Icemave

I've got the Monte Carlo Rapid here in Canberra and enjoy it as my daily fun driver. That said I am not sure what drugs Skoda Australia are on at the moment as they have priced the Rapid out of the current market in my opinion with the price increases. I wouldn't be buying it just because it's the last manual. In three years time, if the Rapid is still on the market they might have bought the manual back, especially as you still have three years warranty left on your current one. You won't get a lot of money for your current one either with the poor trade value here in Australia. Best of luck with your choice.

My MY17 Rapid Monte Carlo here in Australia is fitted with under bonnet insulation.. Obviously dependant on market and target.

I can only comment on the Rapid myself, I am in Australia as well and did take delivery of a manual MY17 Rapid Monte Carlo late last year. In regards to your concerns with it, definately no issues with the power, it's a little painful under 2000rpm so you need to keep the revs up if you want to accelerate without issue. Ride to me is nice, I've owned VW Jetta's before and handling is comparable, I believe they have improved it a lot in recent years. I do like a firmer ride i will note. Space is awesome, it is our second car and with kids will have no issues with years to come and it has a nice big boot for its size. I suggest drive them both and see how you go, I have no complaints really so far 4000km in. Best of luck.

I don't think you can directly take music from iTunes and expect it to play. Apple is very restrictive and you will need to connect a apple device to play them through. I have a 64gb filled with MP3 files that plays fine. Cheers

Thanks will check it out!

I ordered my MY17 Rapid Monte Carlo (Australia) in June and just received it in late November. Have to say enjoy it so far, it has the Tech Pack for us here, just need to tint the windows all round. Definitely gets the looks!