An affordable compact-sized sedan with ample passenger and luggage room is just what the doctor ordered for many new car buyers in Europe. The new Skoda Rapid, which made its first public appearance at the Paris Auto Showthis week, fits that description to a tee.Loosely based on the VW Polo, the Rapid is 4.48 m (176.4 in.) long, 1.71 m (67.3 in.) wide and 1.46 m (57.5 in.) tall. It comes with a capacious 550-liter boot space and according to Skoda, ample room for “up to five persons”.
The Rapid will be available with four petrol and two diesel engines mated to either five- or six-speed manual transmissions, and optionally, a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
The base version is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol with 74HP (75PS), a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder in 85 and 103 HP (86 and 105 PS) outputs and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 121HP (122PS).
Diesel-powered versions are very popular in European markets due to their low consumption. The Rapid, which has already entered production at Skoda's Mlada Boleslav plant, will be available initially with a 104HP (105PS) 1.6-liter TDI CR that will be joined in the second half of 2013 by another 1.6-liter unit delivering 89HP (90PS).
Skoda also announced today that the Rapid will go on sale in the UK on November 12. Pricing starts at £12,900 for the base 1.2-liter version and tops out at £17,850 for the 1.6-liter TDI CR.
All models get front and curtain airbags, rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, electric front windows and remote central locking.
The SE trim adds air conditioning, a trip computer, a leather steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, 15-inch alloy wheels, plus body-colored mirrors and door handles.
Opting for the top-of-the-line Elegance trim gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, cornering fog lights, cruise control, rear electric windows, a four-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and chrome interior detailing.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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