It was always going to be mission impossible for Skoda’s MissionL concept to make it into production, why?. Because automotive concepts are show stoppers, publicity stunts that get lost in translation. However the Rapid, which launched in 2012, has at least stayed closer to its inspirational concept cousin than most others. The Rapid is like the meat between the sandwich in Skoda’s range, it sits above the Fabia and below the Octavia, its compact dimensions make it a classic cupcake of the C-Segment market, that’s a very tasty small, family car to you and I and the overall look is quite tangy. Those sharpe exterior lines are classically objective in their adherence to disciplined Germanic design principles. As in keeping with the rest of Skoda’s range the Rapid is available in 28 different trim configurations, there are many layers to this Rapid sandwich. Those layers include a spread of engines ranging from two 4-cylinder petrol engines, a 1.4 TSi and 1.2 TSi and a 1.6 TDi which is expected to shift a majority of sales for private and fleet buyers alike. Five and six speed manuals are in the mixing bowl, the cherry on the cake has to be the dual shift gearbox.

“The Rapid is a feast at midnight, a cupcake if you will but without the butter cream and glitter”

The Rapid’s interior is unashamedly trimmed in hard plastics throughout, overall the fit and finish is good but an ever present after taste of flimsiness lingers. The interior is well thought out and neatly designed, for a compact car, passenger space isn’t a premium or optional extra. The 1.6 TDi Elegance on test sits near the top end of Rapid ownership, at £17k equipment levels are quite sparse for a Skoda. Standard features like 16-inch tyres are good, chrome interior surrounds, epic. And where would the elbow rest with out the all important central arm rest. However options such as the Blue metallic paint (£495), Rear Parking Senor’s (£350) and Sat-Nav Pack (£550) bumps the price up too £19k. The Rapid, in this spec, begins to loose its value for money for like minded private buyer’s. The Rapid is ok to drive, the steering is responsive and sharpe, the handling is on the stiff side, yet there is still a bit of roll through the corners overall the ride is adequately comfortable on most surfaces. The 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder diesel is as good as ever relatively quiet with generous amounts of mid-range torque and the combined fuel economy of 63mpg rules supreme. Boot space is huge for a car designated as compact hatch, 506 litre’s as standard, with the seats folded flat cargo space increases to 1,586. Overall the Rapid is a feast at midnight, a cupcake if you will but without the butter cream and glitter.