The Skoda Rapid, produced from 2012 to 2019, was a compact hatchback designed to offer practicality and value. While not officially sold in the United States, the Rapid was a significant model for Skoda in the European market, positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The 2015-2017 model year featuring the 1.4 TDI engine with a Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) represents a popular configuration, emphasizing fuel efficiency and ease of driving. This vehicle aimed to provide a spacious interior and a large trunk within a relatively affordable package.
Skoda Rapid 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG: An Overview
The Skoda Rapid, particularly the 1.4 TDI DSG variant, was engineered to appeal to buyers seeking a sensible and economical vehicle. Skoda, a Czech automaker now part of the Volkswagen Group, focused on delivering a car that combined functionality with modern technology. The Rapid’s design prioritized interior space and usability, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike. The 1.4 TDI engine, coupled with the DSG transmission, offered a balance between performance and fuel economy, catering to the demands of European drivers facing higher fuel costs and stricter emissions regulations.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2015-2017 Skoda Rapid 1.4 TDI is a 1.4-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This engine produces 90 horsepower (Hp) and 230 Newton-meters (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The engine code is EA288 / CUSB. The use of a turbocharger and intercooler helps to maximize power output while maintaining efficiency. The engine’s inline configuration and common rail diesel injection system contribute to smooth operation and reduced emissions. Paired with a 7-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission, the Rapid 1.4 TDI achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 11.2 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 13.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Skoda Rapid is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its design is characterized by clean lines and a practical, no-nonsense aesthetic. 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. A key feature of the Rapid is its generous trunk space, offering 550 liters (19.42 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The Rapid incorporates essential safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The steering system is a rack and pinion type with electric power steering. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1180 kg (2601.45 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1715 kg (3780.93 lbs). The Rapid also includes a particulate filter to reduce harmful emissions, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Rapid |
| Generation | Rapid (2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | May, 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 99 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp |
| Power per litre | 63.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / CUSB |
| Engine displacement | 1422 cm3 (86.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.4 l (8.88 US qt | 7.39 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1180 kg (2601.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1715 kg (3780.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Length | 4483 mm (176.5 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1461 mm (57.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2602 mm (102.44 in.) |
| Front track | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
