Review: Skoda NH.I Rapid (2014-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in May 2014, the Skoda NH Rapid Spaceback was a five-door wagon (or ‘Spaceback’). Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Rapid was powered by 1.2- and 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines (the 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI variants, respectively). Initially, the Rapid range consisted of Ambition and Elegance editions.

In May 2015, the Rapid range was revised as updated 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI engines were introduced which:

Complied with Euro 6 emissions standards;
Had ‘Start-Stop’ systems which enabled them to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic to reduce fuel consumption; and,
Had brake energy recuperation systems which reduced alternator output when accelerating to reduce fuel consumption and more efficiently recharge the battery.

As part of the May 2015 update, the Ambition and Elegance editions were effectively replaced by standard and Monte Carlo editions.

Skoda NH.I Rapid Spaceback specifications
Variant	Edition	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
1.2 TSI	Ambition	2014-15	1.2-litre CBZB turbo petrol I4	6sp man.	77 kW at 5000 rpm	175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm
1.2 TSI	Standard, Monte Carlo	2015-17	1.2-litre CJZD turbo petrol I4	6sp man.	81 kW at 4600-5600 rpm	175 Nm at 1400-4000 rpm
1.4 TSI	Ambition, Elegance	2014-15	1.4-litre CAXA turbo petrol I4	7sp DCT	90 kW at 5000 rpm	200 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm
1.4 TSI	Standard, Monte Carlo	2015-17	1.4-litre CZCA turbo petrol I4	7sp DCT	92 kW at 5000 rpm	200 Nm at 1400-4000 rpm

Body and dimensions

Underpinned by Volkswagen’s PQ25 platform (shared with the Skoda 5J Fabia , Audi 8X A1 and Volkswagen Mk.5 Polo ), the Skoda Rapid Spaceback was 4304 mm long, 1706 mm wide and had a 2602 mm long wheelbase; kerb weights ranged from 1155 kg to 1210 kg, while the drag coefficient was 0.31 Cd. Inside, cargo capacity for the Rapid Spaceback was 384 litres with the rear seats in position, though this increased to 1349 litres when they were folded down.

Suspension and steering

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. Furthermore, the Skoda Rapid had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the related Skoda Rapid liftback received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 80 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection for the driver were rated as adequate. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though chest protection was only rated as adequate in the more severe pole test.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.37 out of 37.

Features: Rapid Ambition

Standard features for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback Ambition included 16-inch ‘Dione’ alloy wheels with 215/45 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SD card) and Bluetooth audio streaming, air conditioning, cruise control, daytime running lights, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tinted windows, a 12 volt power socket, trip computer and an immobiliser. A space-saving spare wheel was fitted as standard for both Ambition and Elegance editions.

Features: Rapid Elegance

Compared to the Skoda Rapid Ambition, the Rapid Elegance was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Camelot’ alloy wheels with 215/40 R17 tyres, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights with cornering function, rear automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, courtesy lights, chrome-framed air conditioning vents and a silver dashboard strip.

In July 2015, new ‘Swing’ audio systems were introduced which had five-inch touch screens.

Features: Rapid Monte Carlo

The Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo was released in May 2016, effectively replacing the Rapid Elegance. Compared to the Ambition, the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo featured 17-inch black ‘Savio’ alloy wheels, xenon headlights, directional front fog lights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, height adjustable front seats, a panoramic glass roof, ‘carbon-style’ dashboard inserts, black instrument faces and unique door sills. Visual cues for the Rapid Monte Carlo included black head- and fog light surrounds, black grille, black door mirrors and an extended glass tailgate.

Options: Sports Pack and Style Pack

The Rapid Spaceback was offered with an optional Sports Pack or Style Pack. Of these,

The Sports Pack included front sports seats, directional xenon headlights, front fog lights with cornering function, rear parking sensors, stainless steel pedals, privacy glass and a double-sided floor matt in the luggage compartment; and,
The Style Pack included 17-inch ‘Ray’ alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, black-frosted glass front fog lights, darkened tail-lights, black door mirrors and a black rear spoiler.

Brochure

Review: Skoda NH.II Rapid (2017-18)