Polo sedan or rapid. Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo - ZR helps to make a choice

The Polo and Rapid are front-wheel drive B-segment vehicles that are used for urban driving and summer cottage trips. Reliable and practical. They have similarities: the PQ25 platform, the same choice of engines, gearboxes and similar behavior on the road. However, the Polo was purposefully developed for the Russian market, and the Skoda subsidiary created the Rapid, taking into account the wishes of European buyers. In this article, we will compare the noticeably prettier sedan from Volkswagen after restyling and the updated Skoda liftback.

Polo

Volkswagen Polo sedan is an exclusive VW development for the Russian market. Designed taking into account the peculiarities of car operation in Russia, including cold and snowy winters, the quality of the asphalt pavement is far from ideal. A car is being sold in the domestic market, which is designed on the basis of the European hatchback Polo. In 2017, the car underwent a number of cosmetic and other changes during the planned restyling. In the Russian Federation, the standard Volkswagen Polo, its design version LIFE and the pseudo-sports GT are sold.

Volkswagen polo Sedan LIFE

Volkswagen Polo GT

Rapid

Skoda Rapid is a car of a subsidiary of the VW group. Belongs to the sub-compact class, designed for European markets. In 2014, Russian car sales started. In 2017, the model was restyled. In Russia, you can buy a new and pre-styling version of the car and 2 special versions - Monte Carlo and Black Edition.

Skoda Rapid version of Monte Carlo

Skoda Rapid Black Edition

Overall dimensions and volume of the trunk

Table. Main technical characteristicsVW PoloandSkoda Rapid

Dimensions Skoda Rapid

Dimensions Volkswagen Polo

Due to the increased overall dimensions, Rapid approached the C segment. The liftback looks more solid and "older" than its competitor. Another plus is the 530-liter trunk, which, when the rear row of seats is folded down, turns into a cargo space with a volume of 1140 liters.

Design

Polo and Rapid - cars with a classic strict design without any discoveries and daring experiments. In the course of the latest updates, the cars acquired external features characteristic of the older models of the brand: Jetta / Passat and Octavia.

Budget cars look more modern and more expensive. This applies to the Czech model in rich trim levels with Z-shaped daytime running lights (LED) and bi-xenon optics.

Video: Ideal budget car. New Skoda Rapid. Overview

VW Polo has something to answer to a competitor from the Skoda camp. These are redesigned optics, slightly tweaked the shape of the front and rear bumpers.

Restyling has benefited both cars. The cars are prettier and look nicer thanks to the new headlights. In pursuit of spectacular looks, it is better to pay attention to the design versions of cars: Monte Carlo or GT with its sports stripes.

Video: Changes and jambs Volkswagen Polo Sedan restyling! Test drive the new Volkswagen Polo Sedan

Interior

When finishing Rapid and Polo, cheap but practical materials are used. In the entry-level trim levels, inexpensive fabric is used, in the richer versions, leather inserts appear (on the steering wheel, gearshift lever, etc.), more expensive and less oak plastic.

There are differences in fit. In a Skoda, the driver sits higher than in a VW. In the rear, there is more room for passengers thanks to the extended wheelbase. Volkswagen, on the other hand, has a higher roof at the back, and not sloping, like the Rapid liftback.

In terms of the design of the dashboard, the location of the buttons and various controls, none of the test participants had clear advantages. This is a matter of taste and preference of the buyer.

Volkswagen Polo is suitable for drivers of average height and build. Rapid for tall chauffeurs. "Chekh" has a more comfortable fit. It provides more free space for rear riders, although not much.

Skoda salon

Polo Interior

Engine range and selection of gearboxes

Cars have the same choice of engines and gearboxes. The youngest motor in the lineup is 90-horsepower, with a volume of 1.6 liters. Its more powerful version develops 110 hp. The torque is 155 Nm. The top option is 1.4 TSI. Specifications - 125 Horse power and 200 units of torque in the rev range from 1.4 to 4 thousand.

Customers are offered a choice of 3 gearboxes - a standard 6-speed "mechanics", a reliable and economical 6-band "automatic" and a DSG robot with 7 steps. The robotic gearbox is offered only for the most powerful engine. Alternative DSG - 6-speed manual. "Automatic" is not available for the TSI engine.

The motors meet the Euro-5 requirements. They do not impress with accelerating dynamics, but they have fuel efficiency, which is very important for budget class cars.

Equipment

The initial cost of a liftback from a Czech manufacturer is 604 thousand rubles. For this amount, the Entry trim level is available with a 90-horsepower MPI engine, which is coordinated with a 5-speed "mechanics". Standard options:

• 1 airbag;
• ESC stability control system;
• electric power steering;
• electric window lifters on the front doors;
• radio preparation with 4 speakers.

The initial version of the Polo is called the Conceptline. The cost of this configuration starts at 599.9 thousand rubles. She has:

• front airbags (2 pieces);
• rear window heater;
• power windows;
• electric power steering, etc.

The combination of engine and gearbox is the same as in the Czech liftback.

If we compare the basic versions, then the initial configuration of the Polo is slightly richer than the Rapid. Air conditioning is not available in either the first or the second car for the starting price.

VW offers 4 vehicle configurations + a special LIFE version. The most expensive version of the sedan is called the Highline. The starting price is 784,900 rubles, which increases when ordering additional option packages. Highline standard equipment:

• leather-trimmed gearshift and handbrake levers;
• steering wheel;
• autoradio tape recorder RCD 230;
• alloy wheels;
• climate control system.

The top-of-the-line Rapid has a large number of additional equipment and useful options. It's called Style. Russians order a liftback in the most expensive equipment at a price of 807 thousand rubles. For this money, a 5-speed "mechanics" and a 1.6-liter MPI are offered. The standard equipment of Style includes:

• rear LED headlights;

• 6 airbags;

• Cruise control;

• climate control;

• multifunction display Maxi Dot.

A large number of option packages are available for cars, divided into categories: safety, design, functionality. Automotive manufacturers offer individual improvements to customers. The liftback has a huge number of them. The Skoda Rapid buyer, when choosing only rims, is offered 6 options.

The Rapid trim levels are richer and more varied. The liftback is ahead of the sedan in the choice of additional options that allow you to configure the car in accordance with your wishes.

General impressions

Rapid and Polo are two serious contenders, produced under the wing of one giant concern. Skoda, despite borrowing the platform, turned out to be an independent product for the Russian market. The liftback is more expensive than its Volsfagen competitor, but for a lot of money, the Rapid offers a higher ground clearance, a roomy trunk and a large number of additional options. And in general, the Skoda brand car gives the impression of a more expensive family car compared to Volkswagen.

Video: Car flaws: Volkswagen Polo Sedan and Skoda Rapid

You will not surprise anyone with a large number of co-platforms, which are at the same time direct competitors. However, no matter how much in common between the neighbors on the assembly line - Volkswagen Polo and, they also have a lot of differences. Let's leave behind the scenes different body types, the difference in the capacity of the trunk and the passenger compartment. And let's focus on the trim levels: what exactly is included in them and how much will the buyer have to pay for this or that version?

Consider four options: base cars, mid-range vehicles with automatic and minimal options, special versions of Life and Monte Carlo for Polo and Rapid, respectively. And for a snack - the most powerful and expensive versions with a turbo engine and a DSG robot.

Basic versions

The cheapest Skoda Rapid liftback in the Entry configuration will cost 604,000 rubles. Under the hood, such a car will have a modest 90-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. There is absolutely nothing in such a car. No audio system, no air conditioning. They even saved on one rear headrest (center) and rear windows. This Rapid will only be used in taxi companies. However, even taxi drivers are trying to give preference to the more equipped version of the Active, for which the same air conditioner is available at least as an option.

In the initial version, the Conceptline also does not shine with equipment. Under the hood, the same aspirated MPI with 90 hp. But the Polo has at least rear power windows. However, given the same cost, Rapid is still preferable. After all, it offers more space for rear passengers and luggage.

At the same time, in slightly more expensive versions, the scales tilt in favor of the Polo. The Trendline version is forty thousand more expensive and is supplemented with air conditioning. And if you add 19,000 rubles, then you get an audio system, heated outside mirrors and windshield. The next performance of Rapid - Active, will cost 660,000 cash. Moreover, for packages of options with air conditioning, an audio system and heated mirrors and seats, you will have to pay another 50 thousand.

Medium configurations with a gun

Consider the most popular versions on the market - configurations with medium equipment, a slightly more powerful engine and automatic transmission. Skoda Rapid Ambition with a 110-horsepower engine and a 6-speed automatic will cost 864,000 rubles. At the disposal of the buyer of this version will be air conditioning, "two-din" Swing audio system, heated front seats and mirrors, as well as fog lights. However, the Polo sedan with a similar engine and automatic transmission is also equipped, and it costs almost 100 thousand rubles less. If you add another 20,000 rubles, then you can count on single-zone climate control and heated windshield. So here, too, the Polo is much more attractive - a surcharge of 100 thousand for a more spacious interior and a trunk is too big.

Special editions of Life and Monte Carlo

Let's take a look at the special series. The Rapid has a Monte Carlo version that is available with all engines and gearboxes. With a 90-horsepower Rapid engine, dedicated to the famous rally, it will cost 847,000 rubles. A lot. But the distinctive feature of such a car will be bi-xenon headlights, a sports steering wheel and sports seats with developed lateral support, hip support and integrated head restraints. On the outside, the Rapid Monte Carlo is easy to figure out from the bumper and side skirts, the spoiler on the boot lid and the 16-inch wheels. If you need a 110-horsepower engine with a gun, you will have to pay 950,000 rubles.

The Life version of the Volkswagen Polo looks simpler and does not differ in sports seats, steering wheel or alloy wheels. But the price tag is different. The Life Polo is only available with naturally aspirated motors. And for a 90-horsepower car, you have to pay 669,900 rubles. And for - 754 900. Which is even cheaper than the Comfortline version, although the list of equipment is at least no worse. In addition to everything else, the "life" has a leather multifunction steering wheel, a center armrest and other small joys like the advanced R230 audio system. So the special edition Polo is a great alternative to the standard Comfotline, while Skoda's Monte Carlo is more for those who want to stand out rather than save money.

Charged versions

Until last year, only Rapid had a version with a turbo engine, until the Polo had a GT modification with the same 1.4 TSI and 7-speed DSG. The turbocharged Skoda in the Style version costs the same 950 thousand rubles as the aspirated version of the Monte Carlo. "Style" has no sports seats or steering wheel, as well as bi-xenon headlights. But there is cruise control and single-zone climate control.

The basic equipment of the Polo GT is more modest. Such a car costs almost 900 thousand. For the money, you can count on 16-inch wheels, climate control, a four-speaker RCD 230 audio system and heated front seats. If you retrofit the Polo with options that are missing in comparison with the Skoda, then the price will rise by another 20 thousand. So Volkswagen will still be a little cheaper.

If we compare the Skoda Rapid and the Volkswagen Polo, then the representative of the Czech brand pleases with a large interior and a huge trunk. However, the fees for this are high - apart from the basic versions. In other cases, the equipped Rapid is similarly more expensive than the Polo, by fifty thousand rubles. So it is not surprising that the Volkswagen Polo is noticeably more popular than its relative. And for those who have the space in the back row and the size of the trunk Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo - ZR helps to make a choice

Photo: Alexander Vinogradov and manufacturing firms

Automobiles of the VAG concern are very popular among consumers due to their quality and affordable cost. For a long time, consumers believed that Volkswagen and Skoda were competitors, when in fact they were part of the same impressive group. In this article, it is necessary to compare the Skoda Rapid and PV Polo co-platforms.

At first glance, it seems that the cars, except for the nameplates of the brand, are no different from each other, although in fact the difference is impressive.

Exterior and body features

This criterion is taken to the leading place among potential buyers of Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo. Of course, everyone wants to have a car with a presentable appearance, and only then attention is paid technical specifications... The exterior of the VW and Skoda differs radically, so you cannot confuse them on the road, although similar features can be traced: the shape of the front optics, a spoiler with a brake light.

The shape of the rear and front bumpers is similar. Rapid and Polo are equipped with 15-inch wheels, but the German wheelbase is more limited, but there are more expressive straight lines in it. Rapid can rightfully be called a smaller version of the infamous Octavia.

You should also immediately prioritize buyers: the German is represented in the sedan, and the Czech is the liftback. It is logical to suggest that the liftback will outperform the sedan in terms of luggage compartment volume, which we will talk about later. Volkswagen thought over the body, paying attention to the comfort of not only the driver, but also the passengers. The headroom in the second row of seats is greater than that of the Skoda. Having bought the Czech car industry, people with tall stature will not be very comfortable if they sit in the back, and long trips will become torture at all. In turn, the Skoda Rapid has a longer wheelbase, giving passengers in the rear more legroom, although from the outside the cars appear identical.

Trunk

As already mentioned, the bodies of the models being compared fall into different categories. Any liftback, when opening the trunk, constructively raises the rear window, which in turn exposes the interior to the penetration of cold. Although in terms of its interior space, the liftback is much more convenient and the volume is 530 liters, against 460 for the German.

More about the trunk of the Skoda Rapid

Having opened the trunk in the winter season, you will have to reheat the interior, plus it is difficult to set the limitation of opening the lid. It is enough to forget about the course of the cover, as in a room with a low ceiling (garage, parking) and the cover of the Skoda Rapid will be damaged. In addition, for the transportation of long bulky goods, the owner of the Cech will be able to fold the second row of seats, significantly increasing the size of the luggage compartment.

More about the trunk of the VW Polo Sedan

The German is quite simple in arranging his trunk and is noticeably inferior in volume to Rapid. Owner this car will have to "spin" by purchasing additional mounts. There is an original mesh supplied as standard with the car. VAG produces additional components for equipping the car, so there shouldn't be any problems with the equipment.

Interior

It is impossible to apply the term "chic finishing" to the Rapid or Polo saloon. The fabric is of average quality, but its level of practicality is very high, which means that it will not be easy to stain it. An impressive difference can be seen in the driver's position. In Skoda, the driver has to sit higher, which increases visibility, it is possible to adjust the seat and steering wheel in height. In a German people's car, the steering wheel is adjustable both in height and in reach, even in a simple configuration, there is good lateral support.

Dashboards

Here Rapid or Polo are radically different, and Skoda was mentioned first for a reason. The modern panel is made in a dark background with easy-to-read white font. Its control is very simple and convenient and simple, does not cause any difficulties even on the go. The panel is informative, promptly informs about fuel consumption, distance traveled, power reserve and other parameters. Here Polo really justifies the reputation of the car for the people: bright red illumination, characteristic of all models of the line, a simple on-board computer, the display is slightly muddy and its information content leaves much to be desired.

Rapid's advantage is information about the included gear and the recommended gear for the transition. A similar function works not only on automatic transmissions, as in the old Japanese, but also on manual transmissions, allowing you to save gasoline.

Power unit

Skoda Rapid Volkswagen Polo sedan differ in engine equipment. Recently, the German has gone through an update of the line, the appearance of the cars has changed, and new engines have appeared: 1.6 (90 or 110 l / s). Skoda has a turbocharged 1.4 TSI with a 122-horsepower engine, which is likely to migrate even to the budget version of Volkswagen.

Driving performance

At the beginning of the text, it was already mentioned that cars are co-platform, although Polo entered the consumer market a little earlier. Therefore, Skoda had the opportunity to revise the platform, making a number of adjustments.

Interesting: the suspension of the Czech car is configured differently. Suspensions may be identical, but there are differences in components. In front, the Rapid has an independent spring suspension on the strutsMcPhersonin front, and installed in the backV-Shaped torsion beam on the wishbones. The level of comfort from this decision decreased, but the ride became smooth.

Control features

This car does not have a turbocharging, an electro-hydraulic system acts as a power steering, which complicates the design. The rear suspension is relatively simple, which increases the level of handling, the car obeys the steering perfectly.

Polo has automatic transmission, steering backed up by conventional hydraulics. The rear suspension is a multi-link system. The level of management is no worse than that of the competitor.

Who quickly?

Comparing Polo and Rapid only makes sense to be with the same internal combustion engine. Tests in urban conditions of models with a 105-horsepower engine failed to bring out a clear favorite. From the spot, both cars take off instantly, acceleration to a hundred for a German - 9.7 s, for a Czech - 10.4 s.

Let's summarize

FV Polo and Skoda Rapid are equally advisable to buy due to their technical potential. A clear advantage of the Czech is a spacious trunk, suitable for transporting bulky goods. Skoda's weight is greater due to the features of the body structure, but this does not particularly affect fuel consumption. The cars are in the same price range, and the equipment is quite different. Volkswagen is supplied with five option packages, a replenishment of the list is quite expected.

The age-old debate about which is better Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Rapid is better to close, since there is no clear winner here. On the road, cars are confident and cannot surpass each other. Fuel economy, level of handling, equipping with all the necessary amenities - all this is contained in two cars, and which one to choose is a personal matter.

The completely redesigned sixth generation of the Volkswagen Polo small hatchback is the most spacious, stylish and sophisticated variant with more than 14 million purchases to date. Skoda has always been a value-based brand, and while prices for cars like the Fabia supermini have steadily risen, the Rapid still combines versatility with an affordable price tag. To understand which is better, Polo or Rapid, a detailed comparison will help.

External car comparison

Based on the Modular Transverse Matrix MQB A0 platform, the new Polo has a more sophisticated character, as evidenced by its carefully selected exterior and more upscale overall interior. VW notes that other than being slightly shorter than the Gen IV Golf, the Polo is now literally larger in all other dimensions, including wheelbase, headroom and cargo capacity. He also borrows a lot of technical touches from the latest Golf.

The Rapid's greatest strength is its impressive practicality and dimensions, with a large boot and four large doors that allow passengers to get in and out very easily. The car looks quite prestigious. The design changes this year have touched the LED and bumpers.

The Rapid's interior, as you'd expect, also features durable materials and responsive handling, with little money spent on luxurious design elements. Rear legroom is excellent for this class, but the size of the car is rather narrow, so it tightly squeezes the three passengers in the back. Therefore, it is difficult to say unequivocally which is better, Skoda Rapid or Volkswagen Polo.

Salon

The new Polo introduces a new generation of dashboard design architecture and modular digital information displays designed to be searchable in other small VW vehicles. In addition to positioning the infotainment screen higher in the dash to improve visibility lines for the driver, VW has also increased overall connectivity and utility. The car offers wireless device charging, Keyless Access, Internet access via App Connect Car-Net, Android Auto / Apple CarPlay / MirrorLink, etc.

You might be disappointed if you expect the Skoda to match the quality of the Polo. There are differences in the materials used to match the car's lower price tag: some of VW's tactile soft finishes, for example, are noticeably absent from the Rapid. Everything is very well put together, but the use of tough, scratchable plastic means the car looks cheap on the inside.

Trunk space

It should be noted that although the previous Polo was offered as a three- or five-door model, this latest-generation car is only a five-door model. This won't bother most buyers - after all, a five-door car is more practical, but if you really like the look of a three-door hatchback, you'll have to look elsewhere.

VW has made the most of the new car's increased exterior proportions, which means there's a lot more legroom in the back than you'd expect, while the rear doors open nicely and wide. The positive experience continues when it comes to the trunk, as it is large. At 351 liters, it is up 25% over the previous period and is almost as big as several models in the class above.

Which cabin is better for cargo - Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Rapid? The Rapid roof rack is not only very well shaped, but also very well thought out. The boot floor can be removed and turned over, while the carpet on one side and the non-slip material on the other is ideal for pets or garden waste disposal. With the rear seats, the boot can hold 550 liters of luggage, dropping slightly to 530 liters with a spare wheel. By lowering the seat backs, it can be expanded to a whopping 1,490 liters.

Engine, transmission and dynamics

The new Polo is available in five trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and the new Beats variant, as well as the Polo GTI model line. Even the base Polo Trendline comes with an impressive set of standards that include LED daytime running lights, a speed limiter and VW Front Assist with emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring. At the Highline level, the expanded feature set includes things like a multifunction steering wheel and Park Distance Control, while the new Beats edition, aimed at younger buyers, complements it with a 300-watt Dr. Dre, which is optional on other Polo models with a 16-inch screen, alloy wheels and sports seats.

The Rapid update saw the addition of new engines and revised equipment. There are two versions of the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo petrol engine in 94 hp variants. With. and 108 liters. with., while the four-cylinder 1.4 TSI with 125 hp. With. also offered with 123 hp With. The 1.0 TSI is only available with a five- or six-speed manual transmission, the difference will depend on the trim you choose.

The diesel power is 1.4 TDI 90 hp. With. and 1.6 TDI 115 hp. With. Both come with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, while a comparatively less powerful engine can be used with a seven-speed DSG automatic.

There are four Rapid versions available - S, SE, SE L and Sport. It's worth noting that you can't get every engine in every trim, while the Sport model - which is similar in specification to the Monte Carlo trim on the Fabia - is the only version that gets a six-speed manual transmission, but it only comes with a 1.0 TSI engine. 115PS.

Driving performance of cars

The previous Volkswagen Polo was an impressively quiet and docile car on the open road, but lacked acceleration and better handling. The new Polo has a sense of playfulness - a complex element that was not there before. Its precise steering, of course, doesn't offer much feedback, but since manufacturers switched from hydraulic steering to power steering (the latter is more efficient), this has become commonplace.

Although all engine options for the Skoda Rapid are reasonably economical, the main favorites are the powerful 1.2-liter petrol with 108 hp. With. and a 1.6-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 113 liters. With. These engines, by comparison, provide enough power when needed, making them much more enjoyable for everyday driving. If you want the Rapid with automatic transmission, you have to choose either the most powerful and expensive 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 123 hp. with., or with a capacity of 89 liters. With.

Cost and equipment

• The most "green" - SE 1.0 TSI 95 PS $ 21,000.
• The cheapest - S 1.0 80 PS EVO $ 19000.
• The fastest is SEL 1.0 TSI 115 PS $ 23600.
• "Full stuffing" 2019 - R-Line 1.0 TSI 115 PS DSG $ 26,500.

• 1.6 MPI Active 1598 cc see, mechanics, gasoline - $ 11,500.
• 1.5 TDI Active 1498 cc see, manual transmission, diesel - $ 13,700.
• 1.6 MPI Ambition 1598cc see, manual transmission, gasoline - $ 18,200.
• 1.5 Sporty Edition TDI AT - $ 20,500

Comparison summary

We hope our comparison will help you decide which is best for you. Despite its drawbacks, the Rapid has some great qualities, such as a huge trunk and a good selection of engines, making it a smart choice for families on a budget.

For those who prefer frugality over firepower, the new Polo will offer a range of petrol and turbodiesel alternatives ranging from 1.0 to 1.6 liters displacement that develop between 64 and 148 horsepower. This mix includes a new 1.0-liter TGI, natural gas, which is rated at 89 horses, and a 148-horse / 1.5-liter TSI with a cylinder shut-off function.

There are many good universities, and there is Princeton and a few more ivy-covered old buildings. A graduation from here guarantees a good position, connections and a little snobbery - even after all these books about people being born equal. If you look at the most democratic segment of the car market, then there will be a place for division into estates.

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

Front parking sensors, a bright dashboard, good acoustics and a three-spoke steering wheel - is this really a Polo? In the press park, the updated bestseller was handed out in the evening, just before closing, so there was no way to consider all the changes in appearance. I got behind the wheel closer to midnight and after a couple of kilometers there was a suspicion that this was not a Polo, but a Jetta. But all the points have set the tram lines on Andropov Avenue - even GAZelles, it seems, do not pass with such a roar here. The Skoda Rapid soplatform is a completely different matter. The suspension is softer, quieter inside, but the liftback looks too simple even in the top-end configuration with 16-inch wheels and a small spoiler on the fifth door. Polo takes on its utility and harmony, Rapid - spaciousness and dynamics unthinkable in the segment. But what should you choose?

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

Polo Sedan made its debut on the Russian market in 2010, and has experienced the first restyling only now. Poor sound insulation and a very stiff suspension remained unchanged, but the sedan has significantly changed in appearance. And this is especially important: in recent years, the Polo has begun to lose more and more market share to powdered Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio. Too utilitarian and boring sedan lost to "Koreans" in the list of equipment.

Now Polo looks exactly as good as its competitors. The front end is especially good: there is chrome in the bumper edging, a large radiator grill and new optics with xenon (the prerogative of high trim levels). Another option that does not tie in with the budget segment is also noticeable externally - these are the front parking sensors. In this class, no one at all has this.

Against the background of the restyled Polo, the Czech liftback does not look outdated. Rapid is very similar to the older Octavia, which can only be written as a plus: rectangular optics, very regular body lines and large side windows. The top version also has a small spoiler on the fifth door. And the Rapid, unlike the Polo, is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels in the maximum configuration.

Rectangular vents made of cheap plastic, a carbon 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 a version with a two-tone interior. However, looking for soft plastic and leather in the budget segment is wrong. 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 interior is also nothing special - the same cheap materials and a modular front panel. The Czechs approached the design more carefully. Here they added chrome, here - black varnish and changed the relief of the plastic.

Distinguishing the Polo from the Rapid on the fly is easy - despite the shared platform. In the case of the Czech liftback, which entered the market four years after the German debut, the chassis underwent some modifications. The engineers increased the wheelbase and widened the track, giving the Rapid not only a roomier interior, but also better handling. The Rapid and Polo have the same suspension type (MacPherson strut at the front and torsion bar at the rear), but there are structural differences from the Polo. The suspension was reinforced 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. The Kaluga liftback has reinforced levers and steering rods.

Punching the suspension on a dirt road is not easy: the moves here are almost like that of an urban crossover. But the type and size of rubber reminds of a bad road every time, which in no way relates to the concept of a “budget employee”: the top-end Rapid has R16 discs with soft Pirelli 225/45 tires.

The most expensive Volkswagen Polo is not afraid of potholes or waves with a large amplitude. Almost any unevenness can be passed through painlessly without slowing down. The Polo's most noticeable flaw is the drum brakes on the rear wheels. This solution was used here to reduce the cost of the design (disc brakes are installed on the Polo hatchback, as well as on the Rapid). From low speeds, the sedan brakes well, but from 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: disc brakes are installed on the front and rear of the top version. They grab them instantly, like on the older Octavia, but ABS could have been triggered a little later: you begin to feel the return to the pedal even on wet asphalt in urban modes.

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

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

According to the passport characteristics, the Rapid accelerates to 100 km / h in 9.5 seconds. Closer to the cut-off, the enthusiasm gradually fades away, but the liftback's thrust reserve of 200 Nm with a mass of 1,230 kg is enough to dynamically accelerate from any city speed. The updated Polo is calm and measured, with the most ordinary aspirated 105-horsepower and a leisurely 6-speed automatic transmission. Technically, the Polo is still a real budget employee. 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 ship with the DSG. In the meantime, we have to be content with little: sluggish dynamics at the level of 12.1 s to "hundreds" and fuel consumption, as on a fast Rapid. But this engine is extremely reliable and undemanding to the quality of the fuel: the resource of the unit before overhaul, according to the reviews of the owners on the forums, is 500-600 thousand kilometers.

When the Polo sedan entered the Russian market, it was sold for an amount of 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 an 85-horsepower gasoline engine, manual gearbox and a minimum of standard equipment. But here, too, Polo has options that not a single state employee had in the database for several years. For example, two front airbags, 4 power windows and air conditioning.

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

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

Roman Farbotko
Photo: Polina Avdeeva