Peas in a Pod: Vento & Rapid

Fabia-resembeling front styling

I know that the twins can be identical. But, what about step-brothers?? The case in point is the new Rapid saloon from Skoda and the VW Vento.

It is an undeniable fact that the Rapid is considerably distinctive front face – the Fabia-resembeling headlamps, grille and the hood-line, with tad-looking fog lamps. The rear styling has an additional design line on both sides of the number plate in the boot lid and the insides of the tail lamps are more Skoda-like. The Rapid’s rear looks much better than the Vento’s except the company’s logo, which looks a bit smaller. The rest of the car remains unchanged compared to the Vento and the same is amply clear when you view the Rapid in profile! Take a look at the car from the sides, you‘ll be perplexed to tell it as a different car. The wheel arches, side mirrors, three pillars, door handles, belt line….. everything remains identical. 

Then what about the interiors?? Only the steering wheel and its integrated logo must remind you that it is a Skoda and not a Vento. The dashboard, the AC vents, the door trims and even the climate control interface is the same. But missing is the leather upholstery and the steering mounted controls even in the top of the line Elegance trim. The clocks too are different and instead of chrome trimming in the surrounds of AC vents and in the central console, Skoda has decided to go in for a glossy black finish. Overall the Rapid’s interior is user friendly and exciting as the VW. In fact, it also comes with Vento’s unique feature of adjusting the front passenger seat from the rear.

Rapid’s rear looks much better than the Vento’s

Just like the Polo and the Fabia hatches, these two saloons also share common engines. The Rapid comes with the same 1.6 litre four cylinder petrol and diesel motors. The diesel variant is of the family is obviously more fun-to-drive and exciting, though the petrol variant is equivalently capable with identical power outputs.

So, can we expect the same sort of market response to the Rapid like its step-brother? Will it gain a good reputation identical to the Vento?? The initial customer response is encouraging. Provided the fact that the Rapid is priced lower that the Vento, it is expected to compete mainly in the Etios, Manza and the Dzire class. Considering the Vento-ish traits and the lower price, the Rapid scores well in terms of value-for-money.  It is definitely going to be a successful Skoda just like the departed Octavia.