Why is the Rapid based on a lenghtened Polo platform instead of the new modular MQB platform? Is this just to keep costs down and to have the better chassis for the Octavia 3 so that they don't compete? The reviews of the Rapid have already commented on its unsophisticated chassis.

Edited 27 June, 201214 yr by Ultima

The Rapid and the Toledo are based on an Indian-market VW, called the Vento:

The Rapid and the Toledo are just using this platform/most of the exterior/the whole interior to make a cheap car

The Rapid and the Toledo are based on an Indian-market VW, called the Vento:

The Rapid and the Toledo are just using this platform/most of the exterior/the whole interior to make a cheap car

That's the Indian Rapid though.

European one is totally different apart from the name.

Euro Rapid

Indian Rapid

Indian Vento

The Rapid and the Toledo are based on an Indian-market VW, called the Vento:

The Rapid and the Toledo are just using this platform/most of the exterior/the whole interior to make a cheap car

thats a mistake Babs no relation to the Vento at all.

The original poster is correct in that they have used this platform for cost reasons. There's no way they'd be able to deliver this car for the suggested prices if it was using the new platform.

The Rapid is meant to be the spiritual successor to the original Octavia in that it will be a cheap and economical family car with a large boot and I think it will deliver on those aims even if it's not to everyone's requirements here. Pretty sure it will sell quite well.

It's not quite right to say it's just a stretched Polo either as it has a different and wider rear axle, following the same idea as the Roomster which is actually a pretty good drive for a tall car.

I wonder how much the experts at the car magazines would notice the 'unsophisticated chassis' if they didn't know it had an 'unsophisticated chassis', if you know what I mean..

Hmmm... they look very similar on the outside?

Hmmm... they look very similar on the outside?

Certainly some similarities, but they're a different length, different wheelbase so can't really use the same body panels.

I'm sure they're based on something else that's sold elsewhere? Or have I got my cars mixed up?

The Indian cars are on the Fabia/Polo platform. Rapid is build on the Roomster which is a Fabia front end with a Mk1 Octy rear end.

Yeah, the chassis may be "unsophisticated", but sophisticated chassis cost a lot of money. Keeping it simple helps weight and reliability. It will not sell itself on class-leading dynamic ability (Skodas never have anyway lets face it), it will sell on being easy to drive, family friendly and comfortable.

The Fabia is also "unsophisticated", doesn't stop me having fun in it!

Indian Rapid / Vento are basically just saloon versions of the Fabia / Polo so technically they are a smaller car anyway. The Rapid is going to be a bit more in the style of the 6K Polo / Ibiza ie a "parts Bin special" so they are going to use modified versions of several different platforms to make it up.

Will end up being a bit bigger and more spacious than the Indian versions. Probably better quality built too.

A shatchback!

I wish VW would make there mind up.

the UK market Vento was the mk3 jetta.

Im more inclined to think they have taken the indian Rapid and built it for the uk market.

(before i get blazed for this comment its just a passing judgement, no reserch has been done)

No, they havent its a new car. Im under the impression its the front of the latest Polo but not sure which rear it has.

Front is Fabia/Polo ish, rear is Octavia-ish. Or that's what I think I read.

It will offer something bigger than the Fabia, smaller than current Octavia (just) and will only make sense in the line up when the Octy Mk3 is launched (on MQB), as that will be slightly bigger (but not Superb big).

I think it looks good and CAR's derision of raiding the VW parts bin is a bit pointless - they're a VAG company and it makes sense to use solid, dependable parts to deliver a product to a cost. I like what the new Golf my wife just got as a company car (no Skoda option) is like inside and the Rapid pics look to be the same...for £13-14k, everyone's a winner.

In fact, I may PX the Monte...if they do a "spicy" version...

Most of the criticisms the Rapid's getting at the moment are seemingly coming from the point of view that it's being marketed as a premium product - it's not. It's being marketed at families who need a practical hatchback with good boot loading space and are concerned about value for money.

For me, I do like it - in fact, I'm holding out on changing my Fabia until next year where I may be tempted to get one of these new(or nearly-new), instead of going for a 5-6 year old second hand Golf/Jetta/Octavia which was my original plan.

In contrary to a lot of the other reviews seen so far, this one seems to praise the handling of the Rapid... This one is the 1.2TSI which is probably the lightest engine so perhaps this car is a bit sensitive to nose weight? It is the Greentec too which probably has skinny tyres. What a great road though!

http://www.autoforum...da-levou-zadni/

In contrary to a lot of the other reviews seen so far, this one seems to praise the handling of the Rapid... This one is the 1.2TSI which is probably the lightest engine so perhaps this car is a bit sensitive to nose weight? It is the Greentec too which probably has skinny tyres. What a great road though!

http://www.autoforum...da-levou-zadni/

The photos show the uncommon and therefore expensive 215/45 R16 tyres, which are supposedly an option but I bet that's the one SUK will fit to the UK specs :( :( :(

Oh yes I like the vid and the fancy driving gloves

TP