S 1.2 TSI 5dr Hatchback

Remarkably good

When my 2011 Octavia broke down comprehensively in France, I hired this car for about a week in the U.K. Initially, I disliked the dark seat and dashboard materials, after the light colours on the Octavia. Some of the "toys" on the Octavia (L&K version, estate, automatic) were missed. Soon, I realised that the Rapid is much nicer to drive. The steering is easier on the Rapid. The Rapid's manual gearbox convinces me to stop buying automatics (particularly VW's DSG with its dangerous holding on to the brakes when you lift off the pedal) it is that good. The ride is not perfect but, on 15" wheels, is much better than the harsh ride on the Octavia's 17". The instrument panel is better than the Octavia's, with the minor dials much better laid out; the Rapid's are pure semicircles, so the normal reading is a perfectly vertical position of the needle. The Octavia's speedometer only shows every other 10 mph increment (leaving out the most useful ones, 30, 50 and 70) whereas the Rapid's shows all of them. Thank goodness the side indicator repeater lights are mounted on the body, rather than in the most vulnerable position on the door mirrors. The acceleration with the 1.2 86 engine was much better than expected, even with a load. Road tax at only £30 p.a. is much more attractive than the £100 for the more powerful 1.2 105.

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