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Exterior Exterior of the car is definitely makes it stand among the best looking cars in it's segment. front chrome grill is rather handsome, and so is the design of it's headlight....it gels well with the front of the car. the headlight intensity, though, is below average.....it's just not bright enough. The v-line on the bonnet, the crease line on the doors, the slight ridge at the end(rear) of the boot, the C - formation in which the tail lights glow, and the alloy wheels; all look quite handsome.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The interiors look pretty premium, seats are supportive and spacious, and the design and style of the dash and instrument panel doesn't have anything to complain about either. Problems areas are.

1. the rear parcel tray would have looked better if it were not plasic, and if it were a little flatter(making it more useful).

2.there could have been keyless entry and go.

3.the indicator and wiper stalks should have been on the right side.

4. it should have had electrically retractable side mirrors.

5.music system should have been better.

6. the A/C should have had an OFF switch instead of the rotary button.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox It is the best bit of the car. the diesel engine and the gearbox are well matched. gear shift has short and precise throws, and power delivery is addictive and satisfying. the only thorns here are the slight whine from the gearbox at low speeds, and the clatter of the diesel engine at idle. fuel economy is satisfactory enough at 14.2 kmpl overall.

Ride Quality & Handling The only car that handles and rides better in this segment (at this price) is the ford fiesta. the steering lacks a bit in feel, and is a bit light for highway speeds.

THE ONE THING THAT IS SHOCKING IS THE NOISE FROM THE SUSPENSION AT BOTH FRONT AND REAR(MORE SO AT THE REAR). THERE IS A LOUD, INTRUSIVE, AND EMBARRISING(IF YOU HAVE PASSANGERS) THUD EVERYTIME THE SUSPENSION(SHOCK ABSORBERS) REBOUNDS(SHOCK ABSORBERS OPENS AFTER GETTING COMPROSSED). IT FEELS AS IF SOME SUSPENSION COMPONENT HAS BROKEN.

Final Words SKODA MUST, MUST, MUST AND MUST DO DOMETHING TO CORRECT THE SUSPENSION NOISE(THUD). I WONDER WHY SKODA IS JUST SITTING ON THIS PROBLEM. HEADLIGHTS MUST BE BRIGHTER. THROW IN A FEW MORE FEATURES( TAKE SOME INSPIRATION FROM THE TATA MANZA). THE RAPID IS A RATHER APPEALING PRODUCT. WITH THE UPPER MENTIONED CHANGES, AND A BIT BETTER AFTER SALES IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SELL OVER 3000 CARS A MONTH INSTEAD OF THE 1100 SOMETHING THAT IT IS SELLING.

Areas of improvement READ MY FINAL WORDS.

exterior and interior style, luxurious feel, power and torque of the diesel engine and brakes.flimsy monocoque chassis, thud from suspension rebound, average music system, diesel engine clatter