to have a working radiator that can prevent engine overheating.
Weaknesses Skoda Rapid
And in addition to the above, it is worth noting that this article does not speak about the shortcomings of these cars, but about the weak points:
- not infrequently there is a problem with the engine cushion, a characteristic knock appears, but it is not possible to understand that this is the cushion without visiting a car service. You just need to ride and listen;
- also "sore" is - the creak of rubber seals, especially in negative temperatures. But this can also be attributed to the disadvantages. Since this is a design flaw and it is hardly possible to do something here;
- depending on the configuration on the Rapid, the quality of gluing the plastic elements is unsatisfactory. Therefore, in this case it is necessary to check this;
- depending on the year of release, problems with the software may appear on the Skoda Rapid;
- most car owners complain about the speaker performance in cold weather. Most likely, this is also a manufacturer's flaw and is a drawback, but the problem can be eliminated by replacing them;
- it is necessary to pay attention to the possible creak of the stabilizer struts, to the operation of the engine and gearbox.
Conclusion.
Skoda Rapid is attractive in many ways and reliable car, but she is no exception in terms of breakdowns. Naturally, many faults can be detected on your own. But, in order to be completely sure of the serviceability of the machine, it is preferable to check it on special equipment. If there is no such opportunity, then you can invite a friend to inspect the car, who knows how to repair and operate a car, who, at least on the operation of components and assemblies, will prompt you by squeak, squeak or whistle possible malfunction Skoda.
In the comments to the article, we will be glad for your messages about possible weak points these vehicles and frequently failing components and assemblies.
Frequent malfunctions and weaknesses of Skoda Rapid with mileage was last modified: October 16th, 2018 by Administrator
➖ Build quality
➖ Oil consumption
➖ Crickets in the cabin
➖ Noise isolation
➖ Ergonomics
pros
➕ Roomy trunk
➕ Spacious salon
➕ Design
The advantages and disadvantages of the Skoda Rapid 2018-2019 in a new body are revealed based on reviews real owners... More detailed pros and Skoda cons Rapid 1.6 90 and 100 hp with mechanics and automatic transmission (automatic transmission) can be found in the stories below.
Owner reviews
1. The seat is convex inward, and it is on new car, as a result - a sore back, bought a lumbar support for Ali (inconvenient, but nowhere to go).
2. The location of the cup holder and ashtray under the buttons behind the gearshift lever - why?
3. The location of the cigarette lighter, aka the outlet, sticking up vertically - why? As a result, on every bump, a charge / anti-radar system pops up and in general whatever, no matter how you stick it in, it is also right under the armrest, and in order to crawl there ...
4. Isofix is hidden in the slots in the upholstery, that is, not between the backs and the seat, but cut the upholstery and stuck it there.
5. I am of average height and build (176/77), but why are the pedals made so close, and the handlebars, even if adjusted for reach, are so far away? Why should I sit huddled up?
6. The rubber is the worst one you can find - Kama ... This is increased noise, and handling, and of course safety.
7. There is no bluetooth in the radio, the plastic on it has been rubbed all over from the cable that was reaching for the outlet. The power to the outlet does not turn off after removing the ignition key (note that you may not start in the morning). The mating part of the belt is very far, I fasten it with difficulty, my wife is pregnant, she asks me to fasten it.
8. The clutch pedal is triggered somewhere in the middle, as if the discs have already worked out half of their resource (a colleague has the same thing).
9. The air from the central louvers always blows into the face, no matter how you regulate it.
10. Reverse gear it is switched on by recessed lever into the tunnel - a controversial decision, because it is not informative. I like the button more, like in Solaris.
11. And most importantly - PRICE, people compare not just the price of a car, but also its service.
Viktor Ilov, drives a Skoda Rapid 1.6 (110 hp) MT 2016
Video review
The new Rapid was without music with 4 front speakers. For a penny I found native music and 4 rear speakers. Parktronic? 2 700r and half a day in the garage. Towbar hook - another half day.
Minor breakdowns: the thermostat broke down during 800 km. I replaced it myself with the original (2,000 rubles). At 15,000 km, the stabilizer lever knocked - I also replaced it. I do not go to TO (on previous cars, too, never). Oil - opelevskoe GM 5W-40, the same specification as the native Volkswagen (which is 2.5 times more expensive) every 10,000 km.
For 2 years I ran 40,000 km. There are no crickets. The dynamics of handling are mediocre. I go, I do not regret it for 2 years.
The owner drives a Skoda Rapid 1.6 (90 hp) on a 2014 mechanic.
Strict forms, everything is laconic, without showing off. Impressive light! It seems like ordinary halogens, but the light output is generally a fairy tale. I came to the conclusion that the blind man drove the old cars.
The salon in Skoda Rapid is large, the little ones are having fun with all the heart, the place allows. This is the first time I have a liftback in operation, before all sedans were. The trunk is something with something! There is no comparison with a sedan.
The suspension is practically indestructible. During operation, two discs and tires are in tatters, and the suspension is alive. At the last MOT, the suspension was diagnosed - everything is normal. By the way, the suspension itself is tuned so that it is not stiff, but it walks confidently along the highway, without any steering there and does not collapse in corners.
Of the shortcomings of the Skoda Rapid, I will note the weak sound insulation. In winter, the windshield crackled. And in general it seems to me that the windshield is not ice. The cracks did not even come from thorns, but from small stones. There is no USB port in the standard digital radio. The seats are better immediately in the covers - they get dirty quickly.
Vladimir Novikov, review of the Skoda Rapid 1.6 (110 HP) mechanic 2014 onwards
Do not buy this stuff))) Well, or get ready to change the following parts and waste time at the dealer: brake pump vacuum, trunk gas stops, lower speakers, seat upholstery, foam for backs, heated seats, steering rack, thrust bearings, master cylinder clutches, stabilizer bushings, air conditioning compressor, dehumidifier, driver's seat back frame, right stabilizer bar, left power window, rearrangement of the trunk (rubs the seal), internal combustion engine cushion + right engine support.
This is not counting squeaks, crickets, vibrations and other things) The car really sucks, I'm sorry I bought it ...
On the new Rapid, things break down that don't fit in my head, I'm shocked. If you think that you will take the mechanics and all the rules will be there, then it was not there - every 20,000 km the clutch master cylinder fails.
Alexey Titov, drives a Skoda Rapid 1.6 (105 hp) automatic transmission in 2014
SHOWThe car was purchased in July 2017, Style equipment, manual transmission, with the addition of a number of options (bi-xenon headlights, alloy wheels R 16, height adjustable passenger seat and heating rear seats). The price with all discounts is 802,000 rubles. During the first month of operation, the machine ran 8 thousand km, having traveled from Chelyabinsk to the Moscow region, from there to the Crimea and back to Chelyabinsk.
I think the appearance for this class of cars is excellent. With a height of 188 cm, I fit comfortably in it (with the seat raised as much as possible, which is surprising), which I cannot do in the Polo sedan (which is strange).
Sitting in the car is pleasant, driving it is also convenient and pleasant. I switch manual transmission with 2-3 fingers, a very nice thing. Noise isolation is good. The seat upholstery is expensive. Modern lighting devices, head unit, bluetooth, cruise control and climate control work perfectly.
Accelerates, in my opinion, very briskly, like all Skodas. At 120 km / h, the tachometer shows exactly 3,000 rpm (an excellent result), and the fuel consumption does not creep up much. I was initially confused by 90 hp, until I realized that 110 hp. (or, for example, 123 on other cars of this class) are reached at the red zone of the tachometer. How often do you spin the engine to the red zone? Personally, I never. Average fuel consumption on 92nd gasoline on the highway is from 5.7 to 7 liters per 100 km, in the city the range is wider - from 7.5 to 10.
- The sports seat pleases. Very good lateral support, you sit like a glove. Hand on the front armrest, adjusted the steering wheel height and reach, everything is comfortable.
- Side mirrors are small, but visibility is good. Because of the tinting in the rear-view mirror, as if it were twilight, it's good that cars drive with DRLs or headlights on.
- The music is good, you can read a flash drive, files in folders, it catches the radio well, and the phone works on bluetooth.
- The engine, of course, pleases. If you need to accelerate sharply, then the gas to the floor, and the car fires. While it is possible to note the tight gas pedal, and if you press on it smoothly, then the acceleration occurs with a slight delay. I hope it will develop further.
— DSG box works perfectly, until no kicks, no pokes are noticed.
Review of Skoda Rapid 1.4 TSI (125 HP) on DSG robot 2017
REDUCE
Not even a year has passed since the start of sales of the Rapid model from Skoda, and on the forums there are tons of reviews, solutions, problems, laudatory odes. Which of this is true and which is a feigned lie? Let's put the mechanisms and impressions on the shelves in order to understand the main pros and cons of the machine.
Rapid was intended to take an impressive piece of the market from the Koreans and Japanese B-class. This car is for those for whom the B-class is somehow not enough, and the C-class machine is somehow expensive. Created clearly with a sideways glance at the base Octavia of the previous generation, Rapid tried to inherit all of its advantages, but become cheaper, thus creating a huge headache for the competition. At the same time, it is impossible to compete with the Germans, of course, who wants to compete with himself, after all, there is only one pocket of VW, therefore the priority of the development of the "Czechs" is only for the "Germans". And what happened in the end?
Exterior and interior
There is nothing particularly outstanding about the Rapid. This spartan minimalism, but speaks of European style. It so happened that chiseled, rounded, smooth shapes are more inherent in Asian cars. Europe has slightly different requirements: nothing superfluous and everything you need. And the appearance of the Rapid meets these requirements.
An interesting solution is not to split the rack between the doors. The front door looks interesting when it is open. Its side part is broken by a ledge. Someone likes it, someone is ridiculous from such savings.
On the other hand, this does not in any way affect the quality of the door itself, the glass does not rattle, soundless even with strong lateral air pressure.
Restraint bordering on asceticism. Such is Skoda interior Rapid
The clear, one might say, chopped features of Rapid make him extremely similar to his older brother, Octavia. Therefore, in the stream of cars on the road, they can be confused. Although for those interested in new cars it will be easy to distinguish between them.
Inside is the same Sparta. Minimalism in everything. However, this cannot be a minus, however, there is a "but". Minimal does not mean bad. The disadvantages of the Rapid interior fittings are more in quality. Plastic leaves a lot to be desired, it is tough... But nothing rattles even in severe frost.
If you describe Rapid's interior in the same style in which it is made, two words will suffice: nothing superfluous. Light, soft green-blue instrument panel illumination. Looks good, you can see everything. The lines are straight. All the necessary indicators are clearly visible.
The spacious and simple interior of Rapid will appeal to restrained natures
Not all trim levels are adjustable in height. Choosing Rapid, you should sit, even take a test drive, on a car of the selected configuration. Lateral support is minimal, but not all drivers think this is a disadvantage. You quickly get used to the seat and stop noticing this nuance.
There is enough space for the driver. However, people with tall stature may be uncomfortable with the height of the car. The disadvantage may be a low ceiling, it is uncomfortable when he strokes the hair on the crown all the time. In the rear seats, even when retracted front seat enough space to comfortably accommodate. Compared with ordinary cars In the B-class, the width of the rear seats wins the Rapid. It can easily accommodate 3 adults.
A definite plus, with which it is difficult to argue, the capacity of the trunk. Achieved excellent. Thanks to all the same Spartan "upbringing", nothing diminishes the useful cubic centimeters. At the same time, there are useful niches and boxes for small luggage.
A huge plus for Rapid is a 530 liter trunk, the largest in the class!
Which of these can be accurately attributed to the benefits? A little, because a lot is not for everybody, but there are several indisputable points.
Pros:
- Large trunk volume;
- Convenient placement of the driver;
- Plenty of room for passengers in the back;
- Clear and understandable controls and a practical dashboard look.
Minuses:
- The plastic inside the car is of low quality.
- The interior padding is simple and cheap.
- The minimum set of options.
- Rapid, because of his asceticism, can hardly be called a women's car, because of this he loses a significant part of potential customers.
What's under the hood?
Rapid engines are its advantage and at the same time its disadvantage. Turbocharging even 1.2 does wonders on the road. Frisky, fast, informative, responsive. The first gear is only for starting from a place, on low speeds only the second, on it and the main acceleration from a standstill. For overtaking on the highway, the 5th is best. On the 6th, the set of speed "slows down". Power is lost. Actually, this is nothing special and even more so bad.
But we are talking about an "empty" car, that is, only when performing a transport function - to carry yourself. Any additional weight affects the speed gain, power, acceleration, fuel consumption. When fully loaded, you will have to forget about fast overtaking on the track. Well, unless, to put it bluntly, a tractor is running in front of you. This, of course, is from the category of jokes from life, but very close to reality.
The defining moment of the choice: will the Rapid engine suit you? We'll have to weigh all the pros and cons.
The gearbox may seem overly rough. Gear shifting should be a clear, correct movement. It is difficult to "throw" the lever into gear, it will be neutral. Because after soft, relaxed Asians Czech Rapid will seem rude and uncomfortable. On the other hand, you quickly get used to it. Even blondes will not be able to confuse 3rd gear with 5th gear.
On the other hand, the choice of motors is scarce. As a model, what could be the best choice in the segment between C and B classes, Skoda regretted powerful engines. It's a pity. As a result, we have only 4 engines. Either they have not thought of it, they have not planned it. Either the same concern about the "branded" VW cars affects.
The biggest drawback will be Rapid breakdowns. Again about the same engines. Unfortunately, the turbocharged engine is very picky about the quality of gasoline. So unexpected breakdowns happen ahead of time. Their diversity is great, it is difficult to list everything. But it should be noted that this is not a universal phenomenon. Well, 2 troubles of Russia also affect: fools and roads. And if driving is not the first trouble, then there is no insurance from the second even in megacities, we'd better keep quiet about regional roads.
Gasoline consumption by Rapid: is the passport lying?
Consumption is far from the passport. Riding at minimum speed will not work out much. The dependence of the consumption on the load of the car is significant. For every additional 50-60 kg, it adds 150-200 g of consumption. Too much. This fact can get frustrating. And that huge trunk will be offensive, in which you will not put anything, because the car will stop driving.
Let's try to highlight the technical advantages of Rapid:
- Good travel and acceleration at minimum load;
- Clear gear shifting .;
- High-quality execution of details.
Technical disadvantages:
- High fuel consumption, higher than announced;
- Small selection of motors;
- Frequent breakdowns, sometimes requiring long-term repair;
- Stiff suspension, potholes and bumps are clearly felt.
Is Rapid worth the money?
Opinions are divided. Complete asceticism can hardly be called a plus for Rapid. Although I must say that many people like this approach. Many buyers associate the Spartan interior with European cars, and not with big savings. But in comparison with its competitors, Rapid's interior and exterior loses, no matter what his admirers say. Obviously cheap plastic, savings on upholstery fabrics, the lack of already familiar options (such as rear windows) are only a disadvantage of the "Czech".
Nevertheless, with the right choice of configuration, taking into account all the features of the car, you can get a good, solid, roomy machine. The main thing is not to demand superpowers from her. Everything she is capable of can be seen at once. She does not hide anything about herself, and there is no good "riddle" for her. Therefore, one does not have to expect much from her.
