Hello

Currently have a 13 plate Fabia VRS and looking for something a bit bigger and more refined without being Octavia sized.

Has anyone driven both and how do they compare?

Thank you

Rob

Compared to when I had a Fabia (years ago Y reg) the Rapid is far more elegant inside.  Much nicer and quiet to drive that was a few years ago though cannot really comment on the more modern Fabias

Just viewed a fabia VRS on SUK doesnt look much different from the Y reg interior I had

The snobs on the MK3 Octavia section seem to think that the Rapid interior is identical to a Fabia [emoji6]

Obviously they need to look again but it seems the Rapid is too inferior for them [emoji57]

Cab assure you it's nothing like the fabia I had

I like the Rapid Spaceback, it reminds me of previous Octy I's, straight forward well packaged no nonsense motoring, with about every bit of tech you need and simple to use. Plus having previously had a Octy III, I cannot see what all the fuss is about re inferior cabin, yes the dash is hard rather than soft touch and there's no temperamental infomat system but you can easly live/manage without such frills, otherwise theres not much between the two cars.

 

Ride and handling are softer and more composed than our Monte, helped by the longer wheel base, standard instead of sport springs and electric rather than electro hydraulic steering and the 1.2TSI in 105 guise works far better in the Rapid than Fabia due to the smooth 6 speed box. Oh and the rear end of our Spaceback feels more composed than the early 2wd Octy III TSI's I tried.

 

IMHO its underrated by many and unfortunately overpriced in the UK, which puts people off; they tend to pay a few hundred more and opt for the Octy but I found that an uncomfortable car, hence now being in a Spaceback with the comfy sport seats.

 

 

TP