The most popular ŠKODA models are definitely the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA OCTAVIA. An inexperienced car owner can confuse these two models, and future buyers are faced with a difficult choice of what to take – the OCTAVIA in the minimum configuration or the top version of the RAPID.
If you put the OCTAVIA and RAPID side by side, they look alike. Both models have narrow headlights in the style of Bohemian crystal and a roomy liftback body. The contours of both cars echo, especially if you look at them in profile. However, you can immediately tell who is who by their sizes. The ŠKODA RAPID is positioned as a younger and more affordable model for those for whom the OCTAVIA is too big, while both cars retain the general features of a family resemblance. The ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA OCTAVIA liftbacks have been very popular in our country since their introduction.
The practical models have proven themselves well not only as personal vehicles, but also as corporate vehicles. The hood, false radiator grille, and mirror shape are all in the same style. The younger brother RAPID is very similar to its older sister OCTAVIA, with the only difference being that the latter seems more daring and aggressive. The side view is the same as the front. Smooth, sloping domed roof, convex wheel arches, large doors, wide windows. Both liftbacks are produced in our country. RAPID is made in Kaluga, OCTAVIA — in Nizhny Novgorod.
Appearance
Stylish design and modern technologies. The model’s appearance 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 Rapid car look 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 license plate lighting. As for the OCTAVIA, the new grille is framed by much more elegant optics.
Already in the basic configuration, it is LED, on the top versions, matrix headlights will appear, and the taillights reminiscent of the famous Czech crystal can be equipped with dynamic turn signals. In the RAPID, LED headlights are only available in top versions.
One of the main new features of the OCTAVIA is the use of fully LED Matrix headlights. The OCTAVIA is the second model to receive this technology following the new SUPERB. Also, unlike the RAPID, the OCTAVIA’s rear lights participate in the Coming Home/Leaving Home animated lighting function: when the car is locked and unlocked, the rear lights gradually light up from the outer edge to the inner and back.
This is accompanied by flashing turn signals. This makes it easier to distinguish the cars from each other. When looking at the cars frontally, in profile and from behind, the OCTAVIA is wider, longer and higher than the RAPID. The bonnet, false radiator grille and shape of the mirrors are all designed in the same style. The younger brother of the RAPID is very similar to its older sister, the OCTAVIA, with the only difference being that the latter seems more daring and aggressive.
Interior
If we talk about the spaciousness of the interior and the capacity of the trunk, then naturally here the RAPID is inferior to the OCTAVIA. Due to the wider wheelbase, the interior of the OCTAVIA is more spacious, but it cannot be said that the interior of the RAPID is too cramped. Two adult men of average build will feel at ease on its back seat. The central console of the cars is almost identical and it is really difficult to distinguish the interiors from each other.
With the exception of the dimensions, everything is designed in a single style. The information from the instrument panels is easy to read. The seats of both cars comfortably hold the driver, but there may be several trim options. The only difference is that OCTAVIA offers its future owners seat trim not only with artificial suede, but also with leather. RAPID will have a combined, but only fabric interior.
If the RAPID has an 8-inch multimedia system screen, then the OCTAVIA in the maximum configuration will have a 10-inch screen diagonal. OCTAVIA will also have wireless charging for mobile phones. The overall architecture of the interior, seats, instrument panel, multifunctional steering wheel – all this is clearly ergonomic. If the driver assistance systems of the RAPID include cruise control, a rear view camera and parking sensors, then the top versions of the OCTAVIA have active cruise control, lane control, and the BlindSpotDetect blind spot monitoring system, the Front Assist distance control system to the vehicle in front, and the RearTrafficAlert reverse exit assistant. And the top OCTAVIA can also be equipped with a fully electronic instrument panel.
The RAPID has only analog scales for the tachometer and speedometer with an LCD display of the trip computer between them. And the OCTAVIA also has options that cannot be found even in the top RAPID. These are electric side mirrors, a cooled glove box, voice control, a volume sensor, and airbags. In terms of the interior structure, the differences between the RAPID and OCTAVIA are limited to small details. Many control buttons are generally identical. The plastic in the RAPID is slightly simpler, although this is almost unnoticeable. Both models now feature a signature two-spoke steering wheel, but for an additional fee, you can install a three-spoke steering wheel. And the main difference in the OCTAVIA interior is the compact automatic transmission joystick.
Engines
There are several engine options available for the Rapid. The basic 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 90 horsepower and is offered exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. There is also a more powerful 110 horsepower engine of the same volume. Naturally aspirated engines with distributed injection are very popular in Russia. They are fairly simple in design, reliable, and undemanding to fuel quality. You can safely fill the tank with 92nd gasoline. In addition, the 90-horsepower engine allows its owner to save on taxes and insurance. If the junior engine is available only with a manual transmission, then the 110-horsepower engine can already be equipped with a classic automatic. On the top versions of the Rapid, a turbocharged 1.4 TSI power unit with a capacity of 125 horsepower with a robotic DSG gearbox is available.
In the new generation, the base engine for the OCTAVIA remains the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI engine with a capacity of 110 horsepower. This is the average engine for the RAPID. A six-speed automatic is installed in tandem with it. The dynamic 1.4 TSI engine with a capacity of 150 horsepower has also been preserved, but if previously a DSG robot was installed with it, now it is equipped with a classic eight-speed automatic or six-speed mechanics. The RAPID has the same engine that develops a capacity of 125 horsepower. The top engine for Octavia is a turbo engine with a volume of two liters and a power of 190 horsepower, which works under the control of a seven-speed robotic gearbox DSG.
What to choose?
Of course, the choice between these two cars is quite difficult. At a comparable price, you can take the top RAPID, which you can drive and enjoy numerous options. The car has good handling, a spacious back row and trunk. If we talk about OCTAVIA, then its basic version will certainly look more prestigious and solid than the top RAPID, but it will not surprise with the wealth of options. In the end, everything will rest on the amount of money that you are willing to spend on the car and the functions that it offers you. One thing is for sure, no car will disappoint you in everyday use.
And if you prefer RAPID, you have the opportunity to grow within the brand in the future. Having driven the top RAPID for some time, you will definitely want to buy the top OCTAVIA in the future. If you need a reliable car for moving from one point to another, then you can avoid overpaying and opt for the ŠKODA RAPID. If interior trim, comfortable options and a spacious interior are more important to you, opt for the OCTAVIA. At the same time, do not forget that the OCTAVIA is a higher class car, and accordingly it will be more expensive to maintain.
Details in the showroom of the official dealer AAA Motors Center.
G. Rostov-on-Don, Teatralny Ave., 60b/347, tel. +7 (863) 305 00 00
