I've owned my 2013 Rapid (Hatchback) 1.2 TSi (105 BHP) Elegance for almost 2 years. It has covered just under 20K miles in this time and has undergone 1 (minor) service. It has averaged 39 mpg overall, with a best of 46 mpg and worst of 34 mpg.

I replaced virtually all the bulbs with LED's, and the dipped beam headlight bulbs with Osram Nightbreaker's. The dipped beam headlights are poor, but the Osram's led to a marked improvement. They don't last long (~9 months), but I considered the improved illumination to be worth the £15 / set.

I ran the car on 185/60/15 Continental winter tyres November - March, and although we had relatively little snow this year, what little we did have caused me no issues. The original (215/45/16) tyres show relatively little wear over 2 years, perhaps as a consequence of the relatively light weight of the car. The ride and general NVH is certainly markedly better on the smaller tyre combination.

On the plus side I found the car comfortable, exceptionally roomy and relatively quiet when cruising (70 mph = ~2100 rpm). The MDi & 64 Gb USB stick / Bluetooth audio streaming satisfied my audio needs and the huge boot allowed me to carry furniture on more than one occasion. I suffered none of the maladies commonly described on here, and, beyond an intermittent creaking / rattle from the passenger side front suspension, found the car to be entirely reliable.

My only "breakdown" was entirely self inflicted - I left the lights on all day last year and completely flattened the battery. I then realised it is not possible to open the bonnet when the battery is flat, necessitating my only call to Skoda assist during my ownership. The bonnet release lever is fouled by the passenger door trim, meaning it is not possible to pull the lever, without first opening the "deadlocked" door. The Skoda assist chap agreed the design was a clear oversight, but managed to re-energise the car's central locking via the 12V accessory socket / cigarette lighter.

The first MOT was passed with no advisories and Skoda quoted £219 to extended the warranty by 1 year.

The car is certainly built down to a price and cost cutting is evident throughout, when compared with alternatives in the range (Octavia / Yeti etc). The lack full control from the multi-function wheel and lack of electric window control from the drivers door proving especially irritating. The central arm rest is also a throw back to cars of yesteryear (and appears to be identical to the one in my old 2002 Octavia Combi 4x4!!).

Overall I found the car to be refreshingly straightforwards. It was by no means a car I took any pleasure from driving, but as a simple (and relatively cheap) mode of transport, it more than exceeded my expectations. The initial purchase cost (the Rapid was 1 year old / 10K miles) was similar to a new Citigo. I drove them both and considered the Rapid to offer considerably more for the money.

I've replaced it with a Rapid Spaceback 1.2 TSi (105 BHP) SE Tech, which I hope proves as dependable as the car it replaces - updates to follow..........

Edited by pinkpanther_75 on 26/03/2016 at 00:01