Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) Review
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Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) Verdict
Looks like a saloon but is actually a hatch. Sits between the Fabia and Octavia. Good value for money. Very practical and spacious.
Some interior materials aren't great. No engines have emissions of below 110g/km. Early models criticised for poor ride quality.
Find out more about the Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019)
The Skoda Octavia has found favour with buyers thanks to its no-nonsense design and practicality – but as the next generation moved a little more upmarket in terms of quality and price, Skoda has filled the gap with the Rapid – and it delivers the same no-nonsense, down to earth motoring.
The Rapid, at first glance, looks very traditional – but while it does have a saloon silhouette it’s actually a hatchback, with all the practicality benefits to match. That means an extremely useful boot and space in the back so generous that even the very tallest passengers will be comfortable.
Drivers will be happy too – it’s a very easy car to drive, with a soft, smooth ride, slick gearshift and light steering. The instruments are clear and everything is sensibly laid out, logical and simple to use. There are some nice flourishes too, like an ice-scraper in the fuel filler flap and a few handy, low cost options like a bin in the door and a reversible floor carpet with a wipe down covering on one side.
The engine range is fairly simple – there’s a 1.6-litre diesel and petrols with power outputs ranging from 75PS to 122PS. Skoda reckons on the diesel winning most buyers, but those on a budget would be wise to consider the 86PS 1.2 TSI, which suits the car well. It’s best to avoid the entry level 1.2-litre MPI petrol though.
Reviews for Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 TSI 95 to 1.6 TDI 105 GreenTech
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 36–68 mpg
There are five engines in the range – a 1.2-litre MPI petrol with 75PS, a pair of 1.2 TSI petrols with either 86PS or 105PS, a 1.4 TSI with 122PS and a 1.6-litre diesel with 105PS. Skoda expects the diesel to be the more popular choice and it’s quiet and refined unless pushed hard - which it never needs to be thanks to a decent torque output of 250Nm. It’s emissions are 114g/km with official fuel economy of 65.7mpg.
But if you want a refined car there’s no need to spend the extra for a diesel – the TSI petrol engines are hushed and produce peak torque from low revs, making for smooth, quiet progress. All are fairly inexpensive to tax and run, with emissions from 119g/km and economy of up to 55.4mpg. Avoid the old tech 1.2 MPI, though – it’s fairly expensive to tax and is nowhere near as good as the TSI.
Regardless of engine the Rapid is a very relaxed car, with light steering, a smooth gear change and comfortable suspension that manages to soak up most lumps and bumps. The only thing that breaks the serenity is the amount of road noise, which can be intrusive and ‘boomy’ at times, particularly over coarse B-road tarmac.
But on a smooth road the Rapid, despite being relatively small, feels like a big car. It’s quiet, refined and smooth and is perfectly at home on a long motorway cruise. Thanks to light, precise steering it works fairly well in town too and unless you drive it hard it’s fine on a country lane – disconcerting body roll is only apparent at higher cornering speeds.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI 110 | 61 mpg | 9.8 s | 106 g/km |
| 1.0 TSI 95 | 63 mpg | 11.0 s | 103 g/km |
| 1.2 | 48 mpg | 13.9 s | 137 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 105 | 52 mpg | 10.4 s | 125 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 105 GreenTech | 55 mpg | 10.4 s | 116 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 110 | 58 mpg | 9.8 s | 110 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 85 | 55 mpg | 11.8 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 86 | 55 mpg | 11.8 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 86 GreenTech | 58 mpg | 11.8 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 90 | 60 mpg | 11.3 s | 107 g/km |
| 1.4 TDI 90 | 71 mpg | 11.7 s | 94 g/km |
| 1.4 TDI 90 DSG | 71 mpg | 11.8 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 122 DSG | 49 mpg | 9.5 s | 134 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 122 GreenTech DSG | 51 mpg | 9.5 s | 125 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 125 DSG | 58–59 mpg | 9.0 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 90 | 71 mpg | 11.7 s | 94 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 105 | 64 mpg | 10.6 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 105 GreenTech | 71 mpg | 10.6 s | 104 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 115 | 67 mpg | 10.0 s | 109 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 | 64 mpg | 12.0 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 DSG | 63 mpg | 12.2 s | 118 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 Greenline | 74 mpg | 12.0 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 GreenTech | 72 mpg | 12.0 s | 104 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
87%
Real MPG
36–68 mpg
MPGs submitted
128
Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 550–1490 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4483 mm |
| Width | 1940 mm |
| Height | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2602–2604 mm |
It might be a fairly small car but the saloon-like bodywork means a long wheelbase, which in turn means a well proportioned cabin. The front seats are easy to adjust and even with a tall driver up front there is space in the back for two adults – and they’ll ride in as much comfort as those in the front.
There’s also a generously sized rear load area with a hatchback door, rather than a boot. It’s good for 550 litres of luggage, but Skoda rather sensibly showed us a practical demo – the Rapid impressively swallowed up a large suitcase, three medium cases, some cabin bags and an entire bag of footballs, all with the rear seats in place.
But while the Rapid majors on big car practicality it does lack big car ‘feel’ inside. The dash is adorned with hard plastics rather than the now commonplace soft-touch materials seen in other cars and some of the switches – particularly the ventilation dials – feel a little on the cheap side. That said, most of the materials are well screwed together and feel like they’ll last. Plus when you factor in the price, you can forgive the Rapid this.
Overall it’s a usefully proportioned, simple and well laid out cabin and while entry level S models aren’t the most well equipped, mid-range SE models come with almost all the creature comforts a small family would ever need. Couple that with a good-sized boot and you have a recipe for the ideal family car.
Standard equipment from launch (November 2012):
S models come with central locking, curtain airbags, daytime running lights, reach/height adjustable steering, height adjustable driver’s seat and electric front windows.
SE adds 15 inch alloy wheels, body colour door mirrors and handles, air-conditioning, trip computer, MDI for connecting phones and audio plus a leather steering wheel.
Elegance is the top trim and comes with 16 inch alloy wheels, cornering front foglights, cruise control, a height adjustable passenger seat, rear electric windows, chrome interior details and a multi-function steering wheel with audio controls.
Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4483 mm |
| Width | 1940 mm |
| Height | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2602–2604 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1065–1263 kg |
| Boot Space | 550–1490 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit / None | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £13,350–£20,310 |
| Insurance Groups | 7–19 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–E |
| Official MPG | 47.9–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until November 2019
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 TSI 110ps SE 5dr | £17,300 | 61.4 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.0 TSI 110ps SE L 5dr | £18,075 | 61.4 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.0 TSI 110ps Sport 5dr | £17,350 | 61.4 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.0 TSI 95ps S 5dr | £15,500 | 62.8 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.0 TSI 95ps SE 5dr | £16,560 | 62.8 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps S 5dr | £17,315 | 70.6 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps S DSG 5dr | £18,475 | 70.6 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps SE 5dr | £18,375 | 70.6 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps SE DSG 5dr | £19,535 | 70.6 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps SE L 5dr | £19,150 | 70.6 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps SE L DSG 5dr | £20,310 | 70.6 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE DSG 5dr | £18,785 | 57.6 mpg | 9.0 s |
| 1.6 TDI CR 115ps S 5dr | £18,195 | 67.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.6 TDI CR 115ps SE 5dr | £19,255 | 67.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.6 TDI CR 115ps SE L 5dr | £20,030 | 67.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
On sale until September 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps SE 5dr | £16,760 | 57.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps SE L 5dr | £17,510 | 57.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps Sport 5dr | £16,810 | 57.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.2 TSI 90ps S 5dr | £14,580 | 60.1 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.2 TSI 90ps SE 5dr | £16,020 | 60.1 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE L DSG 5dr | £18,460 | 58.9 mpg | 9.0 s |
On sale until July 2015
Model History
- June 2012: Skoda unveiled new Rapid
- January 2014: Limited edition Rapid models launched
- February 2017: Skoda Rapid revised
June 2012
Skoda unveiled new Rapid
It may look like a saloon but it's actually a hatchback and will fit in between the Fabia and the Octavia in the Skoda line-up. The design also shows the style of future Skoda including the next Octavia which is due in 2013 and is rumoured to be larger than the current model.
The Rapid is a name from Skoda's past - although it was last used (as Rapide) when Skoda launched a sportier coupe version of its 130 saloon in the mid 1980s. This new model is also the sister car to the forthcoming SEAT Toledo and while neither may not seem obvious for the UK, smaller saloons like these and the similarly sized Volkswagen Jetta, are popular in mainland Europe.
Skoda is describing the new Rapid as having a 'coupe-like silhouette' and with a long wheelbase it promises good interior space for a car this size - it's less than 4.5 metres long which is only marginally longer than a Ford Focus. The tailgate is the real highlight though. In a somewhat similar way to the Superb 
, Skoda has created a car that looks like a saloon but is actually a hatchback, making it more practical.
Five turbocharged petrol engines and two TDI engines will be offered including a 1.6 TDI Greenline model with low CO2 emissions. As with all Skoda's you can expect a well built interior, good levels of standard equipment and keen pricing, although this will all be revealed after the car is officially launched at the Paris Motor Show this September.
Below are the technical specifications for each of the engines in the range -
1.2-litre MPI; 1198cc petrol 55KW (75hp) at 5400 rpm / 112 Nm at 3750 rpm. Five-speed manual gearbox , 75bhp, 0-60mph 13.9 seconds, top speed 175 kph, fuel consumption 46.3mpg, CO2 emissions 137 g/km
1.2-litre TSI 86PS; 1197cc petrol 63KW (85hp) at 4800 rpm / 160 Nm at 1500-4100 rpm. Five-speed manual gearbox, 85bhp, 0-60mph 11.8 seconds, top speed 183 kph, fuel consumption 55.3mpg, CO2 emissions 119 g/km
1.2-litre 105PS; 1197cc petrol 77KW (105hp) at 5000 rpm / 175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm. S ix - speed manual gearbox, 105bhp, 0-60mph 10.4 seconds, top speed 195 kph, fuel consumption 52.3mpg, CO2 emissions 125 g/km
1.4-litre 122PS; 1390 cc petrol 77KW (122hp) at 5000 rpm / 175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm. Seven-speed DSG gearbox, 122bhp, 0-60mph 9.4 seconds, top speed 206 kph, fuel consumption 48.7mpg, CO2 emissions 134 g/km
1.6-litre diesel 90PS; 1598 cc diesel 66KW (90hp) at 4200 rpm / 230 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm. Five-speed manual gearbox, 90bhp, 0-60mph tbc, top speed tbc, fuel consumption 67.2mpg, CO2 emissions 109 g/km
1.6-litre diesel 90PS DSG automatic; 1598 cc diesel 66KW (90hp) at 4200 rpm / 230 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm. Seven-speed DSG gearbox, 90bhp, 0-60mph tbc, top speed tbc, fuel consumption 65.7mpg, CO2 emissions 114 g/km
1.6-litre diesel 105PS; 1598 cc diesel 77KW (105hp) at 4400 rpm / 250 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm. Five-speed manual gearbox, 105bhp, 0-60mph 10.6 seconds, top speed 190 kph, fuel consumption 64.2mpg, CO2 emissions 114 g/km
January 2014
Limited edition Rapid models launched
The Rapid SE Connect is based on the Rapid 1.2-litre TSI 86PS SE, but with the addition of extra items worth £3,665. The enhanced specification includes one of two metallic paint choices, either Brilliant Silver or Denim Blue, as well as 16-inch ‘Antia’ alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and an Amundsen satellite navigation with DAB digital radio. The Rapid SE Connect is priced at just £12,990 on the road, and is restricted to just 800 vehicles.
The second limited edition is the Rapid Sport. It’s based on the 1.2-litre TSI 105PS SE model but includes extra equipment worth £1,250. Additional features include 17-inch ‘Ray’ black alloy wheels, sunset glass, front fog lights, sports seats, steel pedals, black door mirrors and a rear spoiler. The Rapid Sport is only available in a single exterior finish – Candy White – and is priced at £15,630 on the road. Only 200 units will be available to UK customers.
February 2017
Skoda Rapid revised
At the front there are modified fog lights and a narrow chrome strip (standard from SE L up) connects the lights and creates a wider-looking front end plus there are black-tinted covers on the taillights in the distinctive C-shape.
The wheels are available in new designs: Costa wheel trims for the 15-inch wheels, Evora (silver) and Vigo (silver / black metallic) for the 16-inch alloys, Trius (silver), and Torino (black polished, for the Monte Carlo edition) 17-inch alloy wheels.
The main headlights of the are now available with xenon lights, the daytime running light uses LED technology.
The interior features many design changes. Firstly, new inlays have been added to the four doors. The air vents in the dashboard, the instruments and the control panel of the manual air-conditioning system have also been redesigned.
As part of the upgrade, a 1.0-litre TSI engine is now available with either 95PS or 110PS giving claimed fuel economy of 64.2mpg and 62.8mpg respectively.
Other new additions include the option of two USB ports in the back, which can be used to charge smartphones or other small mobile devices.
What to watch out for
Warranty on DSG 7 speed dry clutch DQ200 gearbox extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia and China.
25-09-2013:Water leaks through the doors, failed cruise control, sat nav playing up on long-term test car driven by Matt Vosper.
28-07-2014:A drumming noise in Skoda Rapid is apparently a common, known fault and Skoda dealers have a remedy.
16-11-2016:"Sudden surge" sent right foot braked 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4TSI DSG off the road at a roundablout and and into a wall.
28-01-2017:Since the DSG recall to replace synthetic oil with mineral in 7-speed dry clutch 'non maintenance' DSGs, a maintenance regime of an oil change every 40,000 miles has been imposed.
02-08-2017:Reassuring letter sent to owners of EA189 engined Skodas who have had the NOx emissions fix: “if a customer makes a complaint to an Authorised Repairer or to the Volkswagen Group in respect of a failure of the EGR, fuel injection system or emissions after treatment system within 24 months following the date of the implementation of the technical measures, in respect of a vehicle with mileage not exceeding 160,000 miles, SKODA will consider the complaint very carefully and if such complaint was established to have arisen as a result of the implementation of the technical measures, then Skoda will act responsibly and swiftly, in line with its goodwill policy, as supplemented in the annex, to respond to the consumers’ reasonable concerns.”
20-01-2018:Report of temperature coming through the vents of a Skoda Rapid varying every few seconds between hot and cold, and occasionally staying on (very) hot. It happens whether air con is on or off, and no fan speed or temperature setting changes the symptoms. It has the climatronic system. Have tried system reset to no avail. Could be a broken ducting flap upsetting the switching of the flaps.
25-10-2018:Report of clutch and flywheel failing on 2016 Sloda Rapid at 6,000 miles.
