Skoda Rapid

[woofy]

I have a 2011 Santa Fe, compared to Mazdas especially, they are still a long way, but the following model closed the gap. The diesel and gearbox in it were all new designed by ex Euro engineers from the VAG and other marques. Those bits were why I got it. Otherwise it's a reasonable car, but there are little niggles here and there which Hyundai service guys just say you have to accept.

[rabbitz]

I went for a test drive in a Rapid Elegance with the style and sport packs. The ride is too harsh for me as every bump was heard and felt plus set off rattles in the car. I don't think the 17" wheels with 40 aspect tyres helped. The engine noise etc was fine. The interior is a big step backwards from the Polo and surprised to see a seat lever back rest adjustment instead of a wheel.

[zed50]

I have ordered a rapid spaceback 90 with style pack. Didn't notice a harsh ride but then I'm coming from a tradie ute. Lots of legroom and headroom in the back for adult passengers was the big selling point for me.

[bluey]

I would have gotten a Rapid over a Polo on the basis of space and value for money. But other family members prefer the smaller shopping trolley and the more powerful engine with manual transmission.

I suspect VWA is going with the numbers, since buyers in the main worldwide prefer auto transmissions. I guess that fits with all the other "auto" gadgets in modern cars - lights, wipers, dipping mirrors, hill start, braking, etc. The VAG DSGs (assuming bug-free) are speedier and more efficient that manuals. I have rented a few DSGs in recent years and have been impressed that the gear selection is as good as I'd want to do manually.

I am very confident of the build quality of the Czech-built Skodas (see notes on the Skoda factory tour in the Yeti thread). Will be interested to suss out how our coming Polo compares.

BTW, I really like seat lever backrest adjustments, since they are speedy to move around esp to recline or carry bigger things. Historically, such seats have grown up in 2/3 door cars to let the rear seat passengers in/out.

[sdabel]

We have a Rapid as a second car, totally under rated, lots of room, comfortable and all the safety gear. Not sure why Skoda Australia have such a problem selling them.

[HPRS230]

We have a Rapid as a second car, totally under rated, lots of room, comfortable and all the safety gear. Not sure why Skoda Australia have such a problem selling them.

Had one as a Loaner while RS was getting serviced, the Misses Loved it and said when we need a 2nd car, a Rapid would be good.
It was a MC wagon, same Steel grey as our RS, was like a mini me lol

[VR28LT]

We have a Rapid as a second car, totally under rated, lots of room, comfortable and all the safety gear. Not sure why Skoda Australia have such a problem selling them.

probably because the mk7.5 base model offers so much more for the same kind of coin on driveaway promotion.... we looked at the Rapid but the mk7.5 base 6sp man just blew it out of the water when it came to build quality, dynamics, standard equipment and the 110kw 1.4t vs the Rapids 90kw not to mention they are dsg only now

[sdabel]

Just had a look at current prices and you have a good point. When we got ours there was a significant price saving on the Rapid. Interesting to know if anyone pays retail for Rapids now.