SKODA is being sensible about its all-new Rapid’s chances against the hot-to-trot Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 in the popular small-car class. It will be small fry for a long time, with most buyers simply ignoring the Czech-built Spaceback five-door. That’s a bit of a shame, though, since – width aside – it matches and even exceeds most of its rivals for room, drivetrain efficiency and all-out fun. The pricing could be a little sharper, but the Rapid shouldn’t be so quickly dismissed in the value end of Australia’s biggest new-vehicle segment.

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