Three trim levels and the sporty MONTE CARLO variant
The ŠKODA RAPID sits between the ŠKODA FABIA and the ŠKODA OCTAVIA in the compact car segment. This A-segment, as it is known, represents around 36 per cent of the global automotive market. Within this vehicle segment, hatchbacks make up 42 per cent. According to industry experts, the number of this type of car sold worldwide will increase by around 50 per cent by 2020. The ŠKODA RAPID is still one of the most attractive models in this segment and is available in the Active, Ambition and Style trim levels, as well as the particularly sporty variant, the Monte Carlo.
New design for front and rear sections
The ŠKODA RAPID sets the benchmark for spaciousness amongst its direct competitors. Compact exterior, huge interior. At the front, the latest upgrade is particularly clear in the bumper’s lower section where the fog lights come in a modified design. A refined chrome strip in the bumper’s lower section (standard for the Style trim level), which visually connects the two fog lights, is just one of the design elements that makes the front section appear even wider than before.
The tail lights, in the brand’s typical ‘C’ shape, now come with a tinted glass cover, which gives the ŠKODA RAPID’s rear section an even sportier look. Several new designs are available for the wheels and wheel trims.
Thanks to its coupé-style silhouette and long wheelbase, the side view of the ŠKODA RAPID conveys a lot of emotive qualities. A sharply cut tornado line creates a fascinating interplay between light and shade on the body’s surfaces. As usual, the boot can be loaded with ease thanks to its large, wide-opening tailgate.
The changes to the design continue in the interior. When getting into the car, the decorative inlays in the four doors are immediately noticeable. The air vents and the decorative strip in the dashboard (from the Ambition trim level upwards), the circular instruments and the control panel for the air conditioning and heating have also been redesigned.
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Benchmark for spaciousness
With the ŠKODA RAPID, the Czech manufacturer is particularly focusing on families as its key target group. The car’s adaptability is a crucial competitive advantage, given its space and its large tailgate. The ŠKODA RAPID is extremely popular with families due to its compact external dimensions (4,483 mm long, 1,706 mm wide, 1,461 mm high) and its interior which is, in relation to these dimensions, particularly spacious. It offers a convenient and comfortable ride for up to five occupants. The headroom in the rear is a generous 972 mm, the kneeroom is 65 mm – figures, which are amongst the best when compared to the competition. With a capacity of 550 l, the boot volume also sets the benchmark amongst its competitors.
The intelligent Light Assist function
From Ambition upwards, the main headlights are now available with energy-efficient bi-xenon lights as an option and the daytime running lights use LED technology as standard. When the driver uses the indicator, the LED unit also performs this function. Light Assist completes the offering. This turns on the daytime running lights when the ignition is switched on. A sensor then continuously assesses the light conditions and automatically switches the headlights on and off as required. This works in twilight as well as when driving through forests or tunnels. The lights are also turned on automatically as soon as the windscreen wipers are operated. The Coming Home and Leaving Home functions provide lighting for a predefined period of time. The vehicle’s surroundings are illuminated, allowing occupants to safely get into or out of the car.
In addition, High Beam Assist ensures optimum road illumination at all times. In darkness and when the speed exceeds 60 km/h, the sensor recognises vehicles ahead (at a distance of up to 400 m) as well as oncoming traffic (up to 1,000 m) and dips the beam when required.
As an optional extra, the ŠKODA RAPID can also be ordered with front fog lights including cornering function in the Ambition and Style trim levels.
Comprehensive active and passive safety
The long wheelbase, a precise chassis and the rigid body structure form the basis for stable driving dynamics. The ŠKODA RAPID features a comprehensive range of safety systems. Standard equipment includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and continuous tyre pressure monitoring (in EU countries). The Trailer Roll Stability feature is an extension of ESC. In addition, the ŠKODA RAPID now comes with Multi-Collision Brake as standard, which reduces the risk of multiple collisions in the event of an accident.
Modern assistance systems such as the fatigue detection system Driver Alert and Front Assist including City Emergency Brake function are also available for the ŠKODA RAPID. Optional functions such as fog lights with cornering function or Hill-Hold Control increase the level of active safety. Front and rear parking sensors provide comfort and safety. The passive safety systems protect the occupants in the event of a collision. They include as standard six front, side and head airbags as well as height-adjustable three-point seat belts with tensioners in the front. The rigid body exhibits excellent deformation behaviour for the vehicle in the event of a collision.
Efficient and dynamic 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI engines
Depending on the engine variant, there is a choice of a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed DSG transmission. 1.0-litre TSI engines are available for the upgraded ŠKODA RAPID for the first time. The particularly agile and efficient three-cylinder engines are available in two power versions:
1.0 TSI, 70 kW (95 PS), top speed of 187 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 11.0 seconds, combined consumption of 4.4 l per 100 km, 101 g CO2/km. Transmission: choice of 5-speed manual or 7‑speed DSG.
1.0 TSI, 81 kW (110 PS), top speed of 200 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, combined consumption of 4.5 l per 100 km, 104 g CO2/km. Transmission: 6-speed manual.
(All values given apply to the manual gearbox variant.)
Due to their compact construction and the aluminium crankcase, they both now weigh ten kilograms less than the 1.2-litre engines they are replacing, and their running is particularly smooth and refined. The free inertial forces are low and the customary balancing shaft for three-cylinder engines is therefore not necessary. This saves on weight and helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
In addition to the two 1.0 TSI engines, three more engines are available for the ŠKODA RAPID. All engines feature brake energy recovery and a Stop-Start function and fulfil the EU6 emissions standard. The diesel engines operate with common-rail direct injection and a diesel particulate filter. There is a choice of:
1.4 TSI, 92 kW (125 PS), top speed of 208 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, combined consumption of 4.8 l per 100 km, 113 g CO2/km. Transmission: 7-speed DSG
1.4 TDI, 66 kW (90 PS), top speed of 185 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 11.7 seconds, combined consumption of 3.9 l per 100 km, 103 g CO2/km. Transmission: choice of 5-speed manual or 7‑speed DSG.
1.6 TDI, 85 kW (116 PS), top speed of 201 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 10.0 seconds, combined consumption of 4.1 l per 100 km, 107 g CO2/km. Transmission: 5-speed manual.
(All values apply to the TDI variant with a manual gearbox and the TSI variant which is coupled with DSG.)
ŠKODA Connect – ‘always online’
Occupants in the upgraded ŠKODA RAPID have the option of being ‘always online’ via a Wi-Fi connection. The new ŠKODA Connect services consist of Infotainment Online for information and entertainment, and the Care Connect services for assistance and services. Infotainment Online services include Online Traffic Information in real time, petrol stations (including up-to-date fuel prices), parking spaces, current news and weather reports.
The Care Connect services support the driver in many situations and are available for all trim levels with the Amundsen and Swing infotainment systems.
The range includes the automatic Emergency Call, which connects to an emergency call centre when a restraint system has been deployed, the Breakdown Call and the Proactive Service with direct contact to a ŠKODA garage of the driver’s choice to have questions answered or to arrange the next service.
Via the ŠKODA Connect app, the driver can, at any time, remotely access information about the car and check on its status. Furthermore, it is possible to send navigation destinations to the car. Those who struggle to remember where their car is parked can also have its current location displayed on their smartphone.
Comprehensive infotainment programme
The ŠKODA RAPID’s music and navigation systems are based on the second generation of the Modular Infotainment Matrix. Features including the ŠKODA surround system, the Bluetooth hands‑free set and USB ports are available as standard or as an option. In addition, the SmartLink+ smartphone interface, which operates the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink™ standards, allows the usage of apps on the ŠKODA RAPID’s display. The Media Command 2.0 Rear Seat Entertainment system (available as an option from Ambition upwards) allows two tablets attached to the back of the front headrests to be connected to the infotainment system via the Wi-Fi hotspot. This enables navigational destinations to be transferred from the tablet’s address book and calendar as well as allowing the infotainment system to be controlled from the back seat.
‘Simply Clever’: two additional USB ports in the rear
The numerous ʽSimply Clever’ features make ŠKODAs particularly popular. New features in the upgraded ŠKODA RAPID include two USB ports in the rear, which can be used to charge smartphones or other small mobile devices.
In addition, there are 19 smart ‘Simply Clever’ features in the car (as standard or optional): including an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, a double-sided boot liner with a carpet and a rubber side, a high-vis-vest holder under the driver’s seat and an umbrella in a compartment under the passenger seat.
ŠKODA RAPID MONTE CARLO
Sportiness, individuality and design are the hallmarks of ŠKODA’s unmistakeable Monte Carlo models. These models score points with their stylish sporty accents and interior as well as their attractive specification. The Monte Carlo name is a tribute to the brand’s long and successful history in motorsport.
Black design features underline the car’s dynamic appearance: the trim that frames the radiator grille and the wing mirror housings are black, as are the front and rear spoiler lips and the sill trims. The ŠKODA RAPID MONTE CARLO features black 16-inch alloy wheels in the Italia design with burnished rims; the black Torino 17-inch alloy wheels are newly available as an option (from CW 32/2017).
The rear window and rear side windows are tinted (SunSet), as are the tail lights. The black rear diffuser also demonstrates the car’s sporty character.
The ŠKODA RAPID MONTE CARLO features bi-xenon headlights as standard; these include dark underlays for the front fog lights with integrated cornering function.
The interior of the ŠKODA RAPID MONTE CARLO also has a sporty feel. The three-spoke sports steering wheel is covered in black, perforated leather; red, decorative stitching provides a dramatic contrast. The gearstick knob, the centre armrest and the door armrests also come in black leather with red, decorative stitching. The driver and passengers sit on sports seats that are covered in unique fabrics in a black/red design with grey horizontal stripes. The front door sills bear the Monte Carlo lettering and the black floor mats feature black, decorative stitching. A carbon-effect trim along the dashboard underlines the sporty ambience. The pedals are stainless steel and, as before, the instrument cluster has a special sports-graphic background.
