Ah yes Czechs, ah yes well done! In the art of casting a shadow on the wattle fence, there are few equals to them. Last year, at the test of the Rapid liftback in Skoda, they mentioned that they would expand the range with a modification code-named Spaceback. Like any normal person, I thought that we were talking about a station wagon - the “spacious” name suggested such an idea. Wrong! It turned out that the manufacturer decided to designate a hatchback with this word. That is, according to Skoda, a large and spacious liftback is just Rapid, and its docked version is Rapid-roomy inside. Gee!
However, the debutant is indeed spacious. The stock of space in the rear seats, the trunk volume (415 liters) is clearly better than most competitors. And having folded the rear sofa, it is easy to bring the capacity of the luggage compartment to 1380 liters - not every golf-class station wagon will offer such a "cave".
The compartment, by the way, is not only roomy, but also perfectly designed functionally. Here you have nets for fixing, and hooks, and comfortable niches along the edges, and a two-level floor. And, of course, proprietary know-how - a flexible plate, which can be used to fence off part of the trunk, creating "autonomy" there. In general, few classmate hatchbacks can argue with this Skoda in practicality. In the space on the back sofa - too: two adults sit down without a hint of crampedness. True, the third one is inconvenient - a fairly protruding floor tunnel interferes.
CUTE THINGS
What about in front? Despite the fact that the model is positioned as affordable, the level of interior finish is very good. Decent materials, quality assembly, and decent ergonomics. By tradition, Skoda's strong trump card is attention to detail. There is an ice scraper hidden under the tank lid, a holder for a smartphone (a special slot in the carrying glass), a niche for an emergency vest under the seat, and a holder for cards on the windshield. All this is familiar from the liftback. But the hatch has portable trash cans that fit into door pockets. Shake out, and order! It seems like a trifle, but how they make life easier!
However, it was not without its downsides. Against the general background, the seat slides not covered by a decorative casing are striking. It seemed that their backs are a bit short, and the exterior mirrors are small.
I hope the manufacturer will listen, as it has already happened. When I tested the liftback last summer, Shkodov specialists contacted me: what didn’t they like? He pointed to a stiffer suspension - not the best option for Russia. A little over a year has passed - and what do you think? Hatchback rides differently! Thanks to the changed chassis settings, the Rapid has become noticeably softer, bumps on bumps almost do not annoy. Moreover, the energy consumption has not suffered, as well as handling - the car is still stable on a straight line and holds the road tenaciously in high-speed corners. The margin of stability is decent, and when it is selected, the Skoda slides off the trajectory smoothly and predictably.
OUT OF COMPETITION
As in the past year, I start my journey on a 1.2-liter 86-horsepower modification. Then she seemed lethargic to me, but now the claims to temperament have diminished. Apparently, the smaller mass of the hatchback affects, besides, there are not two passengers on board, but one.
You don't need to count all those kilos if you choose the flagship version with a 1.4-liter 122-horsepower engine. Rides very fast! Especially if you transfer the DSG robotic box (with this motor it comes in “standard”) to sport mode. But in Russia, a different engine will become the main one - a 1.6-liter aspirated engine, the production of which will be launched in Kaluga next year. Its exact characteristics are not yet disclosed, it was only possible to find out that the power will be 110 hp.
I keep trying to remember - who else in this class offers such a perfect technique? Perhaps no one. Gearbox with two clutches, turbo engines - this is the privilege of "Rapid". The same goes for options. In the price lists of popular competitors, you will not find either a panoramic roof, or rotary foglights, or xenon. So the main thing is not to miscalculate the price of Rapid. If it is kept at the level of the cost of the Volkswagen Polo platform sedan, there is no doubt in the bright future of the Czech model.
It is interesting that the choice of bodies for Rapid will not be limited to liftback and hatchback. But a banal sedan will not be exactly the same as a station wagon (at first). Information has leaked to the Web that next year the Czechs are planning to launch a three-door with a sloping roof - a coupe! Skoda intrigued, nothing to say ...
In Europe, the Spaceback is destined to become the most popular Rapid, but in Russia it is unlikely to outstrip the locally assembled liftback, which will be cheaper.
+ It stands out against the background of competitors due to the perfection of its design.
- A question of price.The appearance of a fresh affordable Skoda Rapid pleased potential buyers. However, there was a little confusion, some motorists mistakenly call the new Skoda Rapid a sedan. But Rapid does not have a sedan body, although outwardly the car is very similar to a sedan.
As in the case of the Skoda Octavia, Skoda Rapid has a liftback body. That is, a hybrid of a sedan and a hatchback, as a result, the back door opens like a sedan, but together with the rear window like a hatchback. We look at the photo higher. Most likely, Rapid will not have a full-fledged sedan, just as Octavia does not have it either. But the Czech manufacturer announced the appearance of a whole family of Skoda Rapid bodies, among which there will be hatchbacks and station wagons, not to mention “charged” coupes. So far, only a 5-door liftback is being sold in Russia.
In September 2013, Skoda officially showed the second body of the Rapid model. This hatchback Skoda Rapid, which is already sold in Europe under the name Spaceback. Although the car looks like a station wagon, it is actually a hatchback. The front part and wheelbase were left the same, but the rear of the car was shortened, as a result, the Skoda Rapid Spaceback hatchback became 180 mm shorter. The trunk has decreased in volume from 550 to 415 liters. The Rapid Spaceback car is also planned to be assembled in Russia in the Kaluga region, where the liftback is also assembled. When sales start in our country is unknown. We are watching photo Skoda Rapid hatchback Further.
Skoda Rapid station wagon not yet officially shown. However, the success of Skoda Rapid in Europe suggests that soon the Czech automaker will start producing Skoda Rapid in a station wagon. The network has photo station wagon Rapid, but the manufacturer does not comment on them. We look at the photo.
With a reasonable pricing policy, Rapid cars will certainly become popular in Russia. At least in Germany, Skoda Rapid is very popular, precisely because of the low price.
Skoda Rapid is a Czech four-door B-class car. The machine has been mass-produced since 2012. Initially, it was produced in a liftback body, which was very close to the sedan. However, a year later, a new Skoda Rapid hatchback was born. This car is unlike any other B-class hatchback. The novelty is focused mainly on the European market. What is a Skoda Rapid hatchback? See photos, review and technical specifications later in our article.
Design
The car has an identical liftback design. Front has linzovannaya optics, embossed hood with a company logo and a strict bumper. At the bottom are rectangular fog lights. There is also a washer for head optics (but not in all trim levels it is available). Outwardly, the Skoda Rapid 2017 hatchback looks like a station wagon, and many people confuse the bodywork of the novelty.
The exterior of the car is devoid of aggressive and sporty lines, but this does not make the car boring. Looks "Skoda Rapid" is very worthy.
Dimensions, ground clearance
Remarkably, the Skoda Rapid hatchback is the largest car from the B-class in terms of dimensions. This property allows the machine to confidently compete with its competitors. So, the length of the car is 4.3 meters, width - 1.7, height - 1.46 meters. also significant - 17 centimeters.
Salon
The car has a comfortable five-seater interior with a combined finish. The interior is modest but ergonomic.
The seats are equipped with mechanical adjustment, the steering wheel is also adjustable in two directions. The center console contains all the necessary elements - a CD radio, a stove control unit and a small niche for small things. In luxury trim levels, it is possible to install a multimedia complex (but without navigation). Unlike the liftback, the Skoda Rapid hatchback has a more spacious interior. The height of the ceiling in the rear of the body has increased to 98 centimeters.
As for the trunk, its volume is 415 liters. The back of the rear seats is folded in a ratio of 60 to 40. As a result, the volume increases to 1380 liters.
Specifications
The Skoda Rapid hatchback is equipped with the same power plants as the liftback. So, the base is a gasoline three-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.2 liters. Its maximum power is 75 horsepower. In more expensive versions, an already turbocharged unit is available. With the same volume, it already develops 86 horsepower. True, this engine is already a four-cylinder. The most powerful among the 1.2-liter is the TSI l4 engine with 105 horsepower. With it, the car shows excellent dynamic performance. Acceleration to hundreds takes 10.4 seconds, and fuel consumption does not exceed 6.9 liters in urban mode.
Also in the lineup there is a 1.4-liter turbo-petrol engine. Its power is 122 horsepower.
Diesel
The Skoda Rapid hatchback can also be equipped with diesel engines. Among them, the base is a 1.6-liter TDI engine. This engine develops 90 horsepower. This is one of the most economical motors. In the combined cycle, it consumes 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers. Recently, the GreenTech engine has appeared in the line. With a volume of 1.6 liters, it develops 105 horsepower.
Transmission
The manufacturer provides a wide selection of gearboxes. So, in the line are available:
- Five-day mechanics.
- Six-band automatic.
- Seven-speed DSG robot.
In terms of reliability, the mechanics and automatic show themselves perfectly. But the DSG robotic box at one time caused many problems for the owners. The double-disk clutch did not have a long resource.
Replacement of the element was required every 40-50 thousand kilometers. In addition, the cost of a new clutch was up to $800. But the manufacturer claims that these problems will be eliminated in the new Skoda.
Chassis
"Skoda" has a simple suspension scheme. In front, it is independent with spring struts. Behind - a semi-dependent beam. The suspension does not have such a smooth ride as the Octavia, but on our roads it showed itself perfectly. Steering - rack, with amplifier. There are ventilated disc brakes at the front. Behind the budget versions are "drums". In luxury versions, disc brakes are placed "in a circle."
Complete set
Hatchback "Skoda Rapid" is available in four versions:
- "Entry".
- "Active".
- "Ambition".
- "Style".
Basic package includes:
- Black exterior mirrors.
- Body color bumper.
- Thermal glazing.
- Anti-gravel body protection.
- Steering wheel adjustable in two directions.
- Cup holder.
- Folding rear seat back.
- Leather shift lever.
- and ABS.
- Front airbag.
- Electric power steering.
- On-board computer.
- Daytime Running Lights.
- Immobilizer.
- Heated washer nozzles.
- Audio preparation with four speakers.
- 14" and a full size spare.
The "Active" package (in addition to the basic equipment) includes:
- Seat with height adjustment.
- Stowage hooks and compartments for bags in the trunk.
- Improved on-board computer.
- 12 volt outlet in the trunk.
The Ambition version is the first to have air conditioning. In addition to it, the buyer will have access to:
- Body-coloured exterior mirrors. They also have an electric drive and a heating system.
- Illuminated glove box.
- Additional eyeglass case.
- Fasteners for securing cargo.
- Airbag for the passenger.
- Hill start assist system.
- Heated front seats.
The maximum package "Style" includes:
- Cabin mirror with auto-dimming.
- LED rear lights.
- Central armrest.
- Chrome package (chrome-plated interior parts).
- Leather handbrake lever.
- Side airbags.
- Multiwheel.
- Climate control.
- Media display in the center console.
- Refrigerated glovebox.
- 15 inch alloy wheels.
- Secret wheel bolts.
Conclusion
The Skoda Rapid hatchback is a rather interesting model from the Czech manufacturer. The car has a convenient convertible trunk and a wide range of power plants. However, the Skoda Rapid hatchback is not officially sold in Russia. "Rapid" in the back of a liftback can be purchased at a price of 604 to 950 thousand rubles.
The Russian version of the Skoda Rapid liftback was officially presented in April 2014 (and the production of this car in Kaluga was launched a little earlier - in February).
This inexpensive and compact, but cute and practical "five-door" formally belongs to the "B +" class, but in practice (in terms of its dimensions and equipment) it is easily ready to compete with many representatives of the "C-class" (than, in fact, the developers of this car "frankly trump").
By the way, a “restyled model” immediately came to us - because. the world debut of “this Rapid” took place back in 2012 (as part of the Paris Motor Show), the novelty immediately entered the showrooms of European dealers, and in 2013 it reached Ukraine and Kazakhstan ... and in the same 2013, a “hurried restyling” was carried out "(More like "work on the bugs") - the car received a new engine, a different steering wheel, an extended list of interior design options and new optional equipment (in particular, xenon headlights) ...
In February 2017, the five-door was subjected to another update, but it also cost little blood: it was slightly retouched in appearance, affecting the lighting equipment, radiator grille and bumper, new modern options were added and the palette of available power units was expanded (but only for Europe, on the Russian market motors remained the same).
The appearance of the car is made in the spirit of the "new corporate style" of the Czech automaker, which, in fact, "Rapid" laid the foundation for. However, calling this liftback a trendsetter in its class probably won’t work ... and it doesn’t claim this role, preferring to remain “a car with a simple but neat design, diluted with minor notes of sportiness, giving a special charm and charm.” In addition, simple shapes make it possible to provide very good aerodynamics for a budget car - by the way, the aerodynamic drag coefficient of its body is 0.30 Cx, which is very important for fuel economy.
The length of the liftback is 4483 mm, the length of the wheelbase is 2602 mm, the width of the body without mirrors is limited to 1706 mm, and the height does not go beyond 1461 mm. The front and rear track widths are respectively 1463 and 1500 mm for versions with 14-inch wheels, as well as 1457 and 1494 mm for modifications with 15-inch wheels.
The ride height (clearance) of the “European” Skoda Rapid liftback is 136 mm, but for Russia the clearance was increased to 170 mm.
The curb weight in the basic configuration does not exceed 1135 kg, and in the "top" equipment version - 1236 kg.
Salon "Rapida" is designed for five passengers and has a fairly simple design, which is distinguished by excellent ergonomics.
From the driver's seat, all controls are conveniently and easily accessible, and the front seats provide a very high level of comfort, which is quite rare for a budget car. The interior decoration uses soft plastic and fabric upholstery, but the Czechs obviously regretted the sound insulation, so you will have to put up with extraneous sounds in the cabin. As for free space, there is plenty of it both in front and behind.
The trunk does not lag behind - already in the base it is able to accommodate 530 liters of cargo, and with the rear row of seats folded down, even 1470 liters.
Specifications. In Russia, the Skoda Rapid liftback is offered with three types of gasoline power plant. But diesel engines (represented in Europe by several options at once) have not got into our country (at least for now), so we will have to limit ourselves only to what they offer:
- As a base engine, the Czechs prepared a 3-cylinder atmospheric unit with a displacement of 1.2 liters (1198 cm³), equipped with an aluminum cylinder block, a distributed fuel injection system and a 12-valve DOHC timing mechanism. The engine fully meets the requirements of the Euro-5 environmental standard and is capable of producing no more than 75 hp. or 55 kW maximum power at 5400 rpm. The peak torque of this power unit falls at around 112 Nm, developed at 3750 rpm, which allows you to accelerate the Rapid liftback from 0 to 100 km / h in 13.9 seconds, and also reach a speed maximum of 175 km / h.
The junior engine is aggregated with a non-alternative 5-speed "mechanics", with which the fuel consumption in the city is declared by the manufacturer at 8.4 liters, on the highway - 4.8 liters and in the combined cycle - 6.1 liters. - The second in our market is also an atmospheric unit, but with 4 cylinders and a working volume of 1.6 liters (1598 cm³). The engine is well known to Russian motorists from the VW Polo sedan and is capable of producing 110 hp. maximum power at 5800 rpm, as well as about 155 Nm of torque at a peak at 3800 rpm. This motor can be aggregated both with a 5-speed "mechanics" and with a 6-band "automatic". With this powertrain, the liftback hits a hundred on the speedometer in 10.3 / 11.6 seconds, top speed is fixed at 195 / 191 km / h, and average fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 5.8 / 6.1 liters per 100 km of track - respectively for "mechanics" / "automatic".
- And, finally, the "flagship" in the Russian market - the Czechs offer this role a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo unit with a cast-iron block and an aluminum block head, as well as direct fuel injection systems and variable valve timing. This engine, which fits into the Euro-5 standard, is capable of producing up to 125 hp. (92 kW) power at 5000 rpm, as well as exactly 200 Nm of torque in the range from 1400 to 4000 rpm. As a checkpoint for the flagship, Czech specialists chose a 7-band DSG “robot” with two clutches, which will allow the new product to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in just 9.0 seconds and eventually reach a speed maximum of 200 km / h. As for fuel consumption, in the city, the liftback will “eat” about 7.0 liters, on the highway it will be limited to 4.3 liters, and in the combined cycle of operation it will fit within 5.3 liters.
The Skoda Rapid liftback of the year has a common platform with the VW Polo peer sedan, but at the same time the Czechs made a number of changes to it, in particular, using some elements from Octavia and Fabia.
The Skoda Rapid has only a front-wheel drive, an independent suspension based on MacPherson struts is used in front, and a semi-independent torsion beam is used in the rear. Ventilated disc brakes are installed on the wheels of the front axle of the “Czech”, and simple disc brakes are enclosed on the rear wheels. Rack and pinion steering is supplemented by an electromechanical amplifier.
Note that the Czech engineers were very scrupulous about setting up the chassis. As a result, the liftback confidently holds the road, is easy to control even in tight turns, has good maneuverability and slows down well on any road surface. Of course, Rapid does not set record results in the listed "parameters", but it is not inferior to its main competitors. The most tangible disadvantage that was identified during the tests is the stiffness of the suspension, which is slightly higher than Russian drivers are usually used to, but for our country the Czechs, later, to some extent corrected this shortcoming.
Options and prices. In the Russian market, Skoda Rapid in 2017 is presented in four equipment options - "Entry", "Active", "Ambition" and "Style".
- The basic equipment of the car costs from 604,000 rubles, and its functionality includes: a driver's airbag, two electric windows, a central lock, ABS, ESP, a steering column adjustable in two directions, an electric power steering, an on-board computer, an ERA-GLONASS system, audio preparation for four dynamics and some other options.
- For a “top-end” performance, they ask for at least 817,000 rubles, and its privileges are: four airbags, heated front seats, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows for all doors, fog lights, “music” with six speakers, 15-inch alloy wheels and other "buns".
In addition, as an option, the liftback can be equipped with: bi-xenon headlights, front parking sensors and USB connectors on the second row of seats for recharging mobile devices.
With twin headlights, the restyling of the Rapid model also ripened, but this time there were no design quirks. Updated liftback and hatchback Skoda Rapid. In terms of appearance, the changes are minor. Much more important are new options and a three-cylinder petrol turbo engine 1.0TSI instead of the old 1.2 TSI. More details about specifications and photo.
The main difference in terms of design Skoda Rapid 2017- These are slightly modified headlights and body kit, as well as other taillights. The latter for a fee can be LED. The main optics were supplemented with sections of LED running lights. Optionally there is a bi-xenon system with automatic switching from low beam to high beam. Fog lights were placed in the lower part of the front bumper of the new design. The hatchback has slightly increased the rear window.
The 1.0 TSI engine under the hood of the Skoda Rapid liftback and the Spaceback hatchback can produce 95 or 110 hp. In the first case, the liftback accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 11.0 seconds, consuming 4.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and emitting 101 g of CO2 per kilometer. In the second case, the acceleration dynamics is reduced to 9.8 seconds, and fuel consumption increases to 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers with emissions of 104 g of CO2 per kilometer.
For the liftback and hatchback Skoda Rapid 2017, a gasoline engine will still be available 1.4TSI 125-horsepower, 90-horsepower diesel 1.4 TDI and 116 hp diesel 1.6 TDI. All units comply with Euro-6 emission standards and are equipped with a brake energy recovery system, as well as a start/stop system.
The updated Skoda Rapid received a new design of 15- and 17-inch wheels. In the cabin, new door trim, ventilation deflectors, a multimedia system display and a climate control unit. Optionally, a Wi-Fi access point and additional USB ports for rear passengers may appear in the cabin. The car's multimedia system allows you to use the Skoda Connect app on your smartphone to remotely view information about the car, for example, it allows you to find out the remaining fuel in the tank, make sure that windows, doors and the sunroof are closed.
A wide range of safety systems are on board: fatigue detection system, emergency braking system in the city, hill climb assistant, parking sensors, trailer stabilization function, etc. The debut of the Skoda Rapid 2017 will take place in less than two weeks at the Geneva Motor Show. Orders for the model will start in April. Prices will be announced later.
Video | New Skoda Rapid 2017
Photo | Restyling Skoda Rapid 2017
Salon Skoda Rapid 2017 
