SKODA RAPID - Definitely the BEST in its class!!

Exterior

 Very good Solid, no-nonsense exterior just like its other siblings.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 Materials used inside, be it the chrome/plastics, they are of top-quality. The music system and the stock speakers rate more than expected. Except for a very minor screech-sound on the door pillars over a rough stretch of road, everything else is absolutely fine. Even this noise was corrected during the first service.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 Diesel Engine is a gem. The car moves from 40kmph onwards with the 5th gear and just a small dab on the accelerator peddle is enough to get the car sprinting towards 100kmph mark without a gear down-shift. You do not feel a glimpse of the turbo-lag unlike the FordFIESTA/HyundaiVERNA. Moves from 0 - 140 Kmph like a breeze. After 120 Kmph, the engine sound becomes little audible, but definitely not an ugly noise. After all German/Europeans like their cars to make that noise!!! Be it 120kmph or 140 kmph or 160 kmph, the car just remains in control and the feedback from the steering is definitely the BEST!!! Low-speed driving in the city roads is very comfortable as well. All thanks to a very good low-end torque on the engine. A well erected road-hump can negotiated effortlessly on the 3rd gear itself!!!

Fuel Economy:

In the city with normal traffic conditions (continous movement) , I have got a mileage of around 14.5 - 16.5 Kmpl.

In very bad bumper-bumper traffic conditions, wherein you keep driving in the 1st or 2nd gear (with constant gear shifts) with a speed of 10-20 Kmph, I 've seen the mileage dropping to as low as 10/11/12 kmpl.

On the highways, if you are an economy driver who'd like to cruise at a constant speed varying between 80-100 kmph on the 5th gear, I bet you'll get a mileage exceeding 21 Kmpl. I've experimented myself and seen the mileage go beyond 23 kmpl.

Again, on the highways, if you prefer to cruise at speeds exceeding 120/130 kmph, you can expect a mileage between 16-18 depending on the frequqncy of gear-shifts.

Ride Quality & Handling

 SKODA has always been known for its superior ride-quality & handling and this behavior was exactly the reason that made me lean towards this car. Prior to buying the RAPID, had test-driven the Fluidic Verna, Duster and the likes. I know its very hard for all the Hyundai Verna owners to come to the terms with the fact, but can't help it. Yes, Skoda RAPID is a clear winner in this aspect. The RAPID never goes out of control/behaves indecently at high speeds. As far as my experience with many other cars in the Indian Market is concerned, the RAPID has got an amazing steering. It just feels awesome!!!

Final Words

 I admit that this car does not have all the unwanted gizmos such as the in-built GPS, steering mounted audio controls, reverse-parking cam etc

But for someone, who cares to own a GOOD CAR considering the core-qualities of a car such as the ride-quality, handling, engine performance, top-quality interiors, solid-looking exteriors, JUST GO AHEAD with it!!! It is definitely a Value-for-Money car.

I have currently reached the 15,000 kms mark on my RAPID and got the servicing done, unlike the many other posts that i've seen/read about the SKODA's after-sales support, I got a very good service. The supervisor took enough care to fix all the minor complaints that I had reported and the SKODA was pro-active enough to give me a call to take a feedback of my service experience. Of course, I gave them a 5.

The delivery was made within a day's time. The only drwaback with the after-sales support is the low number of SKODA service centres available in any city.


With this review, I would like to state that I'm not a SKODA guy or a SKODA fan writing this review to support the brand. I just want anyone looking to buy a new car to have a good review from an owner himself. The normal crowd mentality is to go with a car (if you could not guess, I'm talking about the so-called FLUIDIC) that just boasts of a sporty look, but does not have enough under the hood to behave like one!!! So people, time to invest your money on a good buy!!!

Areas of improvement  

 1. Need to come up with few more authorized service centres.

2. To cheer and draw the crowd, the SKODA can think of including a few gizmos in the RAPID :D

3. I definitely would like to see the European RAPID released in the Indian market.

 

Solid exterior looks, soothing top-quality interiors, best ride-quality and the powerThe only trouble was with the mud-flaps, which took a beating on every road-hump