Choosing a car for himself, a person is constantly faced with a choice: to buy a small car with rich equipment or for the same money a car of a higher class, only in a simple configuration? I will try to figure it out on the example of the Skoda brand, namely the latest Skoda Octavia and Skoda Rapid models, located in the same price segment, which is plus or minus one million rubles. I will dwell on each car in more detail, indicate their advantages and disadvantages, and based on the results obtained, it will become clear which of these representatives is more profitable.

I'll start with the sales rating. After analyzing the sales results, I will say that both liftbacks are widely popular in Russia and are among the twenty best-selling cars. And this is due not only to the growth of the market and the moderate price of this brand, but also to the release of restyled versions of these models.

The exterior of both cars is made, which is not great. The sporty geometry of the body and new LED optics that emphasize the image of the models please the eye. Of course, the cars differ in overall dimensions and if you put them side by side, the Octavia looks more elegant and more expensive than the Rapid. The interior is made in the same style. And you can't call it poor at all, because it is borrowed from the older brother of the Volkswagen Pssat B7. Visually, the overall appearance of the Rapid's cabin will be brighter: the presence of glossy inserts on the dashboard, red inserts on the windshield pillars, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats with red trim. Yes, only the plastic itself is pleasant only in appearance, but to the touch it is tough.

Transplanting to the Octavia, one immediately captures the feeling of having a huge space inside, with quality finishes. And if in Rapid the rear passengers have to make room, then in the Octavia there is enough legroom with a margin, and the lack of small decorative elements, such as inserts and so on, is simply forgotten, receding into the background.

The common advantage of both representatives of the Skoda brand is the liftback body, which the Czechs very cleverly disguised as a sedan. Thanks to this layout of the body, we got a spacious trunk, and the well-opening fifth door does not almost interfere when loading large-sized objects. The latest versions of Skoda have tension nets and velcro straps in the trunks for fencing a separate area and for ease of transportation. Another plus in favor of Octavia is a larger trunk volume, which is 588 liters, and with the back row folded down, as much as 1718! Rapid does not boast of such a capacity, because it has 530 liters, and with the backs folded down - 1470.

Now it's time to touch on the motor vehicle range. Several atmospheric engines are installed on the Rapid. Basic naturally aspirated 1.6-liter 90 hp engine, made exclusively in conjunction with a five-speed manual transmission. Since the Rapid is relatively light, this unit allows it to reach the 100 km / h mark in less than 11 seconds - this is not a bad indicator for the base engine. The next is the forced 1.6, with increased power up to 110 hp, which reduces the acceleration time by 1.5-2 seconds. Such a small difference is almost imperceptible, so the purchase of a car with a 110-horsepower engine may be due only to the fact that in addition to a manual box, a six-speed automatic is available. The latter has good dynamics and provides smooth gear shifting, and the difference in acceleration with the mechanics is just over a second.

As for the Octavia, a 1.6 engine with 110 hp is offered for a similar price. The dynamics of acceleration is inferior to Rapid and is 10.5 seconds for a manual transmission, and with the same six-speed automatic - 12. For a car of this class, I would like more. And the most interesting thing is the configuration and their prices.

Having a million rubles with you, you can safely purchase a Skoda Rapid in the top-end "Style" configuration. For 830 thousand rubles, the car is available with a base 1.6 engine (90 hp), and for 888 thousand - a powerful, 110-horsepower 1.6. The combination with an automatic transmission will cost 933 thousand, and equipping with a 1.4 TSI engine and a seven-speed DSG - 975 thousand rubles. The package includes ABS and ECP system (exchange rate stability), cruise control system, multifunction steering wheel, four airbags, climate control, interior mirror with auto-dimming function, heated seats, heated mirrors and washer nozzles, fog lights, with a zone lighting system in side of the turn and gaining popularity new Skoda chip - an umbrella, which Rapid has hidden under the front passenger seat.

With the remaining money, you can order a package of additional options: heated windshield (10 thousand rubles), tinted rear window (4.7 thousand rubles), rear window wiper (3 thousand rubles) and engine protection (6.3 thousand rubles).

But buying an Octavia, especially then you will not roam. A car with a base 1.6 engine (110 hp) and a manual transmission costs 965 thousand rubles, and a six-speed automatic will cost 1 030 000 rubles. As a result, a very, very modest equipment: ABS, two airbags, air conditioning, electric windows, heated side mirrors and washer nozzles. In the case of acquiring an Octavia with mechanics, about 36 thousand rubles will remain, which can be spent on one of the additional options: heated front seats (11 thousand rubles), side airbags and window curtains (35 thousand rubles), the ECP system (28 thousand rubles) and engine protection (9 thousand rubles).

Let's summarize. For me personally, it was not so easy. Of course, taking into account the fact that the Rapid will turn out to be very stuffed and in a rich configuration, but I am sure that the hard plastic of the interior, insufficient sound insulation and a harsh suspension will not hide more than one option. But Octavia, as they say, is a completely different matter. And even if it is empty and it does not have the desired options, it still remains a noble car, with a high-quality interior trim, where there is more space, the Shumka is better, the driving position is more comfortable and on the go it is an order of magnitude higher. Therefore, from both options, Skoda Octavia will be preferable for me.

September 9, 2017

LADA XRAY or Skoda Rapid - compare which is better?

Comparing Lada Iks Rey and Skoda Rapid, you need to carefully approach the issue of engines, gearboxes and trim levels.

The release of the new domestic hatchback Lada Iks Rey on the market did not go unnoticed, especially considering how popular this model has become. Nevertheless, competitors were not asleep and were definitely not going to give their piece of the market pie without a fight. One of the most titled rivals of the Russian car was the Skoda Rapid liftback, which at one time took the place of Octavia, which moved to a more expensive segment.

And this means that the rivalry between the two models is very sharp, especially given the fact that the prices for cars, although they differ, but not by an order of magnitude (however, this is only at first glance). And therefore, it is imperative to find out which is better - Lada X Rey or Skoda Rapid!

Prestige and size

It's no secret that foreign cars are quoted in Russia higher than domestic models, with the exception, perhaps, of the "Chinese". Nevertheless, the Skoda has always been viewed as a "people's model", which, although not as fashionable as Volkswagen or Audi, is technically not much inferior to them. Naturally, all this has a positive effect on the Skoda Rapid's reputation, raising its status in the eyes of the buyer.

Dimensions X Ray

As for the LADA XRAY, the domestic hatchback, of course, is actively winning the audience's sympathy, but it must be admitted that it has a long road to success ahead. Therefore, the Skoda is still preferable.

Overall dimensions	LADA XRAY	Skoda Rapid
	4165 mm	4483 mm
Width	1764 mm
	1570 mm	1474 mm
Wheelbase	2592 mm
Front track	1492 mm	1463 mm
Rear track	1532 mm
	195 mm	170 mm
Trunk volume	361 l (1207 l)
	1190 kg (1650 kg)	1470 kg (1565 kg)

Rapid parameters

From a comparison of the dimensions of X Ray and Rapid, it can be seen that the Czech liftback is much longer, but narrower and lower. The wheelbase is about the same, but in terms of ground clearance, the Lada is far ahead - it is 25 mm larger. On the other hand, Skoda puts its competitor on both paddles with the volume of the trunk, which is not surprising, because it is the trunk that has long become the business card of cars from the Czech Republic.

The Rapid trunk is impressive

Exterior

The different body type of both models largely predetermined the different exterior. Therefore, in this regard, everything will depend not only on taste, but also on the preferences of the bodywork range.

The exterior of Lada X Rey will definitely appeal to connoisseurs of aggression in the image. And this is not empty bravado, although, of course, in comparison with the concept, the hatchback does not look so expressive. Particularly impressive are the X-shaped curves on the sidewalls, capturing not only the doors, but also the bumpers and fenders.

The front end, with its merged together radiator grille and air intake, edged with chrome moldings, in the same X-shape, looks very profitable and goes well with the headlights. And the stern with a massive black lining on the rear bumper and a wing on the fifth door also fits well into the image.

The appearance of the Skoda Rapid, which was updated in 2017, clearly confirms the success of the policy of many auto companies, including Skoda - if you want the model to be in the spotlight again, you should do with minor edits and declare about restyling, which, in fact, is was done.

The updates are small, but they are, and so imperceptible that the restyled Rapid can easily be confused with a richer version. Indeed, how many people will notice the taillights with diodes, updated fog lights and new optics, equipped with strips of diode DRLs? But this is where the significant changes in the image of the Czech liftback end.

As you can see, in the question of what to choose, Lada X Rey or Skoda Rapid, you will have to focus only on your own preferences.

Specifications

In this case, it is worth recognizing that Rapid is better than X Ray. The fact is that the superiority of the liftback is evident, both in terms of power units and in terms of gearboxes. However, about everything in more detail ...

Engines

The Rapid has an advantage here, since the motor range of this model is wider. Nevertheless, there are no diesel engines, although Skoda often relied on "solar-powered" units.

The Czech line begins with a budget 1.6-liter aspirated. Its power is very small and is only 90 liters. sec., although they are available at 4250 rpm. However, the thrust of 155 Nm at 3800 rpm helps a little. Thanks to this, the liftback exchanges a hundred in 11.4 seconds, with a limit of 185 km / h, which is not so bad. And the consumption of 7.8 liters in the city is small.

It is followed by the same 1.6-liter 16-valve, but already 110-strong. The peak power of the motor at 5800 rpm, and the same as that of the previous engine, a torque of 155 Nm is achievable at the same 3800 rpm. The increase in power had a beneficial effect on the dynamics, which improved to 10.3 seconds, and the maximum speed, which increased to 195 km / h, while maintaining the consumption of 7.9 liters.

1.4 MPI 110 HP from.

The competitor to this motor was the base engine Lada Iks Rey, with a volume of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 106 liters. sec., which is combined with a torque of 148 Nm at 4200 rpm. It was created by the engineers of the Russian auto company, having reworked and improved the type VAZ-21129. It should be admitted that the drawdown in power and torque, compared to the 110-horsepower Czech unit, led to a lag of 1.1 sec. in acceleration and at 21 km / h at maximum speed - 11.4 sec. and 174 km / h, respectively. And the gasoline consumption is higher - more than 9 liters.

1.6-horsepower X Ray motor

In the top, the Skoda Rapid offers the buyer a very rare unit for the B segment. This is a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection. Despite the fact that its volume seems modest, such a motor endows the Rapid with an explosive temperament, which is not surprising, from 125 hp. from. and 200 Nm of torque!

Rapid 1.4 TSI exchanges a hundred square meters in just 9 seconds, which is just excellent for class B. And the maximum speed of 208 km / h is almost beyond competition. Cherry on the cake - 7 liters in the city!

1.4 TSI 125 HP from.

Lada X Rey responds with its own top engine. However, unlike the Czech, the hatchback has a simple aspirated engine under the hood, with a volume of 1.8 liters and a return of 122 liters. from. It should be noted that this is a new development of a Russian company. Given the injection layout, the power is quite at the level, as well as the torque of 170 Nm.

However, the absence of a turbine caused a loss in dynamics and maximum speed - 10.4 seconds to hundreds and 185 km / h, respectively. Consumption is also significantly higher - 9.3 liters. in the town.

122 hp X Ray engine

In general, we must admit that in terms of engines, the Skoda Rapid is better than the Lada X Rey. The engine range of the European model is wider, but its decisive advantage is the presence of a turbocharged unit. On the other hand, the disadvantage of such an engine is its complexity (the presence of a turbine, intercooler, air ducts and other components) and, as a result, more expensive maintenance.

Transmissions

If we consider the topic of which is better - Lada X Rey or Skoda Rapid - in the context of gearboxes, one cannot but recognize the significant advantage of the Czech model.

However, in terms of mechanical transmissions, there is an approximate equality. Both models are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Russian hatchback has a French box, while the Czech liftback has its own design.

Rapid mechanics

Be that as it may, but there are no complaints about the nodes - the gears are switched on clearly, the short stroke pleases, there are no departures at all, etc. It should only be noted that the XRAY mechanics are available for any motor, while the Rapid only has paired with 90-horsepower and 110-horsepower aspirated.

MKPP5 Lada

But in terms of automatic transmissions, Skoda has a complete advantage. The fact is that X Ray is equipped only with a 5-speed robot of the AMT type, developed on the basis of the mechanics of the MT 21826 series. The transmission is generally not bad, but there are still delays in switching.

5-band АМТ LADA XRAY

Rapid offers a choice of 2 boxes. The first is a 6-band classic automatic, which is available with a 110-horsepower engine. The quality of his work is beyond doubt - clear switchings, quick response to kick-downs, etc.

But there is a better option. This is a 7-band DSG preselective transmission that is paired with a 1.4 TSI. No wonder that DSG are recognized as the best gearboxes at the moment! Shifts are instant, impressive efficiency, vigorous dynamics and other pluses.

As you can see, the Czechs did not skimp on gearboxes for their model. But there are also some caveats. X Ray is equipped with a robot, not a conventional machine gun, in order to reduce the price of a car. And yet, the advantage of AMT is its unpretentiousness. Regarding the DSG Skoda, then, with all its advantages, this transmission does not differ in reliability, while repairs, due to the extreme complexity of the unit, are very expensive. In addition, during long driving through traffic jams, the DSG starts to twitch when shifting due to overheating.

Chassis

Unlike transmissions, the Lada Iks Rey and Skoda Rapid's suspension is structurally the same. No modification has a completely independent multi-link circuit. Both machines are equipped with a semi-independent chassis, with a torsion beam on the rear axle. In general, competitors have no problems with handling.

But the character is slightly different. The LADA XRAY suspension stands out for its energy consumption, thanks to which you can roll even on bumpy roads without worrying too much, because to break through the struts you still have to try! And you completely forget about small irregularities on the Russian hatchback. However, there is also a minus - it rolls in corners. Yes, the chassis is well tuned, but the height of the car and considerable ground clearance do their job.

Skoda Rapid is generally more reckless, and the owners do not complain about excessive rigidity. However, this is only true for the 1.6-liter versions. The 1.4 TSI engine is quite heavy, plus the DSG's weight takes its toll. As a result, driving on such a modification is noticeably tougher, although you cannot call the "oak" car.

In terms of cross-country ability, X Ray is better than Rapid, and significantly! After all, not every SUV has a clearance of 195 mm. In addition, the switchable ESС system helps a lot - with it, the domestic hatchback easily leaves places where the Rapid cannot go at all. Naturally, with all-wheel drive, XRAY's capabilities would be much greater, but even with ESC, the Lada's advantage is obvious.

And in the plot of "Okay Mechanics" representatives of AvtoVAZ clearly showed everything that the hatchback is capable of outside the asphalt.

Interior

Within competitors, a completely different approach to style can be traced. That is why it will not be easy to determine the winner between Lada X Rey and Skoda Rapid in this round.

The XRAY salon was created to match the exterior. The seats are very decent for their segment, with the exception of basic trim levels, where the lumbar support is too low. In addition, plastic is of different texture, which, although it does not affect comfort, is not to the liking of all car owners.

The dashboard sports beautiful wells and lighting. A large screen is located on the center console, and the elongated air vents look very good. In general, the interior of the hatchback is tailored for active driving.

The approach of the Czechs is completely different and, for them, traditional. The Rapid interior is strict and correct, to some extent even pedantic. Unsurprisingly, he has both ardent fans and opponents who believe that the interior is too boring.

Yes, inside the liftback you feel like in an office, where the only thing missing is a table lamp and a secretary. On the other hand, many people like quality materials and impeccable ergonomics. The seats are good, but there are optional seats with integrated headrests.

Options and prices

LADA XRAY offers customers 3 configurations - Optima, Luxe and Exclusive. Skoda Rapid also has 3 versions - Entry / Active, Ambition, Style. The price of the Lada X Rey is lower than that of the Skoda Rapid. In the database, it starts from 599,900 rubles against 611,000 rubles for Rapid. In the maximum configuration, the difference is much more significant - 830,900 rubles for Lada and 956,400 rubles for Skoda.

LADA X REY

Equipment	Specifications	Price, rub.)
	1.6 l 16-cl. (106 hp), 5MT	629 900
Optima / Air conditioner	1.6 l 16-cl. (106 hp), 5MT
	1.6 l 16-cl. (106 hp), 5MT	690 900
Optima / Air conditioner
Optima / Air conditioner	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5MT	739 900
Luxe	1.6 l 16-cl. (106 hp), 5MT
	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5AMT	740 900
Luxe / Prestige	1.6 l 16-cl. (106 hp), 5MT
	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5MT	775 900
Luxe	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5AMT
	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5MT	825 900
Luxe / Prestige	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5AMT
	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5AMT	860 900
Luxe / Prestige	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5MT
	1.8 l 16-cl. (122 hp), 5MT

For more details on the prices and configurations of LADA XRAY you can find the link

SKODA RAPID

Equipment	Specifications	Price, rub.)
		646 000
Active	1.6 MPI 5-speed Manual transmission / 90 hp
		777 000
Active
	1.6 MPI 5-speed Manual transmission / 90 hp	822 000
Ambition	1.6 MPI 5-speed Manual transmission / 110 hp
	1.6 MPI 6-speed Automatic transmission / 110 hp	925 000
Ambition	1.4 TSI DSG-7/125 HP
	1.6 MPI 5-speed Manual transmission / 90 hp	921 000
Monte carlo	1.6 MPI 5-speed Manual transmission / 110 hp
	1.6 MPI 6-speed Automatic transmission / 110 hp	1 024 000
Monte carlo	1.4 TSI DSG-7/125 HP
	1.6 MPI 5-speed Manual transmission / 90 hp	867 000
Style	1.6 MPI 5-speed Manual transmission / 110 hp
	1.6 MPI 6-speed Automatic transmission / 110 hp	970 000
Style	1.4 TSI DSG-7/125 HP

For more details on the prices and trim levels of the Skoda Rapid you can find the link

As you can see, there is certainly a difference in price between Lada X Rey and Skoda Rapid. And if in the database it is almost invisible, then in the top it reaches an impressive amount of 125,000 rubles, which is a lot when buying a class B car. Nevertheless, buying Rapid in the top, you will get just a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine in a bundle with DSG preselective gearbox. Therefore, from the technical point of view, the overpayment is quite justified.

Optima complete set

But with the complete sets, everything is far from so simple. The fact is that the approach to price lists at AvtoVAZ and Skoda is completely different. When buying X Ray, 3 fixed configurations are offered, as well as an additional payment of 12,000 rubles for a metallic color.

If you buy Rapid, then a lot of additional options are added to the equipment in the trim levels themselves, and even the top-end Style version can be very well equipped. In addition, options can be selected both in packages and individually. Naturally, the advantages of this approach are obvious, because you can order a car for yourself, choosing all the options you need. On the other hand, the price of Rapid, if equipped "in full", just soars to the skies and easily exceeds 1,000,000 rubles!

As you can see, it is most advisable to compare Lada X Rey vs Skoda Rapid with 1.6-liter engines, since prices are about the same with them. Yes, the Czech liftback can be retrofitted, but the equipment of the Russian model is already quite generous, so the owner of the X Ray will hardly feel left out.

After the Skoda Rapid was born, many motorists could not understand what class it belonged to. If you take class "B", in which its relative Volkswagen Polo is located, then the car is too big for him, but for the "C" class, in which the Volkswagen Golf is the dominant, and from the sisters it is the Skoda Octavia A7 - it is too small. All the fuss turned out because the Rapid is designed on the initially elongated VW Polo platform in the sedan body. Therefore, the base of the Rapid turned out to be even longer than that of the older sister of Octavia A5 - 2602 mm versus 2578 mm. As a result, her class became "B +". Well, for clarity, the difference between the modern Rapid and its sisters Skoda Octavia Tour and Octavia A5, which are C-class cars, but of the older generation, let's give specific comparative sizes in specific numbers.

Comparison of the Rapid saloon with Octavia Tour and A5

First of all, the lengthening of the body had a positive effect on the distance between the back of the front seat and the rear one, for Rapid it is from 170 to 410 mm, and, accordingly, for Octavia A5 it is 130 mm - 380 mm and Octavia Tour 140 mm - 380 mm. For example, if a person of average height, this is 174-176 cm, sits behind the wheel and adjusts the front seat for himself, then there will be a distance between the back seat and the back of the front seat: Skoda Rapid has 300 mm, Octavia A5 has 290 mm, and of Round - 260 mm. As for the width of the cabin, according to the characteristics, the width of the Skoda Rapid is 1706 mm, which is 30 mm narrower than the Octavia Tour and 70 mm narrower than the Octavia A5. But if you look from the practical point of view, take, for example, the width of the cabin, which is at the level of the driver's shoulders, then in this place Rapid "inserts" the Tour by 10 mm and loses to the Skoda A5 by only 20 mm. This was achieved by the designers thanks to the convexity of the doors.

The torpedo on the Skoda Rapid has become more concave in its lower part compared to the Octavia, this gives more legroom for the front passenger, which makes the train more comfortable.

The floor tunnel inherent in all three cars in Rapid has become even smaller and more convenient than that of the older sisters Octavius, so it will be easier to move from one place to another on the back sofa.

Comparison of the size and capacity of the trunk

On all three models, the size of the luggage compartment is almost the same, only a few differences make the Rapid's boot more practical than the Octavias.

Let's start a comparison with the width of the trunk along the arches of the rear wheels - it is the same for everyone and equals 1010 mm, this despite the fact that Rapid is narrower in external dimensions, but it turned out this way due to the fact that the arches on Rapid are narrower, since standard wheels are used with dimensions 185/60/15, well, for Octavias it is 195/65/15.

Comparison of the distance between the supports, on which the rear shelf rests, showed that for Rapid it is wider and is 965 mm, for Octavia A5 - 920 mm and Octavia Tour - 895 mm. This allows a wider load to be loaded.

The working volume of the Rapid is 550 liters, which is 10 liters less than that of the Octavia A5 and 20 more than that of the Octavia Tour.

If we compare the depth, then the Octavia's trunk is 80 and 60 mm deeper, but from the point of view of the convenience of getting small things, then for Rapid this is only for the best.

And if you bought something heavy, then when loading into Rapid you will have to sweat less, since its loading height is 700 mm, versus 750 for Octavia A5 and 770 for Turka.

Summing up

Well, the fact that the novelty was attributed to a lower class than her sister Octavia did not in any way affect its practicality and comfort. And in many comparative parameters, Rapid even "inserts" them. Therefore, if you compare the cost of used Octavias, which are relatively in good condition, with a completely new Rapid, there will be no difference. The question is - why buy used Octavias? Moreover, Rapid is made according to new methods and technologies and has modern standards for economy and safety of the driver and passengers.

In addition, a table with a large number of different comparative geometric parameters of the three cars:

Skoda Rapid (Skoda Rapid) appeared on the Russian car market in 2014 and, according to the idea of \u200b\u200bthe automaker, should take place between Fabia and Octavia. Perhaps the idea was a success. Let's take a closer look at the differences.

Appearance

The exterior and interior of the Rapid is almost entirely borrowed from its older brother - Skoda Octavia. They are very similar. An inexperienced observer may even confuse them. The main difference is the size, but not everyone has a good eye :-) So now many Octavias will be perceived as "either Rapid, or Octavia drove."

Base

According to the manufacturers, the Skoda Octavia car belongs to (the previous models of the Octavia were C-class), and Rapid to the B-class. But not everything is so simple.

The Skoda Rapid uses a base from the Volkswagen Polo. Hence the spacious, long cabin and large trunk, which were previously uncharacteristic for the B-class.

The body and trunk in both cars have a "liftback" format, which is a Skoda "trick".

Overall dimensions

A noticeable difference in length - Rapid - 448 cm, Octavia - 467.4 cm.
In width, the cars practically do not differ 181.4 cm versus 177 cm.

The trunk volume of Rapid is 530 liters.
The trunk volume of the Octavia is 568 liters.

Weight

Skoda Octavia 1255 kg
Skoda Rapid - 1135 kg
Skoda Rapid high-quality video review

Price

The cost of cars of different classes of course is different.

The minimum price for Octavia is 624,000 rubles. This is a complete set without air conditioning, power windows, audio system, crankcase protection, additional airbags and other necessary things. Normal equipment will cost from 800 thousand.

Prices for Rapid start at 479,000 p. More or less normal configurations, in my opinion, start at 550 thousand.

conclusions

As a result, we can conclude that the differences between Skoda Rapid and Skoda Octavia are subtle externally, but essential in essence. Still, these are cars of a different class. The difference is also felt in the behavior of the car on the track and will most likely be noticeable in the event of an accident. The masses are different, it is safer in a heavier and stronger car. To put it bluntly, the Rapid is an Octavia-styled Polo sedan. Therefore, you need to compare Scoda Rapid with classmates - Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, etc.

Sometimes it is difficult to choose between cars that have a lot in common. Which is better? Which to choose? In this article we will try to compare two cars on the same platform and understand which is better - Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Rapid?

Overall dimensions

At first glance, the Volkswagen Polo sedan looks very similar and the dimensions are identical, but if you make accurate measurements, it turns out that there is a difference. Polo and Rapid dimensions, respectively:

• length - 3970 and 4300 mm;
• width - 1682 and 1706 mm;
• height - 1462 and 1461 mm.

As you can see, the Skoda is larger and in places noticeable, which makes the car heavier.

External appearance

First of all, when choosing a car, the buyer looks at the appearance, and then at the technical characteristics. The exterior of the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Rapid is different and you can see it with the naked eye. It is impossible to confuse them on the road, but if you look closely, there are many similarities in the appearance of two cars. For example, the front optics are a bit similar in shape. Both cars are equipped with spoilers with brake lights, making them almost twins at the rear.

The shape of the bumpers also resembles each other. Both cars are equipped with 15-inch rims. Volkswagen is slightly shorter than the Rapid, which makes it look a little more modest. But this is noticeable only if you put the cars next to each other. The body of the "German" is distinguished by more pronounced straight lines and sharpened headlights. In this way, he resembles his sister older models, but the Rapid looks like a mini-version of Octavia. Surely, the Czech designers conceived this.

Let's take a look at the salon

Both cars don't have a chic finish. Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo Sedan have low quality fabric, but it is practical because it is difficult to get dirty. Both chairs and doors are upholstered with this fabric. Immediately striking are the differences in the driver's position. At Skoda, it is clearly higher, albeit slightly. In addition, the seat is height adjustable. The same is with the steering wheel - in Rapid it has adjustments in height and reach, and even in the simplest configuration. The driver's seat is semi-sporty, and the lateral support is great when cornering.

Definitely, Skoda has taken care of the driver's comfort. Thanks to all the available adjustments, it will be convenient for people with tall stature to drive. And in general, adjusting the seat and steering wheel for yourself in the Skoda Rapid will not be difficult. Polo in this regard was created rather for people of average height. Those who are above average growth will suffer on long trips. And the Czechs also have a longer wheelbase, which gives the rear passengers more legroom. Outwardly, it is imperceptible, but it is enough to sit in the passenger seat to feel the significant advantage of Skoda over Volkswagen.

The Rapid is also a bit wider, but the "German" has a higher ceiling above the rear seats. At first glance, such a comparison between the Skoda Rapid and the Volkswagen Polo Sedan shows that the former wins. But if you put next to a "Czech" with a minimum filling and Polo with a maximum, then the former will seriously yield. Immediately striking is the primitive climate control, the old model radio tape recorder, the simplest steering wheel design. But the cost is significantly lower.

Let's open the trunk

Compared to the Polo, Rapid is presented in a liftback body. That is, outwardly, this is the same sedan, but the rear window rises along with the trunk as if it were the fifth hatchback door. Such a trunk is not without its drawbacks, but often when they see it open, motorists stop noticing them. The volume of 530 liters is expensive! This is compared to just 460 liters for the Polo. Thanks to its shape, the Skoda trunk allows you to load and unload rather bulky luggage with great comfort. Polo is not a competitor here.

But the liftback trunk has disadvantages. Firstly, when you open it in winter, the interior is instantly cooled and it takes a lot of time to warm it up again. The second minus is not so significant - the lid rises very high, and there are places where this simply cannot be done. In any case, these shortcomings are insignificant when the volume of the trunk is announced, because 530 liters is with the standard position of the rear sofa and the installed partition.

Trunks differ not only in volume, but also in equipment. Polo in this regard is simple - the trunk is empty and if there is a desire to make any additional fasteners, then you have to "spin" yourself. Rapid offers an original mesh for attaching some things and tools, which can be easily purchased additionally.

Comparison of dashboards

Here the cars are completely different - the panels differ radically. Moreover, Skoda Rapid wins significantly: a modern scoreboard with easy-to-read white font on a dark background. It is very easy, and most importantly, without being distracted from driving, you can monitor fuel consumption, the duration of the distance traveled, the power reserve and other parameters.

Volkswagen Polo is not so happy. The bright red illumination characteristic of VW cars is also here. The on-board computer screen looks outdated, and the information content of the scoreboard leaves much to be desired. The information is relevant for the pre-styling model. After 2015, the tidy was changed.

Rapid even has an indicator of the included gear and a hint which one to switch to - higher or lower. Works both for mechanics and for the machine, and if you follow these tips, you can significantly save gas.

What's under the hood?

Polo recently underwent a small upgrade, received some new features in the external appearance, thanks to which it began to look a little more presentable, and at the same time the engine line was updated. There are two new models - 90 and 110 hp. both 1.6L available to order. They can hardly be called new, because they were installed in the Rapid even before the VW upgrade. The Skoda Rapid has a clear advantage - the presence of a turbocharged 122-horsepower 1.4 TSI engine. True, Volkswagen has already promised to eliminate this injustice, but the cost of a car with such an engine will already be high for a budget option.

Driving performance assessment

When choosing between Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Rapid, it should be borne in mind that the second was created on the platform of the first. True, she still received changes. Here, the widening of the track can be seen with the naked eye, and the increase in length. It is thanks to the increase in the width of the base that the Rapid received improved road stability. It also has a reinforced suspension - this is done with an emphasis on the greater mass of the car compared to the Polo.

According to Skoda workers, the suspension of their brainchild is also configured differently. We have to take our word for it. The suspension scheme is identical for both cars, but there are some differences in the components. The Rapid also has a McPherson independent spring suspension in the front, and trailing arms with a V-shaped torsion beam at the rear. This constructive solution made it possible to reduce the cost of the car and increase the free space behind the cabin, but reduced the comfort for the passengers sitting behind. The manual transmission on Skoda was also modified, shortening the lever and making the move smoother. The clutch travel is also shorter and the response is felt earlier.

Volkswagen fans tend to focus on multi-link rear suspension, but the Rapid is not the case. The car turned out to be too budget for such a decision. But you should not rush to conclusions - this did not negatively affect the behavior of the car on the road. On the contrary, the handling is at a height, the car enters the turns perfectly, the exposure of the straight-line movement is very noticeable. The steering wheel obeys great. But both cars have a noticeable drawback - high rigidity. They both ride equally well, but at the slightest unevenness the bouncing will be significant.

It makes sense to compare cars on the road only with the same engines, for example, with 105-horsepower, present in both lines. As a result of the test drive, it turned out that in urban conditions both cars are absolutely equal. The start is abrupt, at over 3,000 rpm the ride is at a high level in both cases. Up to 100 km / h "German" gets in 9.7 seconds, and the competitor for 10.4 - more weight affects. The maximum acceleration is 195 km / h and 190 km / h, respectively. Fuel economy is approximately equal.

conclusions

Both cars are famous for their economical consumption, differ in approximately the same technical characteristics and capabilities on the road. A significant advantage of the Rapid liftback is only in a very voluminous trunk. But this will be a plus only for summer residents, avid fishermen and hunters. Although, for many objective reasons, Skoda Rapid may be preferable. This is a lower cost in the simplest configurations, and cheaper maintenance, a variety of engines, gearboxes, better thought out sets of additional options.

When choosing which car to buy, Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Rapid, many motorists lean towards the Czech brand only because additional options can be ordered one at a time or in a package. Volkswagen only offers packages of only 5 to choose from. The rest of the cars are still very similar and the final choice depends on personal preferences and views.

In general, Skoda Rapid is one of the undisputed leaders of its class. Volkswagen attracts the buyer with a more status brand, and in high trim levels it turns out to be somewhat cheaper. Not so long ago, a poll among Russian car owners driving cars in the budget segment showed that Skoda Fabia is in first place in popularity, Polo is in the Second place, but Rapid did not enter this rating at all.

The debate about which is better - Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Rapid can be closed. There is not and never will be a winner. Volkswagen fans will choose it, and fans of the practical Czech car industry will prefer the Skoda. On the road, these cars are equal, inferior or superior to each other only in certain characteristics.

Video

Video of the review and comparative test drive of the Skoda Rapid and Volkswagen Polo sedan.