http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/9432606/Skoda-Rapid-review.html

First Road Test Review ?

Nick

They had a Rover 214 I believe. I'm not sure it's the modern version of that.

Apparently, the front-end handling isn't too good (What a surprise for modern Skoda owners), but in this case, its not the fault of the driver or passenger.

Fluffy bunnies at the ready.

Nick

Edited 14 August, 201213 yr by Clunkclick

It's was a Vanden plas don't you know :p

Hmmm, rather dissapointing review isn't it. Shame because the car isn't a bad looker in my opinion. :wonder:

Thinking of Vandem Plas. perhaps Overfinch could be persuaded to do a handling pack for Skoda. If they can make the rock and roll go away from Range Rovers . . . . . ?

Nick

Edited 14 August, 201213 yr by Clunkclick

Hmm and OverFinch CityGo with 4x4, jacked up suspension, extra lights and winches.

Hmm and OverFinch CityGo with 4x4, jacked up suspension, extra lights and winches.

Give me a chance!

I'm kind of getting there! (link in sig)

Well, it couldn't be any worse. Here we are 15 years on from the first Octavia hitiing the UK Streets and its now reported that the latest incarnation of the marquecomes with the same running gear problem that has plagued most of this marque's output since the first issue.

My Fab has this same issue and to me its a problem that should have been resolved by now.That is disappointing.

I just vainly hope that some of the so-called motor manufacturers could aspire to be something more than just box re-designers - but that' unlikely if they continue to base all aspects of car design on the views emerging from focus groups.

Nick

Isn't understeer dialled in on most tame normal cars, it's better than oversteer for people like my wife !!

It's something to do with centres of mass and solutions to quadratic equations.

D541EFL Rover 216S SD3 in metallic blue

None of my previous cars, some of which were of VAG origin, had this difficulty. That's going back 32 years.

Not only is it understeer but its unsuppressed front body roll. On my Fab, I find that I have got into the habit of squaring off corners, even in low-speed suburban situations, to avoid provoking it. And no all the front end bushes and the ARB have been done already.

IMHO it needs fixing.

Nick

"... the body is attractive, but very old school." That's fine, I like old-skool As far as handling goes, I shall make up my own mind when I get around to test-driving one.

Understeer is dialed in to pretty much every car out there, as it's "safer" for the average motorist to deal with.

Turn more and you'll be ok. Lift off and you won't be as likely to do yourself in.

I do agree that the front lacks body control on a lot of VAG group cars, but the Octy II and others with full independent suspension systems is much better.

The whole thing with VAG springs does get me though, often crashy and hard on poor surfaces, but still allowing a lot of roll when combined with the stndard dampers.

I'm sure there are examples out there that are much better mind, it's just the standard suspension is for comfort ahead of sporting characteristics.

If you want uncontrolled roll, try a Maestro :o

Edited 15 August, 201213 yr by cheezemonkhai

Give me a chance!

I'm kind of getting there! (link in sig)

I did see and I still think you're mad as a box of frogs.

Problem I see though is that you'll keep it suitably discrete.

I want to see a silly edition with winches and a full bar of 4 Cebe Oscars

If you want uncontrolled roll, try a Maestro :o

My mates Maestro Turbo had skid plates on the door mirrors to control body roll.

Yeah ! Jezzer found the low-cost answer to tbis problem :-

A C-Class celebity standing at the roadside of every sharp corner with a boat hook and fender.

Nick