By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist

Discover more from Tim at www.carwriteups.co.uk / Twitter @carwriteups

This car is more budget than bling; but that in itself is no problem.

The new hatchback from ŠKODA has space for five-up and, in 1.2 TSI Sport guise, can extract up to 52.3mpg out of a tank. Also, with emissions of just 125g/km, the car is cost-effective to run as a company vehicle.

When it comes to thrills and spills the ŠKODA Rapid isn’t really quite as speedy as its name suggests. The small petrol turbo engine under the bonnet of the Czech-made motor powers it from rest to 62mph in 10.3 seconds and upwards to 121mph. It’s fairly measured going.

As well as the less than prompt performance, the Rapid feels skittish at motorway speeds and the steering is too light to inspire confidence. The plastic trim is disappointing compared with, say, the more executive-focused ŠKODA Superb but, in its favour the Sport grade, on test here, does look good and comes stacked with kit.

Key features include; Black door mirrors; sports seats and pedals; electrically heated door mirrors, leather three spoke steering wheel; and a Mobile Device Interface (MDI). It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel too; the height adjustable seating and adaptable reach/rake steering column makes this possible.

If you opt for the Sport model you’ll also benefit from 17 inch Black Ray alloy wheels, and a cool looking rear spoiler. But no matter which variant of the Rapid you drive, you’ll find access to the boot easy and the load space square and practical in this, the seventh car in ŠKODA’s award-winning range.

Crucially, with good Benefit in Kind (BIK) ratings, the ŠKODA Rapid is expected to provide a shot in the arm to the brand’s rapidly growing fleet sales.

On-the-road pricing for this car is £15,840.

PROS ‘N’ CONS

• Economical √
• Stacked with kit √
• Practical load area √
• Good-looking √
• Less than ‘rapid’ performance X
• Interior plastics X

FAST FACTS

• Max speed: 121 mph
• 0-62 mph: 10.3 secs
• Combined mpg: 52.3
• Engine: 1197cc 4 cylinder 8 valve turbo petrol
• power (bhp): 103
• torque (lb/ft): 129
• CO2: 125 g/km
• Price: £15,840 on the road