New Skoda Rapid 2017 facelift review ~ station of gear

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18 May, 2017 11:00am Sam Naylor

A series of light updates has done little to improve the Skoda Rapid, as it's still beaten by its more modern hatchback rivals

The Skoda Rapid isn’t a big seller in Britain, with its more desirable Spaceback brother currently accounting for over 80 per cent of sales. The diesels versions are even less popular, as buyers favour the quieter and quicker turbo petrols.

It’s easy to see why that is when you get in the standard Rapid hatch. Even after this latest facelift, a few small changes to the lights and bumpers, plus some new interior trim, the car still feels old-fashioned. Hard plastic trim means it’s reasonably well built, but far from luxurious – even the tiny Skoda Citigo beats it for perceived quality.

• Best hatchbacks on sale

It’s very basic inside. Even the addition of a 6.5-inch touchscreen hasn’t helped matters - the unit is still small and unresponsive, while its low-resolution graphics are trumped by more modern rivals.

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The Rapid is a budget car, but unlike the Citigo it just doesn’t live up to its billing. In fact, at £19,855, this model is easily within sight of its Octavia bigger brother, while a Vauxhall Astra is cheaper, too. Both feel like properly modern family cars, rather than a stripped-down budget model.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine in this Rapid is noisy and coarse, and even though it’s the most powerful Rapid you can buy, it isn’t as lively as the new 1.0 TSI petrol model. The low-down torque is useful for the motorway, and decent 67.3mpg fuel economy means it’s a good choice for a long commute – but you’ll notice the unpleasant diesel rattle from up front at almost any speed.

• Skoda Rapid Spaceback facelift review

The Rapid is set up for comfort, so keen drivers will be put off by the copious amounts of body roll and vague steering. But most buyers will be happy to hear that the facelifted Skoda still rides smoothly, and the light control weights mean it’s easy to drive. The five-speed manual has a light, smooth shift as well.

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Despite its name, the more stylish Spaceback has less room in the back. The 415-litre boot is beaten hands down by this hatchback model’s 550-litre long and wide load bay. Airport runs with huge suitcases or trips to the dump will be no problem for Rapid owners – and that’s probably why it’s so popular with mini-cab drivers.

A light facelift hasn’t done much to change the Skoda Rapid’s middle of the road standing. It still feels like a budget car, yet at nearly £20,000 this top-spec version certainly isn’t priced as such, meaning most buyers will be better off with a more modern and capable family hatch such as the Vauxhall Astra. The 1.6-litre TDI is unrefined, and the new 1.0-litre petrol engines nearly match it for economy, too.

Model: Skoda Rapid SE L 1.6 TDI 115PS
Price: £19,855
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl diesel
Power/torque: 114bhp/250Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive

0-60mph: 10.0 seconds
Top speed: 123mph
Economy/CO2: 67.3mpg/109g/km
On sale: Now

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