Skoda Rapid Saloon (2012-2018) running costs and reliability

Item: Skoda Rapid (2012 - 2018)
Rating: 4.5
Author: Tom Goodlad

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Running costs rating: 4.5 out of 54.5

Written by Tom Goodlad Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 47 - 74 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Small-capacity engines mean low running costs
Impressive diesel fuel economy
Petrols still cost-effective day-to-day

Not only will the Skoda Rapid be cheap to buy, but it also won’t cost you much to run, either.

The diesels claim the highest fuel economy, with the 1.4-litre TDI returning a claimed 70.6mpg, whether you go for the manual or DSG gearbox. The 1.6-litre TDI isn’t far off, either, with claimed fuel economy of 67.3mpg.

That’s not to say the petrols aren’t economical, though. The most frugal is the 95hp 1.0-litre TSI, which Skoda claims is capable of returning 62.8mpg. The more powerful 110hp version of the same engine returns slightly less at 61.4mpg claimed fuel economy.

The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with DSG gearbox is the thirstiest (unsurprising as it’s also the fastest and most powerful), but is still able to return up to 57.7mpg.

It’s unlikely you’ll actually achieve the claimed figures in real-life driving, especially in the petrols if you need to work them harder, but drive carefully and you should be able to get quite close.

The Skoda Rapid boasts low CO2 emissions across the range. Even the most powerful, most emitting model is pretty green.

2012 Skoda Rapid front dynamic

It’s the 1.4-litre TSI DSG which emits 115g/km of CO2, which is still better than a lot of rival engines with similar power.

It gets even better if you don’t need a rapid Rapid, with the 1.0-litre TSI 95PS emitting 103g/km (the lowest in the range), and the 110hp version slightly more at 106g/km.

Go for a diesel and it’s a similar story, the 1.4-litre TDI producing 105g/km in manual form, while the DSG pushes out 106g/km of CO2.

Following the trend, the 1.6-litre TDI emits slightly more at 109g/km, but that’s still less than the fastest petrol.

Reliability

Skoda has an excellent reliability record
Rapid has only been recalled once
It feels solidly built and like it’ll last

So far in its life, the Rapid has been recalled once, for an issue regarding the manual childlocks on the rear doors disengaging. If you’re buying a used Rapid, though, any remedial work should have been carried out under the car’s warranty.

This shouldn’t be any cause for concern, though, as Skoda has a very good reputation for building solid and dependable cars across the board.

Inside, the car feels solidly put together as well, and like it’ll stand up to whatever’s thrown at it in everyday use.