Not quite sure what.  Went to dealer to look at or test drive a Fabia Estate.

 

In the window was a Candy white Rapid 1.6 TDI 105 PS.  So we talked about it --its got Bluetooth whatever that is, cruise control, alloy wheels , leather wheel gear knob & brake lever,  Maxidot, floor mats, spot lights ,ESC ABS and ??   , and Bidet,  Sun protection glass all round,  a full size spare,  The lightest steering I've ever felt in my life and a wheel at each corner,  4 year warranty.  And 10 per cent off all service and repair bills for life.   Whose life ?Ermmm?

 

I think we will learn to love each other.  I cannot understand why it looks and feels so much better than one of the very early ones I visited a number of times shortly after release.Mystery.

 

Now to run it in. 

 

 

 I cannot understand why it looks and feels so much better than one of the very early ones I visited a number of times shortly after release.Mystery.

 

 

Perception is an inexact science

......and a wheel at each corner

I'm quite intrigued by the Rapid, not for me but for the mother.  Although used prices seem far too high at present from my occasional eBay and Autotrader browsing.  I like the fact it falls in between the fabia and Octavia 

I considered recommending it to a relative who wants a cheap saloonish car, but what mainly bothers me is its still built on the 14 year old A05 platform from the first Fabia.

I considered recommending it to a relative who wants a cheap saloonish car, but what mainly bothers me is its still built on the 14 year old A05 platform from the first Fabia.

It's the AO5+ platform, same as the MkIV Seat Toledo. Fabia MkI is the AO4 platform.

It's the AO5+ platform, same as the MkIV Seat Toledo. Fabia MkI is the AO4 platform.

You're quite right, my mistake. Its only 5 years old

Well its A05+ which is only a year old and a stretched version of A05 (2008) which in itself is a heavily redeveloped and modernised version of A04 (1999)... so it depends how you look at it!

I've got to admit, I really don't "get" the Rapid. I was expectting a dual tailgate like the Superb, instead, it's a hatchback that looks like a saloon?

 

The 1.6 diesel is a good choice though, quicker than you'd think and great on fuel and road tax.

I've got to admit, I really don't "get" the Rapid. I was expectting a dual tailgate like the Superb, instead, it's a hatchback that looks like a saloon?

 

The 1.6 diesel is a good choice though, quicker than you'd think and great on fuel and road tax.

 

I didn't get it either, but it seemed a good value run about so I bought one.

 

After about 500 miles I got it.

Functional and well built cabin, well proven tech and lots of interior and boot space for the price of a smaller car.

<<<<<it's a hatchback that looks like a saloon>>>>>>>

 

Everybody says that don't they.   But what about the Octavia---that looked the same I think but I never heard it said.

 

Fabia Estate versus Rapid it was for me.. Fabia is due for replacement and Rapid is new.  Thats was the decider really.

<<<<<it's a hatchback that looks like a saloon>>>>>>>

 

Everybody says that don't they.   But what about the Octavia---that looked the same I think but I never heard it said.

 

Exactly, and the 'liftback' opening just makes it more practical than a normal saloon.

But what about the Octavia---that looked the same I think but I never heard it said.

 

 

Agreed. A lot of people say they don't "get" the Rapid. That's probably because they don't realise (yet) how close it is space/size/cost (adjusted for inflation*) wise to the original Octavia and the fact the Mk3 Octavia is now much a much more premium product. 

 

*According to the Parkers website, an X reg mk1 Octavia Hatch 1.6 Classic (slightly over 100hp) had a P11D value of £10807. Adjusted for inflation that comes in at £14273 I see that as analogous (apart from 'Classic' being base trim level to the SE's mid-level) to my 1.2 TSI SE at slightly over 100hp list price of £15,200k. That is admittedly above inflation, but if you take in to account the £1k Skoda contribution, it puts it pretty much bang on the nose a direct equivalent.

Exactly, and the 'liftback' opening just makes it more practical than a normal saloon.

 

Meanwhile the saloon shape being shaped like, you know, an actual car as opposed to some silly pretend mini estate, means it's capable of better economy from the same engine and drivetrain components.

I don't know seems weird to have a hatch designed to look like a saloon lol but guess the spaceback will cater got hatchback market...

I don't know seems weird to have a hatch designed to look like a saloon lol but guess the spaceback will cater got hatchback market...

 

We'll have to agree to disagree on that A hatch is there to make loading more practical, I don't honestly see the point of having a more practical opening to a shallower less spacious boot

 

I don't doubt the spaceback will sell better though, popped out to ASDA earlier to get some essentials and looking at the cars parked up it seems 70% of the drivers can't park for **** - horrible prangs at suspiciously bollard height even on cars with a 'flat' back.

Oh dear my wife thinks she has smelled a rat.

 

I'll put on my tin hat and body armour and ask a question.    Here goes .  Give me covering fire,

 

??? Does the Rapid play music CDs on its radio????

??? Does the Rapid play music CDs on its radio????

No, the big boot is provided so you can fit a live band in.

Does the Rapid play music CDs on its radio????

 

Er, Yes.

Thecko   THANKS

 

If you weren't so ugly I'd kiss you.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that A hatch is there to make loading more practical, I don't honestly see the point of having a more practical opening to a shallower less spacious boot

 

I don't doubt the spaceback will sell better though, popped out to ASDA earlier to get some essentials and looking at the cars parked up it seems 70% of the drivers can't park for **** - horrible prangs at suspiciously bollard height even on cars with a 'flat' back.

 

I don't think you're thinking about the Spaceback from the right point of view; if you compare it to a Rapid liftback then yes, it has a smaller boot but Skoda are positioning it against cars like Golf/Astra/Focus and the Spaceback has a bigger boot than them.

 

I think you're right that it could sell quite well though. I see loads of Audi A3 Sportbacks which I guess is the closest thing you could compare the Rapid to in size and body style.

When I had my Octavia mk2 people were actually surprised and impressed by the boot being actually a hatch. A colleague at work with a Passat said how much easier it must be to load than his car.

Capacity - wise the Rapid has a class - leading boot you have to check for "guests" after a European "wine run" :-P

...and Bidet. 

Eh? Bidet only worth having if you have a khazi as well???

Ha Ha If you run a car without rear wash wipe you will soon realise how important a bidet is.

Regards

Oh dear my wife thinks she has smelled a rat.

 

I'll put on my tin hat and body armour and ask a question.    Here goes .  Give me covering fire,

 

??? Does the Rapid play music CDs on its radio????

 

You should have saved yourself tens of thousands of pounds and bought her a bike ...