My RAPID

Exterior Simple, Sober, Graceful.. to use few adjectives. No funky exterior though may not be entirely plane jane. Nice proportions. Looks and feels solidly build..not an youthful ,energetic or fancy character rather it oozes out maturity and grace in all aspects.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Ample space.. be it legs, knees or head. Solid and top notch fit and finish, looks and feels rich and well sorted out interiors, no complaints at all, nice steering wheel, big and supportive seats, nice AC and music player. No Maruti/Hyundai or even Honda can match. However, feature list is not generous

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox - The essence of the vehicle. Overall it is best suited for laid back and relaxed driving. Enjoy the road, traffic, nature and your Skoda together. High speed is not too confidence boosting (unlike my Opel Corsa). Initial noise of disel engine is bit depressing though it gets sorted out soon. Gear box is not exactly butter smooth, but OK OK type, no particular complaint, long clutch play..goes deep down the  well. Very efiicient brakes, excellent horn, stock head lights are like that of Bajaj Scooter, feels like a solid powerful big vehicle which handles it self best at low and relaxed speeds. Though overtaking is just a breeze, solid power.. you never feel the lack of it at any point of drive, excellent city drive vehicle while I am yet to test it over long drives. Satisfied with mileage- anything between 16 to 19/20 depending upon and road and driving conditions.

 

Ride Quality & Handling. Be gentle and it is the best one. However, little inspired driving and cornering.. that feeling of jitteryness creeps in.

 

Final Words. Lots have been said about its awful service networks, cost and availability of spares etc..but honestly I am yet to find an issue, go for it if you are looking for a no-nonsense, solidly build comfortable vehicle for you and your loved ones, that feeling of safety is always there.

 

Areas of improvement  Ride and handling attributes, bit noisy engine.

 

 

Solid Build, Ample Space, Relaxed DriveBit Noisy, Bit of Body Roll, Driving dynamics not exactly top notch.