Skoda Rapid [2011-2014] User Reviews

Test drive the Skoda Rapid in November and like the product. Immediately after the test drive the Sales guy were after my life getting the car booked. i received 4-5 calls a day for booking the car. Eventually decided to book  Skoda Rapid on 30-Nov -2011.

After the car was booked, the follow-up calls did a turnaround. i started making calls to the delear for the status update but no vain. I was promised delivery in mid January but no information from Dealer. After making 100 such calls to the sales guy and the senior member, i still do not have any info. They have one excuse or the other

I HAVE RECEIVED A BETTER SERVICE FOR MY DAUGHTER'S FIRST BICYLE THAN WITH THE SKODA DELEARSHIP (PAYING AROUND 8.5 LAKH)

This is the most poor service and sales i have received my entire life.

Exterior The exterior is simple and more practical, the looks are ideal for a family car.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The interiors are good with beige interiors, it really gives a good feeling inside the car.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The engine has a good response and liked it to past traffic on a busy city road. the throttle response is excellent.

Ride Quality & Handling The car feels good over potholes and the ride quality is excellent handling on the road.

Final Words Good product with a WORST SALES and Customer Service. If you are planning to buy one, be ready to follow-up with dealer till to get exhausted.

Areas of improvement SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE.

The productCustomer Service and Sales

 

I drove my beloved Maruti Swift for 5 years and it was time for a Sedan. After reading various reviews and test drives finally narrowed on Skoda Rapid TDI Elegance (What looked to be a promising launch by Skoda). The black beauty was delivered on 7 March 2012. We all just loved the vehicle.

 

But, the joy didn't last long, end of April I have noticed that all of a sudden the right rear wheel is out of alignment and took it to service center on 2nd May. The guys at service center had no clue of what could be the reason behind it; they inspected the vehicle for 2 hours and replied that Skoda technical team will have to check the vehicle further, since there was no evidence of an impact and it looked like the rear axel is bent.

 

There starts my bad fortune, after numerous follow ups with Skoda India Customer Care on 22nd May, I received the below from Soda India Customer care head, Bangalore

 

"Thanks for your mail,

 

 

 

We sincerely regret for the inconvenience caused to you, We had taken up the concern with Skoda technical team and understand that the type of damages occurred in your vehicle is due to transfer of sudden shock forces directly to the suspension components via wheels while travelling on very rough roads at considerable speed, means these momentary sudden forces directly travels to the suspension components without damaging the road wheels. So, on technical point of view, these concerns can’t be considered as manufacturing defect and does not fall under the purview of warranty/goodwill, Hence we suggest you for claiming through vehicle insurance. 

 

Regards,N.Seshathri | Customer Care "

 

I was surprised to note their quote “while travelling on very rough roads at considerable speed”, and I was left unanswered when asked Skoda for explanation of what this actually means. I am neither a competitive racer nor that I have driven car in high speeds on bad roads. Imagine someone driving a new car which is worth 11.5 lakhs on bad rods and high speeds!!!! I am a family man and most of the time we travel together (including my 2 year son).

Anyhow, I have written to Skoda executives and not response yet, when called Customer care head, he informs that they will stand by the investigation by their technical team (whether it is right or wrong). But when asked to prove the statement he was left with no answer. Now, I am advised to claim the expenses under insurance and told that, dealer will help you claim insurance (They can nicely narrate a forged story, since to claim the insurance there are no evidence of an accident, not even a scratch on the vehicle!!!)

Now this raises many questions in my mind, does this mean Indian roads conditions are not suitable for Skoda Rapid? What is the guaranty of this parts being intact once it is repaired? Does this mean the Rapid can only be run in slow speeds and only on highways?

 

I also came across to some news from the service center that same problem existed in Octavia as well.

 

 

I deeply regret my decision of buying a Skoda Rapid spending 11.5 lakhs of my hard earned money and receive such pathetic customer services. The Quality Skoda offers was not seen at all.I plan to take it up with the consumer court.

 

 

 

Looks, Fuel economy, Great diesal engineTerrible support from Skoda India, Interior quality.

Exterior It looks good and sturdy.Exterior Skoda has managed to revamp a seemingly good exterior design of the vento into a more bold and muscular one with the restyled bonnet and the typical skoda grille.The sedate front end was the least exciting part of the vento.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) There is no complaint in  spce and comfort. Some features like usb and controls on strearing are missing.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine is very cools and smooth. Fuel economy is as claimed by Skoda.

Ride Quality & Handling Excellent.

Final Words Except dealer service everything is fine. Sales boys bahaves while enquiry that they are giving us free. They behave abnormally while asking about accessories. While asking more details, they say, if you want to take this book it now or leave the showrrom.

This is not in one showrroom. I have checked in various dealers in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Aurangabad and Kolhapur. Before buying this is the behavoiur, I can only imagine about the post sales service.

Areas of improvement Behaviior of slaes guys in showrroom.

EverythingDealer service, worst behavoiur of sales boys in showrooms

After 3 months of thorough research I finally took my decision. My choices were Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Skoda Rapid (all Automatic Transmission). Finally I bought Verna since I liked the features and I am mainly looking out for City drive. 

However I thought I would put my comments since I spent so much time researching and test-driving Skoda Rapid.

Exterior Good looks, like any Skoda.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) 4 seater car. 5 guys cant sit comfortably due to the height of middle bar at rear seat. Power steering is excellent, effortless, felt much better than Corrolla Altis. 
No USB controls for Audio system. Odd audio system looks. Not upto 2011-12 year models in honda, hyundai and other cars.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Not sure about fuel economy. Performance  is superb. Good suspension on back seat. I tried the AT version so, cannot comment on Gearbox.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality and handling is superb.

Final Words I liked Hyundai interiors, I wont care much about the interior quality.

Areas of improvement Things I mentioned in the Cons  can be improved.

Excellent power steering, good suspension4 seater car, dull interior colors, no steering controls, no usb on audio system,

You may want to take time to read this and decide, if you wish to buy a Skoda product or not.

Please be advised that those who plan to buy a Skoda Rapid should expect no customer service or car service from Skoda service centers at all, especially in NOIDA.

Also please be cautious that Skoda India will be least bothered to help you in case of dire need.

I have a lot to tell, but would restrict my experience to be shared in this forum / review as –  not worthy enough to spend a huge money buying Skoda products, especially Rapid.

If you can, in any way, afford to leave your Skoda car at a roadside, in case the engine comes to a halt suddenly, go ahead and buy one. No one in India is going to come and rescue you from the problems and painful moments that you will experience. The Skoda roadside assistance program will also fail to provide you support.

Car Make: Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI Elegance MT; Manufacturing Month / Year: January 2012

After my car's first service in Feb 2013, there were many things which were not upto my expectations, especially when you are paying for them. Anyways, let me give you a brief summary of the critical and painful expereince with Skoda. The intelligent service engineers and highly ambitious customer advisor / supervisor overlooked the problem I was facing with the engine, which resulted in a constant engine and glow plug warning light always on and flashing, followed by a complete breakdown of my newly serviced car the next day. I was left unattended for days and only after my constant e-mails and calls to both Skoda India and Nawab Motors Service Center, there was little which Skoda or Service Center could do. It took them 5 days to identify problem, came with a lame excuse of delay due to a faulty part (which still in not replaced and been promised for weeks now). To add to my misery, I was not provided with a courtesy vehicle (considering they “promised” me one over phone – some, so claimed, senior person in customer care called me from Skoda India on 4th day of my car at service center).  

This car, which still misses some critical engine parts, runs at “mercy” of Skoda and I, have to drive the car on mercy of God.  All the trust and promises Skoda made during the sale of the car, are worthless and have no value.

Today, the car doesn't have a responsive steering and misses during gear shifts. I wish if I can take this matter to a law, but then, a common man can does not have time for all this. Instead, I have ensured that Skoda products are not purchased from my organization (where I work).

Let me re-iterate – please do not spend your hard earned money and precious time with this “zero customer focus and insensitive to customer” company.

Instead go for a product from another well established car brand in India.

For me, I am going to sell this Skoda Rapid immediately, probably wait for some time to relax, unwind, re-energise myself and buy a good product from an automobile company of good repute and a better customer experience.

Anyone, who wishes to reach out to me, please do so. I have all communications in e-mails which are sufficient to prove my bitter Skoda experience - with details of Service Center and Skoda India key persons.

styleengine

Exterior Looks Superb, a head turner, no mud flaps provided by even distributor.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort

Has good leg space, seats are hard and stiff, you are bound to get back pain during long journey

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Smooth and great on highway, pick up is superb, fuel economy could have been better.

Ride Quality & Handling Lovely, gives confidence on highways.

Final Words Great Car. The service given by Shrine Auto Pvt Ltd Kolhapur was excellent, the sales representative had full knowledge of the car and convinced me to bye this car.Had a bad experience from JMD Auto India Pvt Ltd, Navi Mumbai, did not have Diesel model for display and had only petrol car, the sales staff was literally doing favor by showing the car.

Areas of improvement  Skoda is known for high maintenance cost, to prove this wrong none of the distributor had spareparts price and its comparison.

Exterior, Interior, Engine Performance lovely pickupDoor are not getting locked from inside, concern of Child safety

Exterior The car has the classic Skoda front and good overall looks. The car has a masculine look and at the same time it's.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The interiors are extremely appealing and simply by the looks, are better that its cousin, the Vento. The overall seating is very comfortable. The interiors look sophisticated. The material used in the car is very nice and gives one a very rich feeling.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Going by the performance of earlier Skodas, no one should worry about the Engine performance. Having driven a few hundred Kms by now, I can say that engine, clutch, and gearbox are the smoothest. The Gearbox for the automatic version is sleek and neat while other Manual transmission is smooth too.

Ride Quality & Handling The best car in this segment. Skoda will never compromise on this. Great work.

Final Words If you want a driver's car that will give you performance, driving pleasure, and comfort along with a lot style, then Skoda Rapid is the perfect car for you! The price on offer doesn't create a hole in your pocket too. And yes, thanks to Skoda's marketing tactics, the quality of the car isn't compromised to accommodate the lower price like some of its competitors!

Areas of improvement Some minor features have to be added. e.g., bluetooth and steering mounted audio controls.

Style, performance, speed, interiors, and comfortSome cosmetic features missing

Exterior Looks like fabia sibling from front , from side its like superb , from back it looks like laura.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Beautiful interior with two tone mocca ivory colour.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The best car in diesel, all skoda diesel cars gives exellent mileage.

Ride Quality & Handling Superb braking,From the beginning skoda is known for safety and comfort.

Final Words No compromise in quality and pricing, Built quality is good, Air bag is available for Mid variant also. For petrol you can choose automatic variant. Good service interval. less noise, No vibrations.

Areas of improvement It could be More Awesome if they increased More color options, They given same color option as Fabia they have given same fabia type 14 inch wheels (On mid variant). it could be better if increased. And steering mounted audio control. Only Mp3 player is given, DVD option shold be given atleast for the Top end. No skoda vehicles are having DVD player Not even For SUPERB.

Interior, Comfortable drive , Boot space , leg spaceSame Fabia looks ,

Exterior Nice, apart from the outer design where the windows go up and down from. a very old school design used there, so it  gets filled with dirt and dust. shocking design use in todays age and time.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Decent but for the top end ,after paying 10.20 i would expect atleast an mp3 player. wish the child lock was automactic and not manual.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and GearboxMy engine is of poor quality or whatever, it keeps showing up warning displays. the cars been for servicing. the situation has still not improved. fuel economy is ok for a diesel. the gear box is alright.

Ride Quality & Handling Good.

Final Words Bought in April,this car has been nothing but trouble. First one week it kept pulling to the left. The service staff at moti nagar had oversmart and false explanations for this.I noticed from the data base that all rapids for servicing that day had the same problem.It took me three trips to the service station and I m still not fully satisfied that the problem is resolved and another problem props up:- the warning displays of the car keep coming on. Took it for servicing. The problem is still not resolved. another problem that one fin in the air blower was lose , when i gave it for servicing ,they returned it with all fins broken. I v complained to them,and have nt heard since then.Called up their customer care like 50 times since i v bought this car. They need to be held responsable.My car has only one 1500 kms and its a diesel. PLEASE NO ONE BUY A SKODA. THIS IS FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. YOU WILL REGRET IT.

Areas of improvement Improve the quality. make a better engine and LEARN TO RESPECT YOUR CUSTOMERS, there are a 100 car makers for us to chose from.

Just the lookPoor quality, not for the indian roads, unrealiable engine, bad customer service.