Škoda Rapid (2012)

Liftback (pre-facelift)

Interior

The Rapid liftback (Typ NH3) became the first Škoda model to fully feature brand's new design language. Its minimalistic appearance, developed by Škoda chief designer Jozef Kabaň, could have been already seen at the MissionL design study, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car was intended to fit between the Fabia and the third generation Octavia, where Škoda had a gap after the Octavia Tour had been discontinued in 2011.

Its overall dimensions (length: 4,483 mm; width: 1,706 mm; height: 1,461 mm) were quite similar to the Octavia Tour (length: 4,572 mm; width: 1,762 mm; height: 1,462 mm), but the Rapid offered more space for rear passengers due to its longer wheelbase (2,602 mm vs. 2578 mm). Despite increasing interior space while reducing outer dimensions, the boot shrunk only by 35 litres (550 l vs. 585 l). Payload remained the same as in the Octavia Tour (535 kg incl. driver).

The Rapid line up features three petrol engines and one diesel with various power outputs, all compliant to Euro 5 standards. Several of the petrol units have also, since 2015, been Euro 6 compliant. All engines are four cylinder, except the base 1.2 petrol which is a three-cylinder unit.[10] seven speed DSG is standard for the top of the range 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine, and option for the 1.6 litre diesel with 66 KW.

The Rapid is aimed at price sensitive customers at the entry of the segment A (compact class). With this corresponds the offer of standard equipment and available extras which is close to the Fabia (e.g. the same car radios, navigation system).

Facelifted Škoda Rapid (2017)

Trim levels are Active, Ambition and Elegance in most markets, or S, SE and Elegance in the United Kingdom. The GreenLine model with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km is available since 2013. All models sold within the Europe are equipped with ESC and six airbags (front and side for driver and passenger, curtain airbags).

With launch of Rapid Spaceback hatchback in 2013, the Rapid models received some enhancements: for instance the rear power windows could be operated from the driver seat, the dashboard can be delivered with decorative strips in one of four options (Graphite metallic, Aluminium look, Piano White and Piano Black).

Rapid was facelifted In 2017. It received modified front headlights and a mask, which can be equipped with bi-xenon headlamps with LED lights. The assistance systems were added and in cabin was slightly modified the dashboard. The basic motor instead of 1.2 MPI (55 kW) is now the 1.0 TSI (70 kW). Motor 1.2 TSI was completely removed. Six new types of wheels have also been added into offer.

China-made Skoda Rapid sedan

There are two Škoda 4-door sedan models bearing the Rapid badge. In China the Rapid shares body panels and other principal elements with the 2012 Chinese Volkswagen Santana, while still featuring identical front fascias with the European liftback.[8]

The Indian manufactured Rapid, launched in 2011, is based on Volkswagen Vento (Polo) sedan which is a completely different model. Despite the European version, both Chinese and Indian models are classic 4-door 3-box sedans.

The Rapid introduced some new ‘Simply Clever‘ details, i.e. double sided mat in the boot (rubber/textile), warning vest holder under driver's seat, removable waste bin in door panelling and ice scraper on the fuel tank flap.

Spaceback (pre-facelift)

Spaceback (pre-facelift)

The original Rapid liftback was followed by a hatchback called Rapid Spaceback (Typ NH1) in September 2013 (both exhibition premiere and market launch). The Spaceback shares the wheelbase and front panels of the liftback, and uses a station wagon body, but with a shortened rear overhang and a correspondingly shortened rear section, following the formula pioneered in the 1970s, by Opel/Vauxhall, with their Opel Kadett City/Vauxhall Chevette.[9] Despite the "sporty" fastback shape of the rear, luggage capacity is rated at between 415 and 1380 litres, according to whether or how the rear seat is folded.[9]

A range of four petrol/gasoline, and two diesel engines offering maximum power outputs ranging from 75–122 PS (55–90 kW; 74–120 bhp) is the same as in the Rapid.[9] The same counts for the equipment. With launch of the Spaceback, the European Rapid models were given optional low power dipped beam xenon headlights. Due to the high intensity of xenon lamps, by law, if xenon headlights are fitted, headlight washers and dynamic headlight range adjustment must also be used.

Both measures are aimed at maintaining the light beam at a constant volume and angle relative to the road surface in order to avoid dazzling other road users. The luminous flux of xenon headlights in the Rapid models is 2,000 lumens, so there is no need to install a headlight washer system or dynamic range adjustment.

The Rapid Spaceback comes with a lockable fuel cap included in the central locking system. This means there is no need to unlock the fuel cap with car keys, the ice scraper is protected from theft, and can be removed only after the car has been unlocked. This change was announced to arrive to the Rapid liftback, too.

List of features of the Rapid Spaceback includes an optional false boot floor added. The false floor reduces the height difference between the loading sill and the boot floor and eliminates the step created when the rear seat backs are folded down. There is hidden storage space of up to 135 mm under the false boot floor.

While the Rapid in China is a special variant of the Volkswagen Jetta, the Spaceback produced in co operation with SVW is the European model.

Euro NCAP test results
[10] 2012
Test	Score
Adult occupant:	94%
Child occupant:	80%
Pedestrian:	69%
Safety assist:	71%

Overview of engines available for the Rapid (NH3) and Rapid Spaceback (NH1).

• "Auto Motor und Sport Heft 16, 2013 "Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Der Spaceback ist kürzer als die Limousine, bietet aber viele Variations- und Individualisierungs-Möglichkeiten"" (in German). Motorbuch Verlag. 2013: 10. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Škoda Rapid (2012).

• Škoda Rapid – Škoda Auto Official Website
• Škoda Rapid – Škoda UK Website
• Škoda Rapid – Škoda Australia Website