Czech designers are quite responsible for the use of technical solutions that show success in the market. In many respects, this applies to the Rapid model, which has survived enough updates, restylings and facelifts. By 2015, the car came up in a form optimized for practical use, which cannot but please the Russian connoisseur of compact European hatchbacks. True, the class of this version is not easy to determine - the changes made to the design also led to a number of claims for the station wagon. At the same time, the visual lightness of the exterior, which is still distinguished by Skoda Rapid 2015, has not gone away. Owner reviews confirm this quality in practice: the car behaves perfectly in tight urban environments. But this is not limited to the merits of the next version of the Czech bestseller, some of which were acquired as a result of the latest update.
Model Overview
The car received a base from previous generations - this is the PQ25 platform, which Skoda acquired from Volkswagen Polo. Oddly enough, the dimensions of the new items are superior in size to the Golf, although before both European compacts organically combined both in length and in width. Nevertheless, the current deviation is not so significant, and the Czech version may well be considered as an alternative to a smart German. In terms of driving performance, much has also been preserved. The model is offered with mechanical and automatic "boxes". I must say that both options turned out to be very worthy. For example, the Skoda Rapid version of the automatic, reviews of which had previously noted frequent breakdowns, in its current 6-stage design is almost an example of reliability. This is due to the efforts of the VW concern - German designers have revised the transmission units that are used at all subsidiaries, including Skoda. But the changes do not end there.
Key Specifications
In terms of dimensions and the platform as a whole, the model, by and large, has remained the same. Nevertheless, some adjustments were made to the design of the Skoda Rapid, the technical characteristics of which look like this:
- The width of the car is 170.6 cm.
- Length - 448.3 cm.
- Height - 146.1 cm.
- Ground clearance - 17 cm
- Wheel platform - 260.2 cm.
- Front track - 145.7 cm.
- Back track - 149.4 cm.
- The capacity of the fuel tank is 55 l.
- The curb weight is 1150 kg.
In the development of the suspension and braking system, the designers did not experiment and applied traditional configurations. Drum brakes are used at the rear , and ventilated disc mechanisms are used at the front. As for the suspension, an independent spring design is implemented at the front, and a semi-independent system at the rear.
Engine specifications
The engine range of the Czech model has expanded significantly, but a standard 1.6-liter gasoline unit is used as the main engine. Actually, at the capacities of this engine the potential of Skoda Rapid 2015 is also quite well revealed. The technical characteristics of the power plant can be represented as follows:
- Location - front.
- The fuel used is gasoline.
- Volume - 1 598 cm 3 .
- Supercharging - not provided.
- Power - 90 “horses”, which corresponds to 66 kW.
- Torque at maximum performance - 3800 rpm.
- The configuration of the cylinders is in-line.
- The number of cylinders is 4.
- The number of valves in the cylinder of the unit - 4
- The power system is implemented through distributed injection.
The appropriateness of using this power unit prevents ambiguous positioning of the car. For a typical European hatchback, 90-horsepower is more than enough. And even in Russian conditions, this is a very worthy indicator. But do not forget about the universal orientation of the car "Skoda Rapid." An engine for carrying out transport tasks for the transportation of even small-sized cargo should still be somewhat more powerful. However, there are also 106 liter variants in the family. from.
Performance indicators
I must say that the management of this model is very well implemented. This also applies to the operation of the accelerator, and the responsiveness of the mechanisms to manipulate the steering wheel. The car willingly copes with turns, keeps a direct course confidently, and gas discharge does not lead to sharp jerks. All this is reflected in the dynamics of the Skoda Rapid, the characteristic of which is expressed in acceleration in 11.4 s and a maximum speed of 185 km / h. However, even for fun, experimenting with these guidelines is not recommended. Nevertheless, the suspension is not designed for sports riding, especially on imperfect coverage. The fact is that any irregularity is given in the cabin very sharply, accustoming the driver to a neat style of movement. Of course, this is primarily a city greenhouse hatchback, which eschews any off-road - otherwise, overhaul is inevitable.
Fuel consumption data
Here we must again mention the automatic transmission. It is in relation to dynamic driving that it shows its conservative disposition, continually restraining the car owner's intentions for frisky driving. This is not a plus of ergonomics, but it makes the Skoda Rapid more economical to operate. The fuel consumption characteristic confirms this. So, on the highway, the car consumes 4.6 liters, and within the city limits - 7.8 liters. These are very good indicators even for a compact hatchback. Again, it is worth recalling a 90-liter engine, far from voracious units. from.
Of course, this is official data, which, with rare exceptions, markedly differs from real indicators. The data closest to the true numbers are shown in the mixed fuel consumption cycle of the Skoda Rapid. Consumption in this calculation also confirms the efficiency of the model, amounting to 5.8 liters. According to the owners, the on-board computer can show 6-6.5 liters. And yet this is an acceptable value when compared with large German and Japanese representatives of the class.
Inner space
Just the space inside the car leads to thoughts about the belonging of a small car as a whole to the station wagon segment. True, if we strictly approach this classification, then the model can count on the maximum status of a shortened station wagon. One way or another, the owner gets a spacious and functional interior. But the main advantages are hidden by the luggage compartment of the Skoda Rapid, whose technical characteristics look like this: the minimum capacity is 530 liters, and the total usable volume reaches 1470 liters.
This space allows you to conveniently place the spare tire underground, and if you fold the rear seats, then opens up very decent cargo and passenger opportunities. Of course, many station wagons provide greater potential for free space for transportation, but in this case, the car still refers to hatchbacks with all the advantages of this class in the form of dynamics and ease of control.
Positive feedback about the model
The car embodies the best qualities of a European compact, but taking into account the budget class. This is also understood by users, noting the comfort, functionality and ease of driving a Skoda Rapid 2015. Owner reviews regarding driving performance are also generally positive. Despite the increased size, the model is still active in terms of dynamics and in a good way reckless in the conditions of the city. True, it is for lovers of fast driving that motorists recommend abandoning a high-tech automatic transmission in the direction of “mechanics”.
In other respects, the Czech hatchback is also not bad. Especially many are pleased with the build quality and undemanding maintenance of Skoda Rapid 2015 cars. Owner reviews do not highlight serious problems with technical stuffing, although there are still some complaints about the quality of consumables.
Negative reviews
Of the obvious flaws that the owners note, it is safe to call noise insulation and stiffer suspension. In general, insulation performance should be considered in the context of the overall finish. The manufacturer used inexpensive materials, which not only creates a sense of budget cars, but also affects the same noise protection. No less problematic is the suspension in the Skoda Rapid 2015 car, the reviews of the owners of which indicate its hostility to the driver and passengers. As a result, you have to choose areas with a minimum number of holes, since any unevenness is felt in the cabin.
Conclusion
If we compare the model with alternative European variants of the same class, the difference will be significant. Compact city hatchbacks from the leaders of the global automotive industry are distinguished by their technological effectiveness, wide functionality, increased comfort and ergonomics. Against this background, Skoda Rapid cars can compete only in terms of handling - it is very competently executed, which attracts many customers. However, in other indicators, the model is clearly behind. And there is an explanation for this, since Rapid still occupies the lowest price link by European standards. For comparison: in the domestic market this car can be purchased for 700-800 thousand rubles. In turn, similar representatives from leading German brands are estimated at least 1 million rubles.