Ok, the Octavia is clearly a more desirable, more sophisticated car due to it's more upmarket interior and superior platform/technology, but in terms of looks alone which do you prefer? Interesting comparison photos here:

http://www.auto.cz/skoda-octavia-a-rapid-na-prvni-spolecne-fotce-72806

I actually think I prefer the Rapid, particularly at the front.

Neither!

I prefer the current FL Octavia to both, but then, I am biased.

I know there is a lot of hatred for the Rapid on this site but I am quite surprised by the results of the poll so far. Could those voting please explain their opinions and whether they have looked at the photos in the link.

I looked at the photos but couldn't tell which was which! (Haven't voted).

11 votes but no explanations guys?

I am the one who voted Rapid. I like the rear lights on the Octavia and the 'kick' on the rear door but I prefer the front end on the Rapid which by making the grille extend to the edge of the headlights makes the car look wider and the front less bulky.

The Rapid just looks too narrow. The Octavia has a bit of width to it now.

They look very similar from the front but its from the back that I prefer the audi like look of the Octavia.

The larger stance of the Octy just seems somehow more pleasing! Might just be my liking of bigger car though.

There's not much between the two styling wise but side by side the rapid looks like an underdeveloped octavia

I think they've just photocopied the Rapid design at 110%!

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I think they've just photocopied the Rapid design at 110%!

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^^^^^^^^^

Exactly. You now know what the new Superb will look like. Photocopy the Octavia at 110%.

^^^^^^^^^

Exactly. You now know what the new Superb will look like. Photocopy the Octavia at 110%.

And the new fabia just a 80% photo copy minus the boot haha. Eventaily all skodas will look simalar just diferent sizes and body styles.

Edited 9 February, 201313 yr by mattytemp

50 50 both no oil painting but boring middle of the road, grill spoils them both now look like additional Kia models just need 7yr warranty now.

I really like the exterior of the Rapid, especially in a "nice" flattering colour & with 17" wheels.

If the interior was up to Octavia design/quality then Skoda would have had a real winner.

As it is, my vote goes to the Rapid, my money however would go on the Octavia.

You only have to see the 2 cars side by side in a showroom ( "old" Octy of course at this stage) to see that an opportunity has been missed.

I voted for Rapid... Explanation on http://www.octaviafan.com/news/is-it-octavia-or-rapid/

You couldn't read the whole text, just look at the last 2 pictures at bottom and the last sentence...

Octavia for the rear end. Not a fan of the front on either.

Sorry but is that Octavia brown???

They definately look too similar.

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Our Octavia 3 forum thread on cz website has got a description: "the highest specs level of the Rapid"

No strong preference on either. Both look good outside.

I like the new Octavia, but I also like the Rapid.... hmm sounding a little like the Aldi commercials!

However I do think the Rapid has a more complete face, and that the octavia looks a little less together and more spread out...

So for me It'll either be a sporty high specced Rapid, or just skip the Octavia and go to the Superb or Yeti. Until they release the vRS/ Scout as with all the normall Octavia's mk1-3 they are a little dull if I'm honest.

I hate both tailgates. Everytime I look at them they look like crashed to me due to these weird crumples to the left and to the right of number plate.

Beyond that point, both cars are almost identical. It;s a lack of insiration. Homogenization, globalization, MQB and MLB platforms, production cost reduction and so on... Disappointment

The platform has nothing to do with the styling. The Rapid is not on MQB anyway.

"Everytime I look at them they look like crashed to me due to these weird crumples to the left and to the right of number plate. "

Glad it's not just me who finds the hatch boot a bit weird. Hopefully the estate will be better!

Sarge.

Help! Bring out the estate so I can tell them apart.