Test Drive: Škoda Rapid
While we are waiting the release of the new Škoda
Rapid Spaceback in October, I did a test drive of present model.
The first model of Škoda Rapid was in production
from 1935 to 1947. It had a backbone tube chassis and independent suspension.
The Rapid name was used again in 1984 for a coupe model with rear engine and
rear-wheel drive (Skoda 130 Rapid). It was a successor of Škoda 110 R Coupe and Škoda Garde.
Now Škoda
Rapid is a compact liftback (sedan). The design is simple and clear which creates
the impression of a modern and at the same time daily car. We can’t miss the
new logo on the front hood. The front grill looks wider in comparison with the
new Octavia. The headlights are similar to
the new VW design. That isn’t strange because Škoda is a part of Volkswagen
group. We can see the inscription Škoda on the trunk, which is kind of
innovation. Previous models had only the model indication on the trunk without
the make.
The trunk and
the rear window open together so you can to put large objects inside. The trunk
volume is 550 liters and can rise up to 1,490 liters when the rear seats are lain
down. The negative point here is that there isn’t flat floor. Also the bed
covering in the trunk is twin side. One of the sides is with rubber so there
isn’t any problem to put some dirty things on it. The Czechs have created it.
I feel very comfortable
behind the steering wheel, which can be regulated up and down, put in and pull
out. There is enough space for the driver and the passenger. The dashboard is simple
with a Maxi-DOT* display. The arm rest between the front seats is a little bit
strange because it’s fixed high, which isn’t comfortable for me. It’s not a problem because it’s
flexible and you can pull it up or you can adjust yourself to it. It just takes
time.
Another disadvantage is that I can’t adjust
myself to the low position of the gear shift. My impression is that all the gear
shifts in VAG group are small. In contrast, the automatic gear shift around the
2000 year has a huge ball. Later they started producing gear shifts in small
size and they’re still doing it. I consider those gear shifts more comfortable.
Now Škoda Rapid can be bought with an automatic 7-speed DSG transmission (only
for 1.4 TSI/90 kW (120 hp)).
If there is a facelift, it would be better to
remove the on/off device for the passenger air bag from the glove box. I don’t
know where it’s placed in the new Rapid Spaceback. There is a glass box over
your head in the middle of the ceiling, which is a very useful.
Here is the
test model Škoda Rapid with 1.2 TSI engine which produces 105 HP and has 6-speed
manual gearbox. We’re ready to go.
When I sat in the car, I fixed the
seat, the mirrors and the steering wheel. I had been trying to start the engine
for a while but I couldn’t. That’s because this engine can be run only if you
push the clutch. So the
engine started and the car became part of the traffic. Despite my negative
opinion about the gear shifts, the gears are changed very well. Like in brand
new car, uh? Everything was ok while driving in the city but when I hit the
highway the car showed what it could do. I didn’t have such expectations
of 1.2 TSI engine. Yes, the engine is turbocharged but as a whole it surpassed my expectations. The acceleration is perfect and the control of
the car is very well.
The producer gives the following information about the fuel-consumption:
-
urban:
6.9 l/100km
-
extra-urban:
4.6 l/100km
-
combined:
5.4
l/100km
These
parameters depend on many factors so they couldn’t be accurate. if you want to
try, you can improve them.
Although this
is a budget car there is a pile of electronic systems. The Maxi-DOT display shows
information about the temperature outside, the kilometers left to the next
petrol station, the average fuel consumption. The most interesting gadget is the
system for optimal gear change. When you reach a certain rpm (Rotation per
Minute) the display shows an up-arrow for changing the gear next to the current
one. I forgot to check if there was down-arrow for low gear.
Another
interesting system is Electrical Deferential Lock (EDS). This system monitors
the rotation of the driving wheels. If there is a wheel without traction to the
road (the speed of the right wheel is higher than the left one for example) the
system applies a brake effort to the right wheel. In this way the speeds of the
driving wheels are equalized. This will be very useful when you drive in snow
or on wet roads. This
system became a standard for Skoda Rapid. Here are other standard systems for the
model: ESP (Electronic Stability Control), MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung),
ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistant). You can get a GPS
system for extra money. There are 3 main levels of equipment: Active, Ambition
and Elegance and also three additional (for Bulgarian market), which are
relevant to the main: Fresh, Selection, and Edition.
There is also
a packet called “Bad Roads” which is optional. It includes protectors under the
engine, a cable of emergency brake (hand brake) and the most important - of the
fuel system. I have a story about that but I’ll tell it another time.
The
dimensions are as follows:
W: 1,940 mm
(with the mirrors)
H: 1,461 mm
L: 4,483 mm
Wheel Base:
2,602 mm
To summarize.
This budget car offers more than you can expect from a daily car. There is a
huge trunk and a huge leg room at the back. There is enough space for the
driver and the passenger. The engine is good. There is an ice cleaner on the tank
door (it’s also available in Octavia). You have a lot of options for
personalize it.
I’m looking
forward to seeing Škoda Rapid in 5, 7 or 10 years. Then we will have released
if this car is really good.
That is all
for this week. I’ll be here next Sunday. Bye.
