CARS OF THE WORLD

Skoda Rapid 2022.

Skoda Rapid 2022. The Russian segment of budget cars is oversaturated today.

It features Hyundai Solaris, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Rio and many other cars. But against their background, the Skoda Rapid 2022 stands out, which offers a level of equipment comparable to the Octavia.

At the same time, the Czech model has been optimized for the requirements of modern family cars. Rapid in Russia is offered with 1.4-liter turbocharged and 1.6-liter «naturally aspirated» engines.

Moreover, the second one is presented in two modifications of different power. Prices for the Czech liftback start at 937 thousand rubles.

Already in the «base» there are LED taillights and a 6.5-inch touchscreen monitor, while the top-end versions have a better stereo system, a body roll sensor, an enlarged touchscreen and other equipment.

Specifications

It cannot be said that the Skoda Rapid 2022 came out in a new body: the photos show that the car looks a lot like other products of the Czech brand.

This liftback offers quite good configurations at affordable prices. In terms of technical characteristics, the Czech model is comparable to the Volkswagen Polo.

This is explained by the fact that both cars are built on the basis of a single platform, providing for the placement of McPherson struts in front and behind a torsion beam.

The similarities between the German and Czech models can be traced in the dimensions. The Rapid is 4512 mm long, 1706 mm wide and 1461 mm high. Its wheelbase reaches 2602 mm, and its ground clearance is 170 mm.

The standard Czech model in Russia is equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine. In the initial versions, this unit produces no more than 90 hp. power and 155 N * m of torque.

Complete with it, a 5-speed manual transmission is offered. A Czech liftback in this version gains 100 km / h in 11.4 seconds, consuming on average up to 6 liters of fuel. In the more expensive Rapid trim levels, a 110-horsepower version of the base engine appears, producing the same 155 N * m.

This engine is combined with the previous «mechanics» or automatic transmission for 6 speeds. The Rapid with this power unit accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.7 seconds with an average consumption of 6 liters.

At the top of the engine range is the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. Its declared power reaches 125 hp. with a maximum pulling moment of 200 N * m.

This engine is equipped with a 7-speed robotic gearbox and consumes 5.4 liters of fuel. The turbocharged Rapid accelerates to 100 km / h in 9.2 seconds.

Options and prices

Skoda Rapid 2022 is presented in Russia in five trim levels. Remarkably, with each of the available versions, you can purchase any of the three proposed engines.

Safety

The new Rapid is considered one of the safest vehicles in its class. The Czech liftback received this title not only thanks to built-in systems or six pillows.

A high level of safety is also ensured by the design of the car, made in such a way as to dissipate the energy of a frontal impact as much as possible.

However, due to the fact that the liftback belongs to the budget class, according to the results of several crash tests, the Rapid received 3 or 4 (depending on the type of study) points.

Handling and off-road performance

The pre-reform version of Rapid drew criticism due to its tight settings. But after the last modernization, the manufacturer got rid of this drawback.

So, when driving on a dirt road, there is no noticeable shaking in the cabin. And on smooth asphalt, the Czech liftback demonstrates excellent handling for its class.

Moreover, this is largely due to the new suspension settings. A high-quality steering gear also plays a significant role, providing good feedback.

Moreover, the Czech model, even with a basic «aspirated», demonstrates good dynamics. With proper driving, it is able to accurately enter corners at high speed, avoiding uncontrolled skidding.

However, it should be borne in mind that the Rapid is a budget car. Therefore, at high speeds, it loses control and begins to wag even on a flat road.

Another notable detail of the novelty is that under hard braking, the car continues to drive in a straight line.

Design

As before, the Rapid has a minimalist design. Subtle creases cut across the body along the bonnet and side section, giving it a sportier look.

In front of the Czech novelty, there are trapezoidal LED headlights with clear edges, which abut against the Skoda-branded radiator grill.

The bumper located below has recently been complemented by a long air intake, above which fog lamps are fixed.

The Rapid feed is also sporty. Something similar to a spoiler can be seen here. Under it, the manufacturer fixed fairly large lamps of irregular shape. And the rear bumper is complemented by a long and wide plastic insert.

The interior of the Czech liftback is also distinguished by its minimalist design.

By default, the car is equipped with a large touch screen for its class, located above the center console in the manner of a tablet.

The liftback comes standard with a high-definition digital display and a sloped sports steering wheel. The Rapid also has a variety of niches for transporting small items and other accessories typical for family cars.

Sales start

The updated Rapid is already on sale in the Russian market. The car is being assembled at the Kaluga Automobile Plant.