Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 - 2019) 1.2 TSI (110bhp) SE Sport 5d Owner Review

I was looking for a fairly sensible small family car that I would fit in at 6' 4", and my daughter, who is also tall, would be comfy in the back of. The Rapid is great for both of us on that front :) I chose the Sport as I like the looks of the extended glass, and the airiness of the pano roof; I think it gives an extra inch or so headroom for the driver, too. The 1.2, 110bhp-ish engine feels much more like a 2 litre... so long as you keep the revs over about 1200/1300 or so; below that, there's nothing at all! It's not really "rapid", but certainly moves along smartly enough. The stereo/info/controls on the centre screen work fine; but I do like having the aircon on normal knobs/buttons. Cruise is a big plus for me, too. I do find the minor controls for things like the central locking and rear demister down at the bottom of the centre console a bit hard to use without taking your eyes off the road for a tiny bit too long. The quality of the interior feels good in the front - the bits you actually touch (wheel, gear knob, elbow rests) are leather (or a good fake?); and while the rest is hard plastic, who cares when you don't touch it? Piano black highlights lift it a bit, too. Then the quality feel does decrease as you go back - while the front feels nice, the back seats are more "ok" and the boot is heading for "budget"... all of which seems like a reasonable compromise for the price. I paid almost exactly half price (£8.5k against £17k new) for my car at 17000 miles; it felt pretty much new still and is still good 2 years on - I'd recommend the Rapid as bit of a hidden bargain... all those taxi drivers in Rapids and Toledos can't be wrong ;)