The Škoda Rapid (NH) is range of small family car models produced by the Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto. It consists of three body styles: a 5-door liftback, a 5-door hatchback marketed as "Spaceback" and a 4-door sedan sold in China. The model is based on a B-segment-focused PQ25 platform. Another vehicle with the Rapid nameplate was also introduced in India in 2011, which is a rebadged and restyled Volkswagen Vento/Polo sedan.
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. Sales started in Czech Republic from 20 October 2012, and commenced at the end of 2012 in other parts of central and western Europe, with sales and production in Russia starting at the beginning of 2014.
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.
The "Rapid" 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.
5-door liftback (NH3)
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).
At the 32nd GTI Treffen (2013) Škoda presented the Rapid Sport with bi colour body and 19" alloy wheels.
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. Assistance systems were added and the cabin received a slightly modified 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. 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.
5-door hatchback (Rapid Spaceback; NH1)