All you need to know about Skoda’s refreshed entry-level car
Sitting between the Fabia and the Octavia, the Rapid family is a strong seller for the Czech automaker, combining a relatively small footprint with a roomy and practical interior.
For the 2017 model year, the Rapid has received both styling and content updates, including new lighting, connectivity, and driver assistance systems, as well as two 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder gasoline engines.
Available in the Active, Ambition, Style, and Monte Carlo trim levels, the Rapid now offers standard LED DRLs and turn signals, plus optional bi-xenon headlights (from Ambition upwards). Also optional are the High Beam Assist system and the front fog lights with cornering function.
Safety-wise, the 2017 Skoda Rapid offers as standard six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), continuous tyre pressure monitoring, and Multi-Collision Brake. Assistance systems such as the Driver Alert fatigue detection, Front Assist including City Emergency Brake function, and Hill-Hold Control are available.
Replacing the previously available 1.2-liter engines is a new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder TSI engine that offers two states of tune: 95 hp and 110 hp, respectively. The former variant is mated as standard with a five-speed manual or an optional seven-speed DSG, while the more powerful one gets a standard six-speed transmission.
The engine lineup also includes a 125 hp 1.4 TSI, a 90 hp 1.4 TDI, and an 116 hp 1.6 TDI. The 1.4-liter units get a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed DSG, while the 1.6-liter unit only comes with a five-speed manual. The most economical unit is the 1.4-liter diesel, officially rated at 3.9 l/100 km and 103 g CO2/km.
On the infotainment front, the facelifted Skoda Rapid range gets the second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix. Standard and available features include a surround sound system, Bluetooth hands-free set, and USB ports (including two in the back). There's also the SmartLink+ smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink compatibility.