Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) Review

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Skoda Rapid is not the most obvious choice for family car buyers, but it’s now great value as a used car, and will make a lot of sense for those who prioritise practicality and affordability.

+Looks like a saloon, but is actually a hatch. Good value for money. Very practical and spacious.

-Some interior materials aren’t great. Early cars had an unsettled ride.

Insurance Groups are between 7–19
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

The Skoda Rapid fools you into thinking it’s a saloon when it’s really a hatchback. This might explain why it wasn’t a bigger seller when new, which is a shame as it’s a very capable alternative to stablemate the Volkswagen Jetta, the closely related SEAT Toledo and rare Suzuki Kizashi. Read on for our full Skoda Rapid review.

The Skoda Octavia initially found favour with buyers thanks to its no-nonsense design and practicality, but as it moved upmarket in terms of quality and price, the gap was filled with the Skoda Rapid.

This was a car that aimed to deliver no-nonsense, down-to-earth motoring, and it now has strong appeal as a used buy.

The Skoda Rapid, at first glance, looks very traditional, but while it has 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. It all makes the Skoda Rapid an appealing family car.

Drivers will be happy, too, as it is an easy car to pilot, courtesy of a 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, while there were a few handy, low-cost options including 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.

The diesel won the 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.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Skoda Rapid review here.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Skoda Rapid is easy and undemanding to drive, and proves comfortable on a long motorway cruise. Excessive road noise can be an issue on poor-quality surfaces, though.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Handling and ride quality

Regardless of which engine is fitted, the Skoda Rapid is a very relaxed car, with light steering, a smooth gearchange 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.

On a smooth road, the Skoda Rapid feels quiet and refined, and it’s 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.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Engines

There are several engines in the Skoda Rapid 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, a 1.4 turbodiesel with 90PS, and a 1.6-litre diesel with 105PS.

The 1.6 diesel was a 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.

If you want a refined car, the TSI petrol engines are hushed and produce peak torque from low revs, making for smooth, quiet progress.

Avoid the old tech 1.2 MPI, though, which is nowhere near as good as the TSI.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Safety

The Skoda Rapid was awarded the maximum five-star rating when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2012.

It comes with ESC stability control standard on all models, along with driver and front-seat passenger airbags, plus Isofix mounts on the two outer rear seats.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Towing

Based on which exact engine and trim of Skoda Rapid you choose, it can tow an unbraked trailer of up to 630kg.

With a braked trailer, the maximum goes up to as much as 1200kg.

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)

RealMPG

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

33–70 mpg

MPGs submitted

169

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) interior

Interior Rating
The Skoda Rapid provides loads of room for both people and luggage, which makes it an excellent choice for families. It’s not the last word in plushness, but few will quibble given the outstanding value that it represents.
Dimensions
Length 4483 mm
Width 1940 mm
Height 1461 mm
Wheelbase 2602–2604 mm

Full specifications

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Practicality

The Skoda Rapid is a fairly small car, but the saloon-like bodywork means a long wheelbase, which in turn delivers a well proportioned cabin.

The front seats are easy to adjust, and even with a tall driver, there is space in the back for two adults. 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.

However, while the Skoda Rapid provides the sort of practicality delivered by larger models, it does lack a ‘big car feel’ inside.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Quality and finish

The Skoda Rapid might not look the most sophisticated in its design and layout, but there’s nothing wrong with the way it’s put together.

Some of the plastics look and feel a bit hard and unyielding, but there’s no question about their ability to last the course.

A few more soft-touch materials would have lifted the ambience a lot, but most will be able to live with what the Skoda Rapid has to offer given the value it represents.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Infotainment

Basic Skoda Rapid models get a stereo with a black and white display that works well enough. It also has a CD player.

Skoda Rapid SE variants let you connect your phone for calls and to play music. Look out for models with the Multi Device Interface (MDI), which has a colour screen, even though it’s small by modern standards.

Things improved from 2017 with an updated infotainment system with Bluetooth, an Apple-compatible USB port plus modern touches like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The touchscreen was much improved too, with a bigger and clearer display.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) value for money

Value for Money Rating
As you would expect of a model from the Czech company, value is a trump card for the Skoda Rapid. Used versions come with affordable price tags, and it’s not an expensive car to run, with fuel efficiency a strong point.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Prices

You should need around £4500 to drive off in an 11-year-old Skoda Rapid that has around 65,000 miles on the clock. This will give you a choice of petrol or diesel engines.

If you fancy something newer, a seven-year-old Skoda Rapid Sport with 40,000 miles to its credit will cost up to £9500.

Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019): Running Costs

You could never accuse the Czech firm of not offering a wide engine range in the Skoda Rapid, with 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrols, and 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre turbodiesels all available.

The diesels are the most frugal and the 1.6 Greenline promised as much as 74.3mpg combined. Our Real MPG data shows 68mpg is realistic, which is highly impressive. The 1.4 diesel manages 60mpg with ease.

Among the petrols, the 1.0 TSI claimed the best average fuel economy at up to 62.8mpg, with 54mpg likely in the real world.

The 1.2 has an official score of up to 57.7mpg and delivers a true 50mpg, while the 1.4 was touted at up to 58.9mpg and delivers 45mpg in normal use.

Emissions of less than 100g/km for the 1.4 diesel and Greenline version of the 1.6 diesel mean these models require no road tax for cars registered up to 1 April 2017.

As with all Skoda Rapids put on the road after that date, later ones will pay the flat rate of £190.

Even the standard 1.6 diesel in earlier guise only pays £35 per year for road tax. With the petrols, you’ll pay between £20 and £190 for a year’s road tax.

Insurance should be affordable, too. The Skoda Rapid stretches from group 7 and goes as high as group 18, so no models will be prohibitively expensive to get cover for.

Nor will routine maintenance leave your finances depleted, as the car has a sound reputation for reliability and Skoda dealers are not the priciest by any measure.

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Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) models and specs

The Skoda Rapid S comes with central locking, curtain airbags, daytime running lights, reach/height adjustable steering, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and electric front windows.

The Skoda Rapid SE adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors and handles, air-conditioning, a trip computer, MDI for connecting phones and audio, plus a leather steering wheel.

In Skoda Rapid Elegance trim, you get 16-inch alloy wheels, cornering front fog lights, cruise control, a height-adjustable passenger seat, rear electric windows, chrome interior details and a multi-function steering wheel with audio controls.

It’s worth looking out for the limited-edition Skoda Rapid Sport. It only comes in white, but has extra kit including 17-inch black alloy wheels, front fog lights, sports seats and a rear spoiler.

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

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Elegance 1.2 TSI 105 5dr £16,540 52.3 mpg 10.4 s
Elegance 1.2 TSI GreenTech 105 5dr £16,790 55.4 mpg 10.4 s
Elegance 1.4 TSI DSG Auto 122 5dr £18,335 48.7 mpg 9.5 s
Elegance 1.4 TSI GreenTech DSG Auto 122 5dr £18,455 51.4 mpg 9.5 s
Elegance 1.6 TDI CR 105 5dr £18,290 64.2 mpg 10.6 s
Elegance 1.6 TDI CR 90 5dr £17,715 64.2 mpg 12.0 s
Elegance 1.6 TDI CR 90 DSG Auto 5dr £18,875 62.8 mpg 12.2 s
Elegance 1.6 TDI CR GreenTech 105 5dr £18,540 70.6 mpg 10.6 s
Elegance 1.6 TDI CR GreenTech 90 5dr £17,965 72.4 mpg 12.0 s
Greenline 1.6 TDI CR 90 5dr £17,975 74.3 mpg 12.0 s
S 1.2 75 5dr £13,350 47.9 mpg 13.9 s
S 1.2 TSI 86 5dr £14,140 55.4 mpg 11.8 s
S 1.2 TSI GreenTech 86 5dr £14,390 57.7 mpg 11.8 s
S 1.6 TDI CR 105 5dr £16,590 64.2 mpg 10.6 s
S 1.6 TDI CR 90 5dr £16,015 64.2 mpg 12.0 s
S 1.6 TDI CR 90 DSG Auto 5dr £17,175 62.8 mpg 12.2 s
SE 1.2 TSI 105 5dr £15,790 52.3 mpg 10.4 s
SE 1.2 TSI 86 5dr £15,090 55.4 mpg 11.8 s
SE 1.2 TSI GreenTech 105 5dr £16,040 55.4 mpg 10.4 s
SE 1.2 TSI GreenTech 86 5dr £15,340 57.7 mpg 11.8 s
SE 1.4 TSI 122 DSG Auto 5dr £17,585 48.7 mpg 9.5 s
SE 1.4 TSI GreenTech 122 DSG Auto 5dr £17,705 51.4 mpg 9.5 s
SE 1.6 TDI CR 105 5dr £17,540 64.2 mpg 10.6 s
SE 1.6 TDI CR 90 5dr £16,965 64.2 mpg 12.0 s
SE 1.6 TDI CR 90 DSG Auto 5dr £18,125 62.8 mpg 12.2 s
SE 1.6 TDI CR GreenTech 105 5dr £17,790 70.6 mpg 10.6 s
SE 1.6 TDI CR GreenTech 90 5dr £17,215 72.4 mpg 12.0 s
Sport 1.2 TSI 105 5dr £15,840 52.3 mpg 10.4 s

Model History

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

11-01-2013:

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.

What does the Skoda Rapid (2012 – 2019) cost?