I work for Europcar & we have recently had in a few transporter loads of Rapids. As we normally seem to buy what is on " special offer" from manufacturers I can only assume the model is not selling as well as they thought.

Test driven the rapid and it was OK but underwhelming compared to my Qashqai+2 Tekna. I ordered an Octavia 1.6 Elegance on the strength of reviews and now I've seen it (not driven yet) I am very happy. Both are elegant and timeless compared to all the other slash lines in the market. I'm a bit tired of most new models (including my Nissan lease car) and looking forward to September when I pick it up - Candy White and beige interior - calm classy and very relaxing - getting old but who cares!

Interesting graphic showing how similar the Octavia3 and Rapid are in size and shape. I still prefer the Rapid tbh until I've seen the Octy RS maybe...

They are very similar, rapid is a lot better built than the fabia mk2 vRS I have just come from.

The new octy3 has a different maxi dot which I don't like.

Rapid drives and rides really well, impressed so far.

I've looked at them in the showroom and I'm still struggling to see the difference once no longer up close.

The new Skoda corporate look is very well copied between the two.

Which with the success of Skoda these days is going to result is a lot of nearly identical cars on the road.

Like VW, Audi, BMW etc... :(

I quite liked the rapid when I saw it at the launch of the Octy 3. The styling on the front bumper made it look dynamic and it is very spacious inside. The seats were comfortable however the dash was a solid plastic that had no quality to it. My mark 1 Vrs is nicer.

It does look really nice though. The engine choice is a little disappointing but he 1.6 diesel can be mapped now so can give it some potential.

I did check with the dealer and no "rapid" rapid is going to be made.