The ŠKODA RAPID liftback has been very popular in our country since its introduction. This practical and relatively inexpensive car has proven itself well not only as a personal vehicle, but also as a corporate vehicle. This year, the 200,000th S ŠKODA RAPID was released in Russia. It was a white liftback in Pure White and equipped with a 1.4 TSI engine with a capacity of 125 hp in a completely new body. This is the car that the portal “Southern Automobile” is testing today.
The ŠKODA brand cultivates family values in any of its vehicles. The RAPID is no exception in this regard. The spacious interior and trunk, practicality and affordable maintenance of the car made it a bestseller in the domestic market. Last year alone, more than 35,000 families chose this car. The previous RAPID was produced in Russia for almost 10 years, but now it is time for a major update not only on the outside, but also on the inside.
Appearance
The exterior of the new ŠKODA RAPID has changed significantly. The car has become fresher and prettier, the sharp lines of the headlights and grille have become smoother and rounded. If earlier the appearance of the small RAPID resembled the OCTAVIA, now the new model visually resembles the flagship SUPERB. In general, the interior of the liftback is copied from the European model ŠKODA SCALA, which, alas, is not supplied to us.
Stylish design and modern technologies. The appearance of the model is formed by clear lines, a sloping hood line, a hexagonal radiator grille and arrow-shaped headlights with built-in LEDs, which visually make the car faster and wider. Even in the basic Entry configuration, the car’s equipment includes Low LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and LED number plate lighting.
The rear of the car has also undergone significant changes. So, now the ŠKODA RAPID is distinguished from the rear by spectacular narrowed L-shaped lights in a crystalline design, which is reminiscent of the traditions of the production of the famous Bohemian crystal, referring to the rich historical heritage of the brand. Another important distinctive feature of the RAPID is the ŠKODA inscription on the trunk lid, it reflects the new design language of the Czech brand.
Interior
The interior of the new ŠKODA RAPID makes an equally striking impression. This is the first ŠKODA model in Russia with a new liftback interior design. The interior features new decorative panels and a central console with a separate infotainment system display that immediately catch your eye.
It is located directly in the driver’s field of vision so that nothing distracts him from driving. In addition, the RAPID is the first ŠKODA model in Russia for which a 2-spoke heated steering wheel is available. In combination with the heated windshield, the model becomes especially pleasant and convenient to operate in winter conditions.
The advanced technologies of the new RAPID provide an exceptional level of comfort and safety. Among them, for example, the Front Assist distance control system and parking sensors in the front and rear bumpers. All this is available in the basic configuration. We are testing the top-end Style version, so the list of equipment is much more extensive.
Instead of the usual air conditioner, we have a dual-zone Climatronic climate control. There is a keyless entry and engine start system KESSY. Chrome details in the design of the side windows, air ducts and interior place stylish accents, and LED lighting of some interior elements creates a special atmosphere.
Options such as a rear-view camera with a washer, a Bolero audio system with an 8-inch screen, heated rear seats and an electric heated windshield make the RAPID even more functional. Additional safety during the trip will be provided by the driver fatigue sensor, front parking sensors and automatic high beam control.
Engines and suspension
The new generation RAPID has received not only keyless entry into the cabin, but also engine start with a button. A nice little thing that puts the car head and shoulders above its competitors. The engine line of the new RAPID is represented by three gasoline engines – two naturally aspirated and one turbocharged. Naturally aspirated engines with a working volume of 1.6 liters produce power of 90 and 110 horsepower, respectively. The top engine is 1.4 TSI with a power of 125 horsepower.
A seven-speed DSG gearbox works in tandem with this engine. Thanks to the turbine, the car accelerates dynamically, and the robotic transmission changes gears in a split second. At the same time, with greater power and better dynamics, the turbocharged engine is more economical than naturally aspirated ones. For comparison, the fuel consumption in the combined cycle of a car with a 1.4 TSI engine is 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
The fuel consumption of the 1.6 naturally aspirated engine in the combined cycle reaches 6 liters. If the turbocharged unit is controlled by a robot, then versions with a 1.6 engine are available with mechanics or a classic automatic. The new RAPID was built on the PQ25 platform, which has a suspension with two MacPhersons in the front and a torsion beam in the rear. The kit includes an electric power steering, front-wheel drive, disc brakes all around, ABS and ESP. In terms of driving sensations, the new RAPID has become softer, despite the fact that the suspension has practically not been changed. The new RAPID drives excellently in corners, and the steering wheel and pedal settings are almost as good as those of the Octavia, which is close to the standard in this respect.
Prices
The official ŠKODA dealer in Rostov-on-Don, the company “AAA Motors Center”, offers the new ŠKODA RAPID in 8 body colors – basic white, brown Toffee Brown, beige Titanium Beige, blue Reef Blue, black Deep Black, as well as new stylish metallic shades – silver Tungsten Silver, gray Indium Gray and red Ruby Red. The bright exterior of the RAPID is complemented by wheel disks in a new design: in the Entry, Active and Ambition trim levels – steel with caps (15″), and in the Style – light-alloy Alaris (15″). The minimum cost of the RAPID liftback in the Entry trim level is 792,000 rubles. The top-end RAPID in the Style version with a 1.4 turbo engine and a capacity of 125 horsepower will cost 1,171,000 rubles.
*The price of the ŠKODA RAPID in the ENTRY trim level is indicated 1.6 MPI 90 hp 5-mechanic.
ŠKODA AAA MOTORS CENTER
Rostov-on-Don, Prospect Teatralny, 60B/341
tel.: +7 (863) 305-00-00
www.aaamotors-skoda.ru
Views: 145
