What to buy: polo or rapid. Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Rapid: car comparison and which is better

Currently, it is difficult to surprise anyone with cars running on the same platform. Despite the fact that the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Rapid are created on almost the same platform, there are many differences that a potential buyer, and even just a person interested in automotive topics, should be aware of. You shouldn’t pay too much attention to the differences in bodies and luggage compartment volumes, let’s just say that they are just different and that’s all. It is much more important to turn Special attention on the vehicle configurations, what features are included, and also what the cost of these same configurations is. Only by assessing the variety of variations can you understand which is better, or.

For comparative test, four different options will be taken: the basic configuration, which has a minimum set of functional features, as well as the middle configuration, special versions operating on an automatic transmission:

• The first version of the car was called Life by Polo.
• The second version was called Monte Carlo from Rapid.

The most representative versions of cars, called DSG, will also be presented.

The simplest car variation

Most cheap car from the Skoda company will cost a potential buyer at least 604 thousand rubles. In this case, the car has a rather modest engine of 90 Horse power, with a volume of 1.6 liters, and also has a five-speed manual transmission transmission This car has absolutely nothing in terms of additional features. There is not even an audio system or simple air conditioning. The savings were maximum, and even the rear headrest was included in this same savings. This version The car will only be used in a taxi. Despite this, even people engaged in private transportation try to choose a slightly higher quality version, which is called Active. At least here there is air conditioning as an additional option.

As for the Polo car, here in basic configuration, also nothing special to brag about. In this case, the same 1.6-liter engine is used, running at 90 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. Despite this, there are electric windows. Despite the fact that the price is almost the same, Rapid still looks better. The fact is that the Rapid has much more free space for rear passengers. However, if you choose slightly richer versions, then preference should be given to Polo cars. As for the Trendline option, it will cost 40 thousand rubles more, but it will already have a high-quality air conditioner. If you pay an additional 19 thousand, you will be able to take advantage of heated mirrors and windshield, as well as a high-quality audio system. Regarding the execution called Asset, it will cost 660 thousand rubles. At the same time, in order to take advantage of the pleasant nuances in the form of heating and air conditioning, you will need to pay another 50 thousand rubles. Here's a more visual representation.

Quality budget employee

Skoda Rapid

• Price – 604 thousand rubles.
• Engine – 1.6 liters, 90 horsepower.
• A five-speed manual gearbox is used.
• There is no air conditioning.
• There is no audio system.
• There is no connector for using mobile gadgets.
• Power windows are only front.
• Heated mirrors, seats and windshield absent.
• There are no fog lights.

Volkswagen Polo

In this case, almost the same equipment is used, but it is possible to use electric windows for all doors. Also in this case the cost is slightly lower - 599 thousand 900 rubles.

Average equipment

Now it’s worth paying attention to the middle trim levels, which have slightly more comfortable performance and automatic transmission transmission The Skoda Rapid Ambition produces 110 horsepower and is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The cost of this option is 864 thousand rubles. This configuration includes high-quality air conditioning, a reliable audio system, high-quality heated seats in the front of the car and mirrors, in addition there are also anti-fog elements. The Polo version was equipped in exactly the same way, which, despite all this, costs almost 100 thousand rubles less. In addition, if you add another 20 thousand rubles to this cost, then it will be possible to use climate control, albeit for one zone. In addition, in this case it is possible to use a heated windshield. Thus, in this case, the Polo wins, since it doesn’t make much sense to overpay 100 thousand rubles for a more capacious trunk and interior.

Skoda Rapid

• Price – 864 thousand rubles.
• Engine – 1.6 liters, 110 horsepower.
• Automatic six-speed transmission.
• There is air conditioning and an audio system.
• There are front and rear types of power windows.
• There are heated front seats and side mirrors.
• No heated windshield.
• There are fog lights.

As for the Polo car, it has exactly the same characteristics, but its cost is only 769 thousand 900 rubles.

Specialized versions of Life and Monte Carlo

Now the time has come special versions which look quite attractive. As for Rapid cars, in this case there is a Monte Carlo version, which can be purchased with all available engines and gearboxes. A motor operating at 90 horsepower will in this case cost 874 thousand rubles. This is indeed a hefty price. However, in this case, sports elements will be used, such as: higher quality and comfortable steering wheel, sports seats and bi-xenon headlights, which are significantly better than the standard version. In the event that you need to use the 110 horsepower option and an automatic transmission, you will have to pay 950 thousand rubles.

As for the Polo car, it has a Life version. In this case, the car looks a little more standard, but there are also sporty elements. However, in this case the price is somewhat different. For the option that operates at 90 horsepower, you will need to pay only 669 thousand 900 rubles. If you want to use a higher-quality engine with 110 horsepower, you will need to pay 754 thousand 900 rubles. It is much cheaper than a competitor, but the characteristics are almost identical. In this case, it is possible to use high-quality leather steering wheel, as well as a much better audio system. Thus, this option can be called a wonderful alternative to the Comfotline variation, but the Rapid option is suitable only for those people who want to stand out and not save their money.

Skoda Rapid

• Cost 950 thousand rubles.
• The engine produces 110 horsepower and has a displacement of 1.6 liters.
• 6-speed automatic transmission.
• There is air conditioning.
• There are high-quality sports seats and steering wheel.
• There is high-quality heated front seats and mirrors.
• No heated windshield.
• High-quality light-alloy wheels are installed.
• There are bi-xenon headlights.

Volkswagen Polo

In this case, there is no sports steering wheel and seats, as well as alloy wheels and bi-xenon headlights. However, the cost in this case is 754 thousand 900 rubles.

The most expensive versions of cars

Until 2017, it was possible to use a turbocharged engine exclusively in the Polo, but now a GT variation has appeared, which has a 1.4-liter engine and a seven-speed DSG. As for the Skoda with a turbo engine, in the Style version, it costs 950 thousand rubles, as well as the variation Monte Carlo with naturally aspirated engine. There is no sports steering wheel and seat in the Style version, as well as bi-xenon headlights.

Skoda Rapid Style

• Price 950 thousand rubles.
• The engine produces 125 horsepower and has a displacement of 1.4 liters TSI.
• Transmission
• No heated windshield.
• It is possible to use climate control and a functional steering wheel.
• There are heated seats in the front.
• 15-inch alloy wheels.
• There are no special parking sensors.

Polo GT

In this case, the cost is exactly 894 thousand rubles. However, there is no multifunction steering wheel or cruise control. But there are alloy wheels by 16 inches.

Ultimately, both cars are worth considering. First of all, you should choose according to external data and additional features, because in all other respects, these two options are absolutely identical to each other.

There is a constant fierce struggle for consumers among car manufacturers in the budget segment. In Russia, this is the most desirable piece of the market, due to the low incomes of the population. Today we will look at two cars that compete with each other not only within the market, but also within the same concern. Skoda Rapid And Volkswagen Polo– these are bright, interesting representatives of the B-class for the masses. Moreover, the cars are made on the same platform.

The Skoda Rapid was designed on the basis of Volkswagen, because the Polo entered the market much earlier. The creators had a simple task - to make the car visually and technically larger than its competitor, since this parameter is closely looked at by the buyer when choosing budget car. In general, they succeeded; Rapid looks bigger and more confident in appearance. The difference is quite noticeable, minor differences are only in height.

Dimensions Polo Sedan/Skoda Rapid (2016 models):

• Length – 3970 mm and 4300 mm, respectively
• Width –1682 mm and 1706 mm respectively
• Height – 1462 mm and 1461 mm respectively

External car comparison

Appearance and appearance are purely a matter of taste. The cars are positioned in the same way, we won’t take into account the prestige of the brands, everyone likes their own. The Rapid and Polo are very similar in detail but different in their overall design approach. It’s difficult to say whose appearance is preferable, but you can compare them based on dry facts.

Exterior

Polo and Rapid have similar front optics and identical brake lights on the spoiler. The rear and front bumpers also have strong similarities. But there are a number of serious differences.

The Polo's body shape is more streamlined, which makes it similar to the Volkswagen Jetta, only smaller and more modest. The headlights are very rounded. There are practically no sharp straight lines in Polo.

Rapid is looking towards its older “sister”, Skoda Octavia. Rapid adopted from her clear straight lines and angular design. This approach, taking into account the fact that the Rapid is 33 centimeters longer than its competitor, makes it visually a little more solid than the Polo. Designers from the Czech Republic probably placed great emphasis on this when designing.

Polo interior

Volkswagen Polo shows us a fairly modern dashboard. But it is so simple and standardized that the driver has nothing to pay attention to when he is in the cabin.

The controls are conveniently located new driver gets used to them very quickly. But they look archaic. There's a general dullness in everything from the trip computer to the gingham air vents, which look like they belonged in a previous century. Practical and inexpensive materials do not spoil the picture, but also do not make the appearance better.

The spaciousness of the interior in the front of the car is not satisfactory. The driver and passenger of any size will feel comfortable during a long journey. Rear passengers are less fortunate; there is little space. If two adults feel constrained, then three people in the back will be very cramped, if their build allows them to fit in at all.

Rapid interior

Skoda Rapid looks much more modern car from the inside and more like Volkswagen cars than the Polo itself. The design of Skoda evokes only positive emotions due to its modernity and minimalism. The deflectors are made in the shape of a trapezoid and are placed in a line that runs along the entire dashboard.

The dashboard is digitized, has a futuristic blue backlight, and on-board computer looks much more modern than its direct competitor. It feels like the car is of a higher class.

The Rapid's interior is identical to the Polo's in the front, with plenty of room for driver and passenger as well. In terms of rear space, the Skoda benefits from the car's increased length. Rear passengers in particular experience more legroom, making the Rapid more suitable for long trips with the whole family.

True, there is one unpleasant feature of the Rapid's Liftback body for passengers on back seat. IN winter time, when the trunk opens, cold air hits them as the glass also rises. Particularly relevant in northern regions, where it is cold both in winter and in summer.

Trunk space

Trunk volume is one of the criteria for choosing a car, especially in the budget segment. In addition to volume, the buyer analyzes the usable space and the convenience of filling it. The Volkswagen Polo 2016 has a volume of 460 liters, the Skoda Rapid 2016 has a volume of 530 liters.

The Rapid's trunk volume is 70 liters larger, which is a strong competitive advantage. Skoda designers achieved this result thanks to the liftback body. Externally, the car looks like a sedan, but the trunk opens with rear window, like a hatchback.

This approach is not without its drawbacks, but owners are usually ready to turn a blind eye to it when they see a spacious trunk that is not available for a sedan of the same dimensions.

Among the few disadvantages of the Rapid's liftback, one can note the highly raised trunk lid, which is not always convenient to reach with your hand. Well cold air, penetrating salon. The rest is only positives.

In terms of volume and usable space, the Rapid wins hands down.

Luggage compartment equipment

Not only volume is important, but also options that allow you to use the trunk more comfortably. The designers of the Volkswagen Polo decided to make the trunk empty. The creators of Skoda have provided mounts in the trunk to which you can attach a net for food or anything else. In all other respects the equipment is identical.

It turns out that the Rapid's trunk is much larger and a little better equipped.

Power units

Since the cars are designed on the same platform, they also have the same engines. These are two 90 hp engines. and 110 hp, both with a volume of 1.6 liters. They also put it on Skoda turbocharged engine 122 hp volume 1.4 l. Polo does not yet have such units. And this is an advantage of the Czech automobile industry for those who want more.

Fuel consumption for cars with the same engine has slight differences. The Rapid consumes more due to its greater weight and different settings from the factory. Polo in the city consumes just under 10 liters per 100 km, on the highway 5.4 liters. Skoda spends 10.2 liters in the city, 6 liters on the highway. Both cars consume AI-95 gasoline.

Car performance

One platform does not equal the same ride. The Rapid has a longer wheelbase and the car itself is wider, which allows the wheelbase to be increased. Therefore, the Rapid's stability on the road is comparable to cars more high class. An additional advantage of the Rapid is the modified and reinforced suspension, which is important for Russian roads.

Skoda representatives assure that the matter is not limited to strengthening the suspension. The suspension scheme is the same for both cars, but there is design differences. Skoda has McPherson struts at the front and trailing arms with a torsion beam at the rear. This feature made the Rapid cheaper and provided more trunk space and for rear passengers. At the same time, they sacrificed comfort for rear passengers while driving.

The manual transmission on the Rapid and Polo is the same, except that Skoda engineers have improved it. They shortened the clutch lever and travel. Switching is faster and smoother. Shift response has been noticeably improved.

The Polo has power steering. The Rapid has a combination of electric power steering and hydraulic power steering. It is believed that the “Czech” approach is more modern. In practice, good handling is the merit of the suspension. A steering in cars it is quite comparable.

conclusions

It just so happened that the Polo was designed first, so competitors had a copy that could be studied and modified to look better.

The creators of Skoda did everything to stand out from the background. However, this does not mean that the Polo is much inferior. Yes, the interior and exterior design are weaker, smaller trunk, worse controllability.

But this is felt only in direct comparison; the cars drive normally separately from each other and provide comfort within the limits of their capabilities.

Volkswagen Polo sells better, which indirectly confirms the quality of the car. People become attached not only to technical characteristics, but also to the brand. Polo, being budget car for developing countries, it still remains a Volkswagen with German roots. Skoda will be preferable for scrupulous Europeans who always know what they are paying for and analyze all the advantages and disadvantages of the options.

Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo sedan? There is no winner among these machines, there are competitive advantages, advertising campaigns, positioning and the consumer's wallet. This closes the chain, and sales remain. It's always your choice!

We bring to your attention video materials

a little about Polo in video format

No matter what anyone says, European cars have always set the direction in the world market. Yes, Asians and Americans impose serious competition on them, but this is not enough to overtake the automobile companies of the Old World in popularity. The undoubted leaders in this regard are the Germans.

In today's article we will highlight Volkswagen concern and the much less successful, but quite popular Czech company Skoda. Let's compare the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Rapid - cars belonging to the compact class, and, in the end, you can choose which is better.

The Volkswagen Polo compact car is rightfully considered one of the most successful projects of the German company. Judge for yourself: throughout the 40 years of its existence, Polo has consistently been in the TOP 10 best-selling models in Europe. By the way, since 2010 the car has been assembled using full-cycle technology in Kaluga. So, the model debuted in 1975, and Polo immediately appealed to car enthusiasts due to its characteristics and relatively low cost. From 1981 to 1994, Polo 2 was assembled.

In the summer of 1994, the presentation of Polo 3 took place, which shared the platform with Seat Ibiza. In 2001, the Polo 4 was presented to the public in Frankfurt, which received an innovative, progressive design and an improved line of engines. In 2009, the Germans presented the fifth generation Polo, which to this day is a “bestseller” on the world market.

The five-door liftback Skoda Rapid, which appeared in 2012, was initially not taken seriously by competitors, since the Skoda company was never considered a giant in the global automotive industry. However, soon after the start of sales, opponents became thoughtful and began to reckon with the Czech “giant”. If you pay attention to the model range, then the Rapid is closest to the Octavia, but significantly exceeds it in size.

By the way, the model is very active at enterprises in the CIS countries, namely in the Ukrainian Solomonovo, and the Russian Kaluga. The developers offer the car in 4 configuration versions, each of which boasts relatively rich equipment. In 2012, the liftback was recognized as one of the safest on the European market.

Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo? Let's honor the veteran of the world market and give the advantage in this regard to the German car.

Appearance

The exterior of the cars may immediately seem very similar, but in fact there is a difference, and a very significant one. The appearance of the Polo is made in the traditional style model range high-tech and innovative style, but at the same time it looks very strict and practical. The latter can be said about the appearance of the Rapid, but at the same time, the car looks more dynamic and aggressive.

At the front, the Polo is equipped with a high front window, which sharply turns into a flowing hood, equipped with a pair of side longitudinal air ducts. The Rapid has a smaller front bumper, but as for the hood, it is noticeably longer and more prominent.

Bow German car equipped with a neat traditional grille and stylish concept headlights. Rapid has a very similar layout here - a proprietary false radiator grille and high-tech lights with LEDs. The lower part of the bumper for both models is made in a very similar style - a wide narrowed air intake, on both sides of which LED foglights are installed.

From the side, the cars are almost identical, although this is not at all uncommon for all representatives of the compact class. I would like to highlight the falling domed roof, large doors, volumetric stampings and stylish wheel arches. From the point of view of the aerodynamic properties of the body, the German car looks more streamlined, although this could have been guessed in the last paragraph.

There are also no special surprises at the back - a compact rear cover, a powerful bumper and branded lights.

We will not argue with experts, and will also give preference appearance Volkswagen Polo.

Station wagon and hatchback

In addition to sedans, cars come off the assembly line in other bodies: Polo hatchback and Rapid station wagon.

Salon

Without even looking inside the cars, one can assume that the interior of the Polo is better? This is a very bold and at the same time well-reasoned statement - few people have managed to surpass the Germans in interior design. Although, contrary to all forecasts, the Czechs have come very close to their competitors in this regard, most likely this is due to the fact that the same specialists were involved in the design.

The interior of the cars was designed according to the traditional features of the model range, so the interior design of the Polo is strict, but at the same time very innovative. The Rapid's interior is also very strict and laconic, but in terms of equipment it is clearly inferior to its opponent. Just look at the Polo's multifunctional steering wheel, and the Rapid's regular steering wheel.

However, there is more free space in the cabin of the Czech model, and this is due to the decent overall dimensions of the car. The finishing materials of Polo and Rapid are very simple and practical, but chosen with taste. It is immediately clear that the designers did not devote too much time to this aspect. In any case, more complete information about the car interior can only be obtained after a personal test drive.

Specifications

The “stuffing” of a car is the main aspect by which it is judged. However, compare specifications very difficult, because you have to make titanic efforts in order to achieve maximum objectivity. We breathed a sigh of relief when we learned that in 2017 the companies released regular updates to their models, which we will contrast.

Polo and Rapid are equipped with 1.6 liter petrol engines that operate exclusively on the front axle. It is worth noting immediately that power units Both cars were developed by Volkswagen specialists, and this is not surprising, because the Germans and Czechs have always worked closely together. Even taking into account the fact that the motors of both models have the same volume and identical parameter settings, they differ noticeably in power.

The Rapid unit produces 110 horsepower, which is 20 “horses” more than the Polo. However, due to the fact that the “German” is lighter than his counterpart (we’ll talk about specific numbers below), he is more dynamic and maneuverable. For example, the Polo's acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 11.4 s, versus 11.6 s for today's competitor. After this, no one should be surprised by the fact that the Polo is more economical - 5.8 l/6.1 l per hundred. As for the transmission, the Rapid is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Polo with a five-speed manual transmission.

In respect of overall dimensions the situation is as follows: Rapid is 93 mm longer than Polo, but 4 mm lower than it. The wheelbase is 50 mm longer on the Czech car. Ground clearance Rapid is also higher – 170 mm/163 mm. Since the Polo is smaller than its counterpart, it is not surprising that it is lighter: 1159 kg/1205 kg. The luggage compartment capacity is greater for the Rapid – 530 l/460 l. Concerning rims, then the Rapid is equipped with 15-inch, and the Polo with 14-inch elements.

Price

The average price in Russia is 725 thousand rubles. His German opponent will cost approximately 600 thousand rubles.

Many critics predicted the Skoda Rapid to be a complete failure due to its untimely appearance on the market. There were opinions that he was late, but the car appeared exactly on the deadline set by Lyubomir Nayman, director of Volkswagen Group Rus.

However, evil tongues “ordered to live long” for the entire B+ class, but judging by the demand for this market segment, everyone was wrong.

Those who believed in the new product from Skoda were counting on a lower price than its fellow VW Polo, but here everything turned out the other way around.

In this regard, we decided to draw a comparative parallel between these two European public sector employees.

For a true result, we also took the Polo sedan.

As for engines, the Volkswagen Polo has 1.6 liters, and the Skoda Rapid has 1.2 liters. The number of horses is the same, so that it is “fair”. All that remains is to determine who is better - Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo?

Let's start with the exterior and dimensions of the cars

Both cars clearly took cues from their older brothers. But if Polo can hardly be compared with Volkswagen Jetta, then Rapid looks like a mini copy. And this is not bad, on the contrary, it’s pleasant.

If we talk about the exterior design, then the German brother’s is slightly outdated than the “freshly released” Czech one. After all, Volkswagen has been produced since 2010, and Skoda since 2012. But in general, the classic shapes of the Polo will remain in fashion for a long time. As for the Rapid, it looks more aggressive and sporty, like the entire line of models of the Czech brand.

Racks of competitors

Thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase (2552 at Polo, 2602 at Rapid) The Czech car has many advantages, one of which is the increase in luggage compartment to 530 liters, compared to 460 liters of the Volkswagen Polo.

And if we take into account the opening option - a liftback, then the Rapid will undoubtedly win here both in terms of the amount of space in the trunk and the dimensions of the cargo being transported. The only disadvantage of the liftback is the high opening of the fifth door, which is why this cannot be done in any place. Everything else is a complete plus.

If you look around luggage compartment Polo, it turns out that the trunk lid has slats on the sides, which is why it is impossible to completely fill the luggage compartment. The loading dimensions also leave much to be desired - bulky cargo will not fit. But on the other hand, this is the absolute norm for a sedan, which is the Volkswagen Polo.

Car interiors and dimensions

Here it is worth continuing with the next advantage of the Rapid - after all, the increased wheelbase also added a few centimeters to the rear passengers. They will not rest their knees on the backs of the front seats even with the seats fully pushed back. And comfort for a gallery in class B is rare and valuable.

“Residents” of the second row will also be pleasantly pleased with the overhead lights, cup holders and pockets in the car doors.

In comparison with the Rapid, the Polo will lose both in terms of interior dimensions and comfort for rear passengers.

Now let's look at the interior of the front of the tested cars

Let's start, according to tradition, with the Czech. The dashboard of the car looks fresh, logical, and stylish. Its design uses the highest quality materials for this class, however, only in top trim levels. The steering wheel is then covered with leather, there is an armrest, a bright-looking radio and many other convenient things.

If we compare the minimum configurations of cars, then the Polo will look more advantageous in terms of functionality. Although it is the design of the dashboard and seats that the German has that is more massive, even “clumsy”. If you compare it with the Rapid seats, the second one has much better lateral support, and the seats themselves are more fashionable.

The Czech car is equipped with a white, easily readable backlight, while German car has a long-used blurry red.

Rapid's on-board computer produces a huge amount necessary information– instant fuel consumption, power reserve, shows the current gear and recommends which one to switch to, and this is all even with a manual transmission. This is not the case in Polo.

Steering wheel The Skoda Rapid of the simplest configuration does not have reach adjustment, which the Volkswagen Polo can boast of. However, this function is already available in the average configuration.

But the Czech has seat height adjustment in any configuration, which the German does not have.

Competitive handling and technical characteristics

Thanks to the same slightly increased wheelbase, the Skoda Rapid liftback has improved handling. Since the platform not only became longer, but also received an expanded track (1460/1498 – has Polo, 1463/1500 – Rapid). The Czech is more stable on the road and takes turns like a cast member, which creates a desire to drive. Polo is also doing quite well, but there is still a certain lack of consistency.

As for the Rapid's suspension, it is stiffer than that of the Polo. Therefore, we protect the plus for the German.

The same applies to ground clearance- for a German car it is 170 mm, while for a Czech car it is only 140 mm.

In terms of acceleration, there is no difference between the “brothers”; both start well and easily; these engines have more than enough power for the city.

The Polo is clearly inferior in the number of engines offered; it has only one - 1.6 liters.

Rapid has as many as three engines - 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 liters.

Skoda Rapid also holds the lead in the number of gearboxes offered; it has three of them: mechanical, robotic and automatic.

Volkswagen Polo can provide a choice of two: manual and automatic.

Drawing a conclusion from the above, we can say with confidence that Rapid will have more fans than Polo. However, both cars occupy their niche in model line brands are not accidental, and should have differences both externally and in the interior. The main thing is that they will both become good comrades on the road.

There are many simply good universities, and then there is Princeton and a few other ivy-covered old buildings. Graduating from here guarantees a good position, connections and a bit of snobbery - even after all those books about how people are born equal. If you look at the most democratic of the segments of the car market, then there is a place for division into classes.

It all starts with those at whom everyone laughs, and then they go to buy - Ladas and chinese cars. The next level of brand perception: Hyundai Solaris/Kia Rio who taught the world what inexpensive car can be beautiful. Here are the French trying to do the same thing with less success. And finally, Volkswagen Polo, for which the status of the manufacturing country from the top European league and, in fact, the brand itself plays. Skoda Rapid, which appeared at a time when Polo sedan was already desperately in need of an update. And he waited for it, and we compared the updated German with the Czech platform.

Front parking sensors, a bright instrument panel, good acoustics and a three-spoke steering wheel - is this really a Polo? At the press park, the updated bestseller was given out in the evening, just before closing, so it was not possible to examine all the changes in appearance. I got behind the wheel closer to midnight and after a couple of kilometers a suspicion arose that this was not a Polo, but a Jetta. But all the dots have been dotted tram rails on Andropov Avenue - it seems that not even GAZelles pass here with such a roar. The co-platform Skoda Rapid is a completely different matter. The suspension is softer, it’s quieter inside, but the liftback looks too simple even in top-end configuration with 16-inch wheels and a small spoiler on the fifth door. Polo wins with its utilitarianism and harmony, Rapid with its spaciousness and dynamics unthinkable in the segment. But what to choose?

Polo and Rapid are built on the same PQ25 platform, but these models cannot be considered twin brothers. Polo Sedan was created with an eye, first of all, on Russian market. In Europe, the model is sold only in a hatchback body, and in a year a new generation will debut there, and it will only have a name in common with the Russian Polo. Rapid, on the contrary, is a European model, the production of which was localized in Kaluga last year. But here’s a paradox: while the budget liftback has taken root in the Russian market and consistently makes it into the list of best-selling models according to the AEB, in Europe the Rapid failed - the model is not even in the top 50 for the first half of the year.

Polo Sedan debuted on the Russian market in 2010, and has only now undergone its first restyling. Poor sound insulation and a very stiff suspension remained unchanged, but the sedan was significantly transformed in appearance. And this is especially important: in last years Polo began to lose more and more market share to the powdered Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio. The too utilitarian and boring sedan was also inferior to the “Koreans” in the list of equipment.

Now Polo definitely looks no worse than its competitors. The front part is especially good: there is chrome in the bumper edging, a large radiator grille and new xenon optics (the prerogative of high trim levels). Another option, which has nothing to do with the budget segment, is also noticeable externally - these are front parking sensors. No one in this class has that at all.

Compared to the restyled Polo, the Czech liftback does not look outdated. The Rapid is very similar to the older Octavia, which can only be considered a plus: rectangular optics, very correct body features and large side glazing. The top version also has a small spoiler on the fifth door. The Rapid, unlike the Polo, is equipped in the maximum configuration with 16-inch alloy wheels.

Rectangular deflectors made of cheap plastic, a coal-black front panel and simple finishing materials - this is how the Polo remained after restyling. The changes boiled down to a new three-spoke steering wheel and the ability to order an option with a two-tone interior. However, it is wrong to look for soft plastic and leather in the budget segment. Here the manufacturer’s ability to work with what he has comes to the fore, so creating the interior of an inexpensive model is often more difficult than doing the same in a premium one. On the one hand, the Rapid's interior is also nothing special - the same cheap materials and modular front panel. The Czechs approached the design more carefully. They added chrome here, black varnish here, and changed the texture of the plastic.

It is very easy to distinguish Polo from Rapid on the move - and this despite the common platform. In the case of the Czech liftback, which entered the market four years after the debut of the “German,” the chassis was subjected to some modifications. Engineers increased the wheelbase and widened the track, thanks to which the Rapid received not only more spacious interior, but also better handling. The type of suspension for the Rapid and Polo is the same (MacPherson strut at the front and torsion beam at the rear), but there are design differences from the Polo. The suspension was strengthened for heavier engines (in Europe Rapid is sold with turbodiesels) and received thick stabilizers lateral stability. Moreover, the suspension of the Russian Rapid also differs from the European version. At the liftback Kaluga assembly reinforced levers and steering rods.

It’s not easy to break through the suspension on a dirt road: the ride here is almost like that of a city crossover. But a bad road is always reminded by the type and size of tires, which in no way fits into the concept of a “state employee”: the top-end Rapid has R16 wheels with soft Pirelli tires 225/45.

The most expensive Volkswagen Polo is not afraid of potholes or large waves. You can pass almost any unevenness painlessly without slowing down. Most noticeable disadvantage of Polo- This drum brakes on the rear wheels. This solution was used here to reduce the cost of the design (the Polo hatchback, like the Rapid, has disc brakes). At low speeds the sedan brakes well, but at highway speeds of 110 km/h it slows down reluctantly; every time you have to push the pedal. The Rapid does not have this problem: the top version has disc brakes at the front and rear. They grab on instantly, like on the older Octavia, but the ABS could have worked a little later: you begin to feel the feedback in the pedal even on wet asphalt in urban modes.

If previously state employees were characterized by low-power motors (remember, for example, Renault Symbol), but now everything is completely different. Top Rapid with 1.4-liter TSI (122 hp) and robotic box DSG will outperform absolutely everyone in its segment from a standstill. The fastest representative of the B-class ( Skoda Fabia RS doesn’t count) every time it provokes you to turn off the stabilization system, which roughly cuts off traction as soon as you start accelerating quickly.

Nagatinskaya embankment, 6 am, traffic light. Next to it (for some reason, under the arrow) is a previous Mercedes-Benz C180 with huge black wheels and a small Nürburgring sticker on the rear left window. The latter hints that there will be a race now. In first gear, the “German” has more chances due to better torque and rear wheel drive, but after 60 km/h the Mercedes was left out of work: as soon as the DSG switched to second gear, the Rapid was one and a half lengths ahead.

According to the specifications, the Rapid accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. Closer to the cutoff, the enthusiasm gradually fades away, but the liftback’s traction reserve of 200 Nm with a mass of 1,230 kg is enough to dynamically accelerate from any city speeds. The updated Polo is calm and measured, with the most ordinary 105-horsepower naturally aspirated engine and a leisurely 6-speed automatic transmission. In technical terms, Polo still remains a real budget car. The top version is presented with these units, and in the future Volkswagen promises to start selling Polo with an engine like the Rapid. That version will receive the GT index and will only be available with DSG. For now, we have to be content with little: sluggish dynamics at 12.1 seconds to “hundreds” and fuel consumption, like a fast Rapid. But this engine is extremely reliable and undemanding in terms of fuel quality: the unit’s service life is up to overhaul, according to reviews from owners on forums, is 500-600 thousand kilometers.

When the Polo sedan entered the Russian market, it was sold for an amount starting from 399,000 rubles. – five years ago the model was one of the cheapest foreign cars in Russia. After restyling, the basic version costs at least 554,900 rubles. We are talking about a car with 85 horsepower gasoline engine, manual transmission and a minimum of standard equipment. But here, too, Polo has options that no public sector employee has had in its database for several years. For example, two front airbags, 4 electric windows and air conditioning.

In high trim levels there is leather steering wheel, climate control, heated seats and multimedia system. With a top-end engine (105 hp) and automatic transmission, this version will cost at least 739,900 rubles. Other options are available in packages. In fact, you can additionally order almost any equipment that Volkswagen offers for the older Jetta. The configurator includes a heated windshield, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, light and rain sensors, rear window tinting, ESP, Bluetooth and side airbags. Later, Polo will also be offered with bi-xenon optics and new multimedia with the MirrorLink function, which allows you to display images from a smartphone.

With a full range of available equipment, the cost of Polo is already close to 800 thousand rubles (excluding bi-xenon optics, MirrorLink and turbo engine). – almost like the base Jetta (from 789,000 rubles). The price of the test copy is 760,470 rubles. Skoda Rapid in the top modification will cost even more - from 855,000 rubles. Optional equipment(xenon optics, rear parking sensors, engine start button and multimedia) will increase the price of the car by almost 900,000 rubles. A Polo with a new engine in the GT version will most likely cost about the same. What is the dollar exchange rate - so are state employees.

Roman Farbotko
Photo: Polina Avdeeva