Has Anyone owned a very early Rapid and a very recent Rapid?

 

I have an early one which came with the most disgusting ride quality of any car I've owned.  Even after I discovered the tyres were at 42 Psi and not 32 Psi and rectified that it still is not comfortable.

 

Sounds mad but I wonder if I should chop it in and get a new Rapid with proper car suspension instead of railway coal waggon suspension.  I've read that ride quality has received attention (and is improved) and will receive more at the facelift/relaunch/whatever coming shortly.

 

Has anyone experience of any difference in later cars?  And any other improvements.?

 

Thanks.

I don't know what the early ones were like but I've got a 64 reg Sport and I think the suspension is fine although it sits a little high. Even with 17" wheels I find it soft enough with no crashing about over bumps etc.

I'm thinking of putting Eibachs on it soon to lower it slightly so I guess there will be a change then.

I guess Skoda must have done something to improve it as I've no complaints so far. It's a very nice ride

Our Spaceback is nicer to drive and has a better ride than any of the Octy III's I tried and owned. Having now run with both 15" winters and 17" summers and I feel the 17" gives the better handling but without noticeably compromising the ride.

 

Would suggest you find a friendly dealer who might be able to offer you a prolonged test drive to compare.

 

Oh suspect improvements to come in summer next year, as Skoda are going to have to introduce the euro VI engines at some stage soon.

 

 

TP

I test drove a 2013 diesel on 17's which was very jiggly over bumps and only slightly less crashy than my 2001 scrapyard escapee proton.

 

It was just about OK.

 

The 2014 spec petrol car I bought rides quite a lot better IMO; it too has 17's but is a lot lighter than the diesel as well and benefits from the suspension revisions first seen on the Spaceback.

By old do you mean the 80s model or 2012 one?

 

I had one of the 80s ones - a 136 which I lowered with PI springs but standard shocks

I haven't driven one, but I believe the 1935 Rapid rode OK.  Bit short of poke though (1100cc straight 6 - only 26bhp)

My Sept 2013 Rapid petrol is fine , on 15 inch wheels though . Far better ride than a Fabia , which I have had two HTP's.