Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI review, road test

The top-spec Monte Carlo variant is equipped with a tilt and telescopic steering, auto headlamps and wipers, cruise control, 16-inch alloys, tinted windows, auto-dimming mirror, electric folding mirrors and a reversing camera. Skoda has added a new Android-based 8.0-inch touchscreen system loaded with multiple apps (usable via your smartphone’s Wi-Fi), and it also supports phone mirroring via a third-party app. While the resolution is crisp, the interface isn’t very slick or intuitive, and most users will miss the sheer simplicity of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both of which are conspicuously missing.

The lower-spec Style variant gets side airbags (missing on the Monte Carlo due to the seat covers it gets). Overall, the competition is better equipped with features like a sunroof, LED headlamps, wireless charging, cooled seats, ESP, side and curtain airbags and a tyre pressure monitor, all of which are missing from the Rapid’s list.