Skoda Rapid, or Rapid Spaceback to give it its full title for the Australian imports, is a mainstream small-medium five-door hatch.
It could be called a station wagon as its rear has a handy shape making it capable of carrying bulky loads.
The Czech company has long had a policy of making space a feature inside its vehicles.
There’s good room in the Rapid for rear seat passenger space, though two makes more sense than four if adults are being carried.
Overseas travellers may have noticed four-door sedan versions of the Skoda.
The importer chose not to bring them to this country — a wise move because Aussies do like their hatches, wagons and SUVs.
Skoda is one of the oldest car makers, launching its first cars in 1905.
These days it is a Volkswagen subsidiary after the German giant took control in 1994, after the fall of communism.
The Rapid uses many out of sight components from VW, but pretty well all the external body parts are unique to the model.
Inside, the style does have an overall VW feel and is neat and tidy in its layout.
The instrument display is simple to use at a glance.
Two engines are offered, both Volkswagen-based turbo-petrol units displacing 1.2 and 1.4 litres.
They come with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG auto, with the smaller engines using the manual.
The Rapid has had a five-star ANCAP rating from the start and the VW Group’s strong emphasis on the importance of safety meant there were further changes over the years.
The Sports Pack is a popular option in this Skoda, but some may find the seats rather firm and narrow.
See what you think during your test drive.
Handling is very competent on the open road in typical European manner, with nice chassis balance and good feedback through the steering.
Suspension is firm with precise and safe driving.
July, 2015 saw revisions to the Rapid range that added a semi-sporty look. Rapid Elegance was replaced by the Monte Carlo.
From a visual point of view the Monte Carlo has an emphasis on black, with that colour being used on the 17-inch alloy wheels, radiator grille, headlight and fog light surrounds and door mirrors.
Inside are black carbon fibre inserts and on the instrument cluster.
The biggest changes were under the bonnet with added power and torque.
In 2017, realising that sales were still too slow, the range was trimmed to a single model, the 92TSI.
Sadly our favourite, the Monte Carlo, was one of the casualties.
It has been rumoured that the almost all of the next generation Skoda Rapid won’t be imported to Australia.
Keep track on the news pages of automotive websites.
Perhaps we are being overly optimistic, but we feel Skoda may become better regarded in Australia some time, in which case the currently low prices may cease.
Make up your own mind, but it’s possible you may be on to a winner in today’s market.
Skoda often operates in Australia through semi-autonomous dealerships that are separate from Volkswagen ones.
However, VW dealers can do repairs if you’re in an area without a representative from the Czech Republic.
Insurance charges are generally about average for this class.
As always it’s worth shopping around, but make sure you do accurate comparisons between companies.
2105 Monte Carlo
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A full service history by a Skoda dealer or a qualified mechanic is a sensible move.
Ideally genuine Skoda parts should have been used during any servicing and repairs.
Headlights may have moisture inside them, a sign of poor sealing. It’s potentially dangerous if you’re driving at night, so have the replaced.
Previous repairs to body damage should be to a high standard. Again, have a professional do the checks if you’re doubtful. Either that or find another Rapid.
Scratches and tears in the luggage area, may mean a Rapid has done some heavy-duty cargo hauling.
Engines that have been running on lower grade fuel may be down on power.
Recommended petrol is usually 95 octane, check that on the sticker on the car or in the handbook.
The six-speed double-clutch automated manual had problems, check the changes are smooth and fast.
At very low speeds they may be slow and jerky. If you feel this is too bad have it checked by an expert. The seven-speed DSG is less troublesome.
Check all electrical items work correctly as Skoda/Volkswagen has problems in this area from time to time.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on paying from $4000 to $8000 for a 2014 Skoda Rapid Ambition 77 TSI; $6000 to $10,000 for a 2014 Ambition 90TSI or a 2016 92 TSI; $7000 to $11,000 for a 2017 92 TSI; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2016 92 TSI Monte Carlo; $13,000 to $19,000 for a 2015 120 Edition; and $13,000 to $20,000 for a 2018 120 Edition.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages so hunt around for the best deal.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
These can mean a lot of traded-in cars are taking up too much space in the yards and will be discounted to get rid of them.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can give you an insight to the quality of vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership of the vehicle and make sure it is covered for you taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to later discover a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them. The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/