I've got one of these to run around in next week. More later. And I'll update the other threads too that are wanting.  So much to do, so little time...

 

 

Have to say, looking at the press information that was supplied, it's a shame it can be had in sprint yellow, race blue, corrida red etc. which are vRS only colours, unless that's no longer the case. Bah humbug. 

It's a 1.4 TSi with a seven speed DSG. Blood* quick. I'm really surprised.  Handles really well on its optional 17" Pegasus alloys. Grips around corners like a limpet and that engine is an absolute cracker, revving all the way to the red line without any drama. Must try it with four up to see what difference the extra weight makes. 

 

The Amundsen is good too, but the screen is far too small for viewing the nav. The route guidance is very definitely computerised - had to giggle at "go down this road for a long time". Not exactly helpful. Nor is the lack of a split mirror on the driver's door to avoid the blindspot.  Makes me look though, which is good for the neck muscles.

 

Petrol is going quickly - 125 miles done and nearly a quarter of a tank drunk - mind you, I'm used to a 170CR that drinks once every two weeks and returns 50mpg without trying.

 

I'm definitely not a fan of the hard, scratchy plastic across the dash and door cards. It does make it feel like a light car though, probably because they're thin - a reason I'll not be replacing the vRS with a new one. It just feels cheap and nasty, except this car's not at £21k.  

 

Bootspace is good and easily accessible. The panoramic optional roof is nice with its two sun blinds and the seats are very comfy and very similar to Fabia vRS ones in the most recent version.  Further updates....

The Amundsen is good too, but the screen is far too small for viewing the nav. The route guidance is very definitely computerised - had to giggle at "go down this road for a long time". Not exactly helpful. 

 

 

No different to if the wife was map reading though   

I have not seen one of these on the road nor any other Rapid to be honest. It is turning into Skoda's white elephant car: overpriced and irrelevant when you have the Octavia and the Fabia. Whoever was repsonsible for this in product planning must surely have a lot of explaining to do!

White Elephant is quite right! I fancied the Rapid when it was first announced. However a lack of Rapids on the road indicates a lack of popularity and when I had a Elegence Spaceback 105TSI as a loan car I was suitaby underwhelmed. And that lack o popularity must have an effect on depreciation?

 

If I dont like the Fabia 3 when it comes out, I probably will be leaving Skoda......

This seems to be the general consensus, hard plastics, seems spartan inside, overall appearance is not value for money.

 

On the + side it is very close in size to the MK1 Octy, boot and interior space is very good & will actually fit in a garage, this was a consideration to replace my Mk2 Octy, but the interior design  & lack of engine choice  was pitiful & went out the window within 5 mins of sitting in it.

 

@ threadbear - have you been to any Maidstone meet ?  & see you have spotted the Auto express fab 3 pics.

I have not seen one of these on the road nor any other Rapid to be honest. It is turning into Skoda's white elephant car: overpriced and irrelevant when you have the Octavia and the Fabia. Whoever was repsonsible for this in product planning must surely have a lot of explaining to do!

 

http://www.skoda-auto.com/en/news/2014-08-13-sales

Saw one at Knockhill at the BTCC this weekend but nothing like the 150% increase they claim.

Saw one at Knockhill at the BTCC this weekend but nothing like the 150% increase they claim.

 

Beware those figures are global.. I think one of the main issues in the UK is that Skoda UK priced it a bit high (you can see there is a lot of margin in these cars if you go to DrivetheDeal, Carwow e.t.c.)

 

However, I am starting to see quite a few Spacebacks around here now. Probably more than the 'liftback' version already.

http://www.skoda-auto.com/en/news/2014-08-13-sales

 

Interesting stats, Personally I think the Rapid looks fantastic, modern, edgy and cutting, especially with the bigger alloys. I feel the interior lets it down though. The Seat Toledo SE is a much nicer place to be IMHO.

I feel the interior lets it down though. The Seat Toledo SE is a much nicer place to be IMHO.

 

It's the same!

 

I can only guess you sat in an older Rapid but a newer Toledo? Since the changes were made to the interiors..

It's the same!

 

I can only guess you sat in an older Rapid but a newer Toledo? Since the changes were made to the interiors..

 

Yess, you're right it was an older Rapid. Didn't realise they had updated the interior.

Yess, you're right it was an older Rapid. Didn't realise they had updated the interior.

 

Same basic layout/dash as before but they've added some chrome/gloss strips, new steering wheels, new seat fabrics e.t.c.

This seems to be the general consensus, hard plastics, seems spartan inside, overall appearance is not value for money.

 

On the + side it is very close in size to the MK1 Octy, boot and interior space is very good & will actually fit in a garage, this was a consideration to replace my Mk2 Octy, but the interior design  & lack of engine choice  was pitiful & went out the window within 5 mins of sitting in it.

 

Regular Rapid has exactly Octy 1 boot, even Mk1 Octy boot mat would fit, makes for a strong deja vu feeling when you open it if you had a Mk1 Octy for many years before. Spaceback has smaller boot but more rear headroom. Both have 3in longer wheelbase than Mk1 Octy, which makes for a lot more legroom (or actually makes for any legroom at all left if the driver/front passenger is tall).

 

Appearance may be deceptive, as is the list price (already discussed/flamed in the other thread).  I was initially concerned about hard plastics on the Roomster, but in family use they do not bother, neither do they rattle once you get rid of factory originated rattles. Resonating, hard rear parcel shelf would bother though, as several forum users posted/upgraded sound insulation. I wonder if Mk1 Octy parcel shelf fits Rapid? Could be had cheaply from a scrapyard. Spaceback is more tricky, but sound insulation is cheap compared to price difference to more upmarket car. 

 

Despite fewer sound insulation materials used, both Roomster and Rapid platforms (they are very similar underneath, contrary to marketing statements) actually have reasonably decent road noise insulation, it just is achieved through sound reflecting rather than absorbing. Suspension, at least on diesels is pretty much the same as Mk1 Octavia's "sport suspension", so is more than adequate for everyday driving. Plus a diesel Rapid has nearly 30% more range at speed when compared to a diesel Mk3 Octavia, on account of a 55l fuel tank that can be vented to 64l (Mk3 Octy has only 50l, not readily vented). A 118mph electronic speed limit may bother outside UK, though. But at least a Rapid will get to 118mph faster (and better looking :p ) than a Roomster, that's for sure.

 

In my opinion, Rapid is excellent budget car for a family with small children, if in doubt, try fitting double buggy on top of family holiday luggage in other cars of comparable price after discounts.  Spaceback is a perfect budget car for a family with teenagers, though current marketing does not really address that, aiming at younger audience. Of course only if you get either Rapid at lowest quotes around, as the list price is insane IMHO.

Edited 12 September, 201411 yr by dieselV6

I agree with many of the above posts.............

 

When I was looking this summer for a replacement for my 13yr old Fabia I ended up going back to VW........MK7 Golf estate GT.............yep it's expensive but has the edge on quality & better newer versions of "toys" even if VW & Skoda give the impression they are the same!

 

VW are defo making Skoda the new "cheaper" brand to flogging in India/China etc..............the result is that after looking at the Rapid & Octavia & then sitting back in my old Fabia I didn't feel as if the "new" cars were 13yrs newer & double the price !!.............Just proves how advanced the Fabia was when it was launched back in 2000!!!