Škoda Rapid (2012)

The Škoda Rapid is a name used for models produced by the Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto. The name was previously used in the 1930s for the Škoda Rapid (1935–47) and in the 1980s for the rear engine Škoda Rapid (1984) coupé. Today, the Rapid nameplate is used for three separate small family cars: a 5-door liftback and a hatchback originating from Europe, a 4-door sedan from China based on the same platform, and India's version of a smaller sedan Rapid based on the PQ25 platform.

Škoda Rapid
Overview
Manufacturer	Škoda Auto
Also called	Volkswagen Polo Sedan (2020–present, Russia)[1]
Production	2012–present (Russia) 2012–2019 (Czechia)
Assembly	Czechia: Mladá Boleslav China: Yizheng (SAIC-VW) Russia: Kaluga[2] Algeria: Relizane[3]
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car
Body style	4-door sedan (China) 5-door liftback 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Volkswagen Group A05+ (PQ25) platform
Related	SEAT Toledo Mk4 Volkswagen Santana (2013) Volkswagen Jetta Night Jetta VA3
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L I3 MPI (petrol) 1.2 L I4 TSI (petrol) 1.4 L I4 TSI (petrol) 1.6 L I4 MPI (petrol) 1.6 L I4 TDI CR (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 7-speed DSG
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,602 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,483 mm (176.5 in) (sedan) 4,304 mm (169.4 in) (hatchback)
Width	1,706 mm (67.2 in)
Height	1,461 mm (57.5 in) (sedan) 1,459 mm (57.4 in) (hatchback)
Kerb weight	1,100–1,292 kg (2,425–2,848 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Škoda Octavia Tour Volkswagen Vento/Polo sedan (A05) (for Polo sedan)
Successor	Škoda Scala (hatchback)

The liftback in its production form was first shown to the public in September 2012, when it was officially shown at the Paris Motor Show.[4] Sales started in Czech Republic from 20 October 2012, and commenced at the end of 2012 in other parts of central and western Europe,[5] with sales and production in Russia starting at the beginning of 2014.[6]

The hatchback marketed as the Rapid Spaceback premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, with production starting subsequently. Since 2019, the successor to the Rapid in Western and Central Europe is the Škoda Scala, with the Rapid being given a facelift for the Russian market in 2020 due to its continuing popularity.[7]

5-door liftback

Liftback rear view (pre-facelift)

Interior view

The Rapid liftback (Typ NH3) was the first Škoda model to fully feature brand's new design language. Its minimalistic appearance, developed by Škoda chief designer Jozef Kabaň, was first featured by the Skoda MissionL concept car which was showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car was intended to fit between the Fabia and the third generation Octavia, where Škoda had a gap after the Octavia Tour had been discontinued in 2011.

Its overall dimensions were quite similar to the Octavia Tour, but the Rapid offered more space for rear passengers due to its longer wheelbase (2,602 mm vs 2,578 mm). Despite increasing interior space while reducing outer dimensions, the boot shrunk only by 35 litres (550 L vs 585 L). Payload remained the same as in the Octavia Tour (535 kg, including driver).

The Rapid line-up features three petrol engines and one diesel with various power outputs, all compliant to Euro 5 standards. Several of the petrol units have also been Euro 6 compliant since 2015. All engines are four cylinder, except the base 1.2 petrol which is a three-cylinder unit 7-speed DSG is standard for the top of the range 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine, and option for the 1.6 litre diesel with 66 KW.

Trim levels are Active, Ambition and Elegance in most markets, or S, SE and Elegance in the United Kingdom. The GreenLine model with CO₂ emissions of 99 g/km was available since 2013. All models sold within the Europe are equipped with ESC and six airbags (front and side for driver and passenger, curtain airbags).

Facelifts

Rapid was facelifted in 2017. It received modified front fascia and new headlights, which can be equipped with bi-xenon headlamps with LED lights. The assistance systems were added and in cabin was slightly modified the dashboard. The basic motor instead of 1.2 MPI (55 kW) is now the 1.0 TSI (70 kW), while the 1.2 TSI engine was completely removed.

The liftback Rapid was facelifted for the second time in late 2019 for Russian and CIS markets, bringing significant styling and equipment updates.[8] The 2020 Skoda Rapid gains a new face with triangular LED headlights that are similar to the Scala hatchback, a redesigned bumper with a sportier design, and the brand’s hexagonal corporate grille.

At the rear, it featured the L-shaped LED taillights. Also new are the subtle deck lid spoiler, the refreshed bumper, and the “Skoda” lettering on the tailgate. The interior overhaul featured a very similar layout with the Scala and gaining several new features, which include a digital instrument panel, the latest infotainment system featuring a 6.5-inch “floating” touchscreen display (optionally available as an 8-inch unit), two USB-C outlets on the center console, and heated steering wheel.[9]

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  Škoda Rapid (2017 facelift)
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  Škoda Rapid (2020 facelift, Russia)
• 
  Škoda Rapid (2020 facelift, Russia)
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  Škoda Rapid (2020 facelift, Russia)

Volkswagen Polo sedan (Russia)

The 2020 facelift Rapid liftback was used as the basis for the 2020 Volkswagen Polo sedan for the Russian market to cut costs instead of having to produce the MQB A0-based Volkswagen Virtus in Russia. Volkswagen has given the Russian market Polo sedan a Jetta-like front fascia with its front bumper and hood panel borrowed from Jetta VA3, and a unique rear fascia to differentiate it from the Rapid.[10] Contrary with its name, it remained a liftback. As with the Skoda Rapid, the Polo sedan is also built at the Volkswagen Group Rus plant in Kaluga, Russia.

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  Volkswagen Polo sedan (Russia)
• 
  Volkswagen Polo sedan (Russia)

5-door hatchback (Rapid Spaceback)

Spaceback (pre-facelift)

The original Rapid liftback was followed by a hatchback called Rapid Spaceback (Typ NH1) in September 2013 (both exhibition premiere and market launch). The Spaceback shares the wheelbase and front panels of the liftback, and uses a station wagon body, but with a shortened rear overhang and a correspondingly shortened rear section, following the formula pioneered in the 1970s, by Opel/Vauxhall, with their Opel Kadett City/Vauxhall Chevette.[11] Despite the "sporty" fastback shape of the rear, luggage capacity is rated at between 415 and 1380 litres, according to whether or how the rear seat is folded.[11]

A range of four petrol/gasoline, and two diesel engines offering maximum power outputs ranging from 75–122 PS (55–90 kW; 74–120 bhp) is the same as in the Rapid.[11] The same counts for the equipment. With launch of the Spaceback, the European Rapid models were given optional low power dipped beam xenon headlights. Due to the high intensity of xenon lamps, by law, if xenon headlights are fitted, headlight washers and dynamic headlight range adjustment must also be used.

Both measures are aimed at maintaining the light beam at a constant volume and angle relative to the road surface in order to avoid dazzling other road users. The luminous flux of xenon headlights in the Rapid models is 2,000 lumens, so there is no need to install a headlight washer system or dynamic range adjustment.

The Rapid Spaceback comes with a lockable fuel cap included in the central locking system. This means there is no need to unlock the fuel cap with car keys, the ice scraper is protected from theft, and can be removed only after the car has been unlocked. This change was announced to arrive to the Rapid liftback, too.

List of features of the Rapid Spaceback includes an optional false boot floor added. The false floor reduces the height difference between the loading sill and the boot floor and eliminates the step created when the rear seat backs are folded down. There is hidden storage space of up to 135 mm under the false boot floor.

While the Rapid in China is a special variant of the Volkswagen Jetta, the Spaceback produced in co operation with SVW is the European model.

4-door sedan

China-made Skoda Rapid sedan

There are two Škoda 4-door sedan models bearing the Rapid badge. In China the Rapid shares body panels and other principal elements with the 2012 Chinese Volkswagen Santana, while still featuring identical front fascias with the European liftback.[12]

The Indian manufactured Rapid, launched in 2011, is based on Volkswagen Vento (Polo) sedan which is a completely different model. Despite the European version, both Chinese and Indian models are classic 4-door 3-box sedans.

The Rapid introduced some new ‘Simply Clever‘ details, i.e. double sided mat in the boot (rubber/textile), warning vest holder under driver's seat, removable waste bin in door panelling and ice scraper on the fuel tank flap.

Safety

Euro NCAP test results
[13] 2012
Test	Score
Adult occupant:	94%
Child occupant:	80%
Pedestrian:	69%
Safety assist:	71%

Related models

The Rapid shares main body elements, drivetrain and the interior design with the new SEAT Toledo.[14] Both cars are assembled in the same Škoda factory in Mladá Boleslav.[15]

The 2020 Rapid for Russia and CIS markets which are a heavily revised exterior and interior version of the 2012 model will be manufactured by Volkswagen Group Rus in the Kaluga factory alongside the 2020 Polo lift-back which is a Skoda Rapid with Volkswagen exterior and interior design cues.

Concept cars

Škoda unveiled the concept car called MissionL at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, which preceded the launch of the production version, subsequently called Rapid.[16]

At the 32nd GTI Treffen (2013) Škoda presented the Rapid Sport with bi colour body and 19" alloy wheels.

Engines

Overview of engines available for the Rapid (NH3) and Rapid Spaceback (NH1).

Petrol engines

Engine designation	Production	Engine code (family)	Displacement, configuration, valvetrain, fuel system, aspiration	Motive power at rpm	max. torque at rpm	Gearbox (type), drive	Top speed	0–100 km/h [s] (0-62 mph)	Combined consumption [l/100 km / mpg imp / mpg US]	CO2 [g/km]
1.0 TSI 70 kW	2017–	–	999 ccm, I3, 12V DOHC	70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) at 5500 rpm	160 N⋅m (118 lbf⋅ft) at 3500 rpm	5-speed manual, 7-speed automatic	187 km/h (116 mph)	11	–	–
1.0 TSI 81 kW	2017–	–	999 ccm, I3, 12V DOHC	81 kW (110 PS; 109 hp) at 5600 rpm	200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) at 3500 rpm	6-speed manual	200 km/h (124 mph)	9.8	–	–
1.2 MPI 55 kW	2012–2015	CGPC (EA111)	1198 ccm, I3, 12V DOHC, MPI, naturally aspirated	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5400 rpm	112 Nm. (83 lb•ft) at 3750 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	175 km/h (109 mph)	13.9	5.8 / 48.7 / 40.6	134
1.2 TSI 63 kW	2012–2015	CBZA (EA111)	1197 ccm, I4, 8V SOHC, TSI, turbocharged	63 kW (86 PS; 85 hp) at 4800 rpm	160 Nm. (118 lb•ft) at 1500-3500 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	183 km/h (114 mph)	11.8	5.1 55.4 / 46.1 (4.9 / 57.6 / 48.0)*	119 (114*)
1.2 TSI 66 kW	2015–	CJZC (EA211)	1197 ccm, I4, 16V DOHC, TSI, turbocharged	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 4400 rpm	160 Nm. (118 lb•ft) at 1400-3500 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	186 km/h (116 mph)	11.2	4.7 60.1 / 50.1	107
1.2 TSI 77 kW	2012–2015	CBZB (EA111)	1197 ccm, I4, 8V SOHC, TSI, turbocharged	77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) at 5000 rpm	175 Nm. (129 lb•ft) at 1550-4100	6-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	195 km/h (121 mph)	10.3	5.4 / 52.3 / 43.6 (5.0 / 56.5 / 47.0)*	125 (116*)
1.2 TSI 81 kW	2015–	CJZD (EA211)	1197 ccm, I4, 16V DOHC, TSI, turbocharged	81 kW (110 PS; 108 hp) at 4600 rpm	175 Nm. (129 lb•ft) at 1400-4000	6-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	200 km/h (124 mph)	9.8	4.9 / 57.7 / 48	110
1.4 TSI 90 KW	2012–2015	CAXA (EA111)	1390 ccm, I4, 16V DOHC, TSI, turbocharged	90 kW (122 PS; 121 hp) at 5000 rpm	200 Nm. (148 lb•ft) at 1500-4000	7-speed automatic (DQ200), FWD	206 km/h (128 mph)	9.5	5.8 / 48.7 / 40.6 (5.4 / 52.3 / 43.6)*	134 (125*)
1.4 TSI 92 KW	2015–	CZEA (EA211)	1390 ccm, I4, 16V DOHC, TSI, turbocharged	92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) at 5000 rpm	200 Nm. (148 lb•ft) at 1400-4000	7-speed automatic (DQ200), FWD	208 km/h (129 mph)	9.0	4.8 / 58.85 / 49	114

Diesel engines

Engine designation	Production	Engine code (family)	Displacement, configuration, valvetrain, fuel system, aspiration	Motive power at rpm	max. torque at rpm	Gearbox (type), drive	Top speed	0–100 km/h [s] (0-62 mph)	Combined consumption [l/100 km / mpg imp / mpg US]	CO2 [g/km]
1.6 TDI CR 66 KW	2013–2015	CAYB (EA189)	1598 ccm, I4, 16V common-rail, turbocharged	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 4200 rpm	180 Nm. (133 lb•ft) at 2000 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	184 km/h (114 mph)	12.0	4.4 / 64.2 / 53.5 (3.9 / 72.4 / 60.3)*	114 (104*)
1.6 TDI CR 66 KW GreenLine	2013–2015	(EA189)	1598 ccm, I4, 16V common-rail, turbocharged	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 4200 rpm	230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft) at 1500-2500 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	186 km/h (116 mph)	12.0	3.8 / 74.3 / 61.9	99
1.4 TDI CR 66 KW	2015–	CUSB (EA288)	1422 ccm, I3, 12V common-rail, turbocharged	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 3500 rpm	230 Nm. (170 lb•ft) at 1750-2500 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	183 km/h (114 mph)	12.0	3.6 / 78.5 / 65.3	94
1.6 TDI CR 66 kW	2013–2015	CAYB (EA189)	1598 ccm, I4, 16V common-rail, turbocharged	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 4200 rpm	230 Nm. (170 lb•ft) at 1500-2500 rpm	7-speed automatic (DQ200), FWD	184 km/h (114 mph)	12.2	4.5 / 62.8 / 52.3	118
1.4 TDI CR 66 KW	2015–	CUSB (EA288)	1422 ccm, I3, 12V common-rail, turbocharged	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 3500 rpm	230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft) at 1750-2500 rpm	7-speed automatic (DQ200), FWD	182 km/h (113 mph)	12.5	3.8 / 74.3 / 61.9	99
1.6 TDI CR 77 KW	2012–2015	CAYC (EA189)	1598 ccm, I4, 16V common-rail, turbocharged	77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) at 4400 rpm	250 Nm. (184 lb•ft) at 1500-2500 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	190 km/h (118 mph)	10.4	4.4 / 64.2 / 53.5 (3.9 / 72.4 / 60.3)*	114 (104*)
1.6 TDI CR 85 KW	2015–	CRKB (EA288)	1598 ccm, I4, 16V common-rail, turbocharged	85 kW (115 PS; 113 hp) at 3500 rpm	250 Nm. (184 lb•ft) at 1500-3000 rpm	5-speed manual (MQ200), FWD	201 km/h (125 mph)	10.0	4.2 / 67.3 / 56	109

(*) Valid for cars with so called Green tec (Start-Stop, brake energy recovery)

References

1. Игорь Владимирский, Константин Сорокин (February 2020). "Новый Volkswagen Polo для России: он вам не седан". Autoreview, №4, 2020 (in Russian).
2. "Production of Skoda Rapid began at Kaluga plant". Wroom.ru. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
3. Baya M. (11 October 2018). "Sovac / SKODA : la Rapid restylée à 2 390 000 da TTC".
4. "Škoda odstartovala sériovou výrobu modelu Rapid". Novinky.cz. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
5. "Nov 2012 Skoda Rapid review - updated". What Car?. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
6. "Jul 2012 Skoda Rapid review". What Car?. 26 June 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
7. https://www.carscoops.com/2019/10/russias-updated-2020-skoda-rapid-arriving-soon-with-scala-design-cues/
8. "2020 Skoda Rapid Facelift Is Proof You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks". Carscoops. 2019-12-11. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
9. "2020 Skoda Rapid Facelift Is Proof You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks". Carscoops. 2019-12-11. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
10. "Russia's New Volkswagen Polo Sedan Is Not A VW, A Polo Or A Sedan". www.carscoops.com. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
11. Auto Motor und Sport Heft 16 2013, p 10
12. http://www.svw-volkswagen.com/content/svw/brand/zh/models/NewSantana.html
13. "Skoda Rapid". Euroncap.com. Retrieved 2011-11-27.
14. "Geneva 2012: Seat Toledo concept". Autocar. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
15. "Nový SEAT Toledo bude vyrábět Škoda v Boleslavi" (in Czech). Auto.cz. 2 March 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
16. Tisshaw, Mark (24 April 2012). "Beijing: Skoda MissionL gets Rapid name". Autocar. Retrieved 7 July 2012.

Bibliography

• "Auto Motor und Sport Heft 16, 2013 "Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Der Spaceback ist kürzer als die Limousine, bietet aber viele Variations- und Individualisierungs-Möglichkeiten"" (in German). Motorbuch Verlag. 2013: 10. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

External links

• Škoda Rapid – Škoda Auto Official Website
• Škoda Rapid – Škoda UK Website
• Škoda Rapid – Škoda Australia Website