Passenger car "Skoda Rapid" - one of the most prominent representatives of budget sedans of European production. For all the time of its existence, it has already managed to conquer not only the European, but also the Russian market, becoming a real bestseller. In Russia, this model has been known for several years. It has taken root with us so much that in autumn 2014 its serial production will be launched in Kaluga. And this means that the price of a budget sedan will become even less. But first things first. So, what does Skoda Rapid 2014 have owner reviews, design, specifications and price?
The appearance of the sedan
The design of the car is made in the corporate identity of the company. In the appearance of the sedan there are all the same recognizable features - narrowed optics and an unusual radiator grille, which, together with a relief hood, creates a kind of beak-like “front end”. But this design, despite the minimum of changes made, cannot be called outdated.
Modernity is given to the image by new “chopped” body shapes, a strict air intake and a massive front hood. What is noteworthy, some modifications of the Skoda will go along with a panoramic roof. And this means that the Rapid one step away from its budget and closer to the class of business sedans. Why so? Yes, because not a single “European” of this class is equipped with a panoramic roof, even in the most top-end and luxury trim levels. The appearance of the Czech sedan can not be called very bright and catchy. But compared to other state employees, it clearly looks more solid and expressive.
If you compare the "Rapid" with earlier models of cars "Skoda", you can see how much the fog lamps have grown in size . And if before they lit only 5-10 meters of the roadway, now, thanks to a more voluminous reflector, they can be used as a passing beam. By the way, there are no navigation lights integrated into the headlights here, so our drivers will have to buy and mount DRLs on their own or ride on the head light.
The massive front end is complemented by no less large thresholds along the width of the body. So the manufacturer probably wanted to emphasize the solidity of the brand. By the way, such large cutouts on the doors were made for a reason. Massive stiffeners are hidden inside them, which prevent the doors from creasing during a traffic accident and further injuring the driver and his passengers.
Skoda Rapid 1.4 TSI - interior reviews and reviews
A lot of motorists scold "Skoda" for the salon. According to reviews, the Skoda Rapid DSG 1.4 has a very conservative and nondescript interior design. Yes, there are no carbon and chrome inserts, there are no masses of buttons located around the entire perimeter of the cabin, and the architecture of the torpedo itself without bright cutouts, lines and deep grooves. But when you drive a Skoda, it becomes clear why the people loved her so much.
After all, the comfort with which you ride on it is incomparable with any other similar state employees. It is because of the practicality of the layout, comfort and a high level of ergonomics that Skoda Rapid is so in demand in the Russian market. Owner reviews also note the high quality of the assembly - there are no extra gaps, crevices and a characteristic chemical smell inside, as is the case with some "Chinese".
True, modern interior is very difficult to call. Such machines were manufactured in Europe 10 years ago. Time has passed, designs have changed, and Skoda has remained at the same level. Perhaps the Czechs simply do not want to experiment with interior design. On the other hand, the buyer will always know what to expect from Skoda. In general, we will not scold the salon. Be that as it may, it’s really comfortable to be inside the sedan. Let it is nondescript, not bright, but comfortable. And the point.
Engine Specifications
In the European market, both diesel and gasoline units will be available to customers. True, diesel engines from Europe are not delivered to Russia. But we’ll tell about them anyway, but for now we’ll look at the gasoline engine range.
Here are 4 inline 4-cylinder units. Among them, the youngest is a 1.2-liter unit, which develops power up to 75 horsepower. No less modest characteristics surprised the second unit with a capacity of 86 "horses" and a volume of the same 1.2 liters. However, such indicators are not enough in order to normally disperse an almost 1,200-pound car and control it on the go. One of the most optimal options is a 105-horsepower gasoline engine with a cylinder capacity of 1,200 "cubes". The top among representatives of gasoline units is considered a 1.4-liter engine, whose maximum power is about 122 horsepower.
Skoda TDI
As for diesel engines, there are only two of them, namely a pair of 1.6-liter engines with a capacity of 90 and 105 horsepower. All engines are equipped with one manual gearbox. Whether the manufacturer will expand the range of its transmissions in the future is unknown. In the meantime, our motorists will have to be content with a manual gearbox.
Dynamics and fuel consumption
Interestingly, Skoda Rapid (owner reviews also mark this point) is one of the few cars that boasts the highest performance. So, a jerk from zero to 100 kilometers per hour takes only 10 seconds in time. A good indicator for the budget Skoda Rapid sedan.
Responses of owners speak about economical fuel consumption. Thanks to the direct fuel injection system in the cylinder, the car spends about 4.5-5.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. In this case, the range on a full tank is about 1000-1200 kilometers. Serious problems with the fuel system on gasoline modifications have not yet been detected. The main advice to future buyers: refuel only at proven gas stations and only 95-m gasoline.
Prices
The initial cost of a budget sedan in Russia is 480 thousand rubles. The top version is affordable at the price of about 580 thousand rubles. Just note that there are several versions of the cabin - with fabric and leather upholstery. The latter will be available only in top trim levels.
Skoda Rapid - Equipment Level Reviews
As for the choice of trim levels, many are advised to give preference to modifications to the Skoda Rapid Ambition. Responses of owners note the fact that there is a full-size spare wheel (not a “dokatka”, as in many “Europeans”), power windows, as well as a heating system for the washer nozzles. For a small surcharge of 48 thousand rubles, you can get a package of options such as air conditioning, an electric heating system for seats and side mirrors, a radio, and another frontal airbag. Top versions include full power accessories, parking sensors, an on-board computer, as well as various little things in the form of glove box lighting, an folding backrest system, additional interior lighting and many other small elements.
Conclusion
So, we found out what Skoda Rapid reviews deserved, reviewed the design and found out the price of this car. Judging by the level of equipment, "Skoda Rapid" is not the best option for fans of various "bells and whistles". However, at its cost, it fits into the framework of 480 thousand rubles. This means that the "Rapid" can be a good alternative to domestic sedans, in which air conditioning is not provided even for an additional fee.