The Skoda Rapid, introduced in 2012, is a compact hatchback designed primarily for the European market. Positioned between the Fabia and Octavia in Skoda’s lineup, the Rapid aimed to offer a practical and affordable family vehicle with a spacious interior and a focus on value. While not officially sold in the United States, the Rapid represents Skoda’s commitment to producing well-engineered vehicles that cater to the needs of everyday drivers. This article details the 2012-2015 Skoda Rapid 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) model, focusing on its technical specifications and features.
Skoda Rapid 1.2 TSI: An Overview
The Skoda Rapid, launched in July 2012 and continuing in production until 2015 for this specific configuration, was intended as a modern, versatile hatchback. It was designed to appeal to families and individuals seeking a practical and economical vehicle. The 1.2 TSI engine variant, producing 105 horsepower, was a popular choice due to its balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Rapid distinguished itself with a large trunk capacity for its class, making it a compelling option in the competitive European hatchback segment.
Engine & Performance
The 2012 Skoda Rapid 1.2 TSI is powered by a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the EA111 / CBZB. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance. It produces a maximum power output of 105 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1550 and 4100 rpm. This configuration allows for a respectable 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.3 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.8 seconds. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.2 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 6.7 kg/Nm. The engine displaces 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) and delivers a power per liter output of 87.7 Hp/l. The Rapid achieves a combined fuel consumption of 5 liters per 100 kilometers (47 US mpg or 56.5 UK mpg), with urban and extra-urban figures of 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) and 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg) respectively. The engine meets Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Skoda Rapid is a five-door hatchback with a practical and functional design. It offers seating for five passengers and boasts a particularly generous trunk space, ranging from a minimum of 550 liters (19.42 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4483 mm (176.5 in.) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in.) in width, and 1461 mm (57.52 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2602 mm (102.44 in.). The kerb weight is 1175 kg (2590.43 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1635 kg (3604.56 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 460 kg (1014.13 lbs). The Rapid features a McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, and a torsion beam rear suspension. Braking is provided by disc brakes on all four wheels, assisted by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The steering system is a rack and pinion type with electric power steering. Standard tire sizes include 175/70 R14 and 185/60 R15, mounted on 5.0J x 14 and 6.0J x 15 wheel rims respectively.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Rapid |
| Generation | Rapid (2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1550-4100 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA111 / CBZB |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1175 kg (2590.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1635 kg (3604.56 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1490 l (52.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4483 mm (176.5 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1461 mm (57.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2602 mm (102.44 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The Skoda Rapid 1.2 TSI, while not available in the US market, represented a significant offering in the European compact hatchback segment. Its combination of practicality, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior made it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a reliable and affordable vehicle. The 1.2 TSI engine provided a good balance of performance and economy, cementing the Rapid’s position as a competitive option in its class.
