Second generation Škoda Rapid (index NH3) became a logical continuation of the popular liftback, but with an emphasis on improved practicality and modern interior design. While the first generation was criticized for its budget materials and modest ergonomics, the Rapid 2 (2020–present) has received noticeable changes: better finish, digital dashboard and advanced comfort options. At the same time, the car retained a key advantage - a spacious interior in a compact body.

In this article we will analyze Salon of the Škoda Rapid 2 Details: from seat materials to hidden media features. You will learn which trim levels offer the best value for money, how to avoid typical finishing mistakes and what you can improve yourself. We'll pay special attention. The unique feature of Rapid 2 is a modular storage system. Simply Cleverwhich distinguishes it from competitors like Volkswagen Polo or Hyundai Solaris.

Interior design and ergonomics: what has changed compared to the first generation

Transition from Rapid 1 (2012–2019) to Rapid 2 brought not only external changes, but also a radical reworking of the interior. The main innovation is digital dashboard Virtual Cockpit (optional in top trim levels), which replaced the analog arrows. The 10.25-inch display offers three display modes: classic, extended (with center navigation) and minimalist. It is important that even in the basic versions, the dashboard received an updated design with better readability.

The second key point is steering wheel. B Rapid 2 borrowed from Škoda Scala, which means:

  • 🔄 Multifunctional keys (music, phone, cruise control) even in medium trim levels.
  • 🎚️ Adjustment for departure and angle of inclination (in the first generation was only in height).
  • 🖐️ Improved tactility: leather coating in versions Style and Sportline.

The ergonomics of the driver's seat has become more thoughtful: the gearbox lever is shifted closer to the steering wheel, and the armrest is now adjustable in height. However, the owners note that in Rapid 2 And there's the problem of the first generation. insufficient side support of the seats in basic versions. This is especially noticeable on long trips.

📊 Which Rapid 2 interior element do you like the most?
  • Digital dashboard
  • Multifunction steering wheel
  • Simply Clever
  • Quality of finishing materials

Finishing materials: what to choose - fabric, artificial leather or combined options

B Škoda Rapid 2 There are three types of interior trim, which depend on the configuration:

Equipment Seat material Finishing of the instrument panel Additional items
Active Fabric Titan (Gray/black) Solid plastic with texture "under metal" Handle and handbrake in plastic
Ambition Fabric Micello (with microfiber) Soft plastic with decorative inserts Handle of the gearbox in leather, chrome inserts
Style/Sportline Faux leather Alcantara + fabric Soft plastic with contrast stitch Steering wheel and gearbox lever in the skin, aluminum pedals

In practice fabrication Micello (equipment Ambition) is the best choice: it is less than the base mark TitanIt does not heat up as much in the summer as artificial leather. However, in versions Style and Sportline using a combination material with AlcantaraIt gives the salon a premium look, but requires careful care (easily stained and scratched).

⚠️ Attention: In the basic configuration Active The plastic of the instrument panel creaks at low temperatures. If you live in a region with cold winters, consider an option with additional noise insulation or choose higher trim levels.

Deserves special attention color scheme. B Rapid 2 available:

  • ⚫ Black (standard for all configurations).
  • ⚪ Black and grey (only in Ambition and Style).
  • 🟤 Black and green (option for the Sportline).

The green version looks original, but can visually reduce the cabin space.

Multimedia system: capabilities and hidden functions

B Škoda Rapid 2 multimedia system installed Swing (base) or Bolero/Amundsen (options). Let’s look at their key differences:

Swing (6.5-inch screen):

  • 📻 FM/AM-radio, Bluetooth, USB, Aux.
  • 📱 Support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via wire only).
  • ❌ There is no built-in navigation and voice control.

Bolero (8-inch screen):

  • 🗺️ Navigation with offline maps (updated via Škoda Connect).
  • 🎤 Voice control (recognizes commands in Russian).
  • 🔌 Wireless Apple CarPlay (from 2022).

Amundsen (9.2" screen, only in Style):

  • 🌍 3D maps showing landmarks.
  • 📡 Online services (traffic jams, weather, gas station search).
  • 🔊 Premium Audio System Canton (8 speakers).

Hidden function: in systems Bolero and Amundsen can be activated "Projection" mode, which duplicates the smartphone screen onto a multimedia display. To do this:

  1. Connect your phone via USB.
  2. From the media menu, select Settings → Connections → Screen projection.
  3. On your smartphone, allow access in the developer settings (for Android).
⚠️ Attention: In versions with Swing There is no support for video files via USB. If the multimedia component is important to you, choose at least Bolero.
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To speed up navigation in Bolero, download the maps in advance through the application Škoda Connect on a smartphone. This will eliminate slowdowns when building a route.

Simply Clever system: practical solutions for everyday use

Branded feature Škoda - system Simply Clever — in Rapid 2 received development. These little things make the car more convenient than its competitors:

  • 🧴 Bottle holder with cap in door pockets (suitable for containers up to 1.5 l).
  • 📄 Pocket under the driver's seat for documents or tablet.
  • ☕ Heated cup holders (option in Style).
  • 🔑 Bag hooks on the backs of the front seats (withstands up to 5 kg).
  • 🧹 Removable trash container in the trunk (in versions Ambition and above).

A particularly useful feature Umbrella in the doors: the front doors have special drainage channels where you can put an umbrella without fear of water getting into the cabin. This option is not included in the basic configuration, but you can install it yourself (part catalog number 5E0 858 251).

Another unique solution - folding luggage compartment under the floor. It increases trunk volume from 380 to 520 liters, and with the rear seats folded down to 1,300 liters. For comparison: Volkswagen Polo maximum volume - 1,100 l.

Bottle holders in the doors (must secure the container tightly)

Pocket under driver's seat (check availability)

Hooks for bags on the backs of the seats (pull them - they should not come off)

Removable trash container in the trunk (if included) -->

Comparison with competitors: which is better - Rapid 2, Polo or Solaris

Main competitors Škoda Rapid 2 on the Russian market - Volkswagen Polo (6th generation) and Hyundai Solaris (4th generation). Let's compare them based on key interior parameters:

Parameter Škoda Rapid 2 VW Polo Hyundai Solaris
Trunk volume (l) 380–1 300 351–1 086 404–1 040
Digital dashboard Option (10.25") Option (10.25") No
Max. media diagonal 9,2" 8" 10,25"
Storage system Simply Clever (30+ solutions) Standard pockets Cup holders and armrest
Quality of materials Medium/high (depending on configuration) High (soft plastic) Medium (hard plastic)

Rapid 2 wins competitors for:

  • 📦 Practicality thanks to the system Simply Clever and a large trunk.
  • 💺 Space in the back row (the distance between the knees is 68 cm versus 65 cm for Polo).
  • 🔧 Flexibility of configurations (you can choose either a budget option or an almost premium one Style).

Polo is better by:

  • 🎚️ Build quality (less squeaks, tighter gaps).
  • 🚗 Handling (sharper reactions to the steering wheel).

Solaris beats Rapid 2 only in:

  • 💰 Price (cheaper by 100–150 thousand rubles in similar configurations).
  • 📱 Multimedia (large screen and wireless CarPlay even in the database).
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If practicality and space are important to you, Rapid 2 is the best choice. If quality of materials and handling are a priority, pay attention to Polo.

Tuning and retrofitting the interior: what you can improve yourself

Even in top trim levels Rapid 2 there is something to improve. Here 5 most popular improvementsthat owners do in the first months of operation:

  1. Noise insulation: in basic versions, the wheel arches and floor are poorly insulated. Recommended Materials - StopNoise or Shumoff (thickness 4–6 mm).
  2. Interior lighting: LED strips under the front panel and in the legs (the color can be matched to the ambient lighting).
  3. Replacing the steering wheel: on version Active and Ambition often put the steering wheel away from Octavia with heating and leather trim (100% compatibility).
  4. Multimedia: replacement Swing on Bolero (requires firmware and adaptation via VCDS).
  5. Seats: installation of lateral support (for example, pads from Recaro).

To install the backlight yourself you will need:

  • 🔌 LED strip 12V (for example, Philips LEDstrip).
  • 🔧 3M double sided tape.
  • ⚡ Relay and fuse (connect to dimensions).
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the multimedia system with a non-standard one (for example, Android Auto-head unit) control from the steering wheel may disappear. To avoid this, you need an adapter CAN-Bus (for example, Pac SWI-RC).

If you are planning installing a rear view camera, in Rapid 2 There is already a place for it in the trunk handle. It is enough to buy an original camera (5E0 980 571) and connect it to the multimedia system via the connector RCA.

How to activate hidden diagnostic mode in Rapid 2?

To get to the engineering menu, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the ignition.

2. Press the button 0 on the climate control panel.

3. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).

4. Release the button and the diagnostic menu will appear on the display.

In this menu you can check sensor errors, test the backlight and reset service intervals.

Typical problems in the Rapid 2 interior and how to avoid them

Despite the improvements, Škoda Rapid 2 there are several typical "diseases" of the salonthings you should know about in advance:

  • 🔊 Plastic creaks in cold weather (especially in the configuration Active). Solution: treatment with silicone grease or installation of sound insulation.
  • 🪑 Front seat sagging after 30–40 thousand km (typical for fabric trim). Solution: tighten the springs or replace the linings.
  • 📱 Media freezing (especially in systems Swing). Solution: Reset settings via Settings → System → Reset.
  • 🚪 Peeling of door trim (adhesive defect in early batches). Solution: re-gluing by service under warranty.

The most serious problem is hatch leak in versions with panoramic roof. Water can enter the interior through the seals, resulting in a musty smell. To prevent this:

  1. Check the sunroof drain holes (located at the front corners) for blockages.
  2. Once every six months, treat the seals with silicone grease.
  3. When parking in the rain, avoid leaning the car forward too much.

If you buy Rapid 2 with mileage, be sure to check:

  • 🔦 Condition of door and hatch seals.
  • 🎛️ Operation of all buttons on the steering wheel and multimedia (touch keys often fail).
  • 🪑 Seat adjustments (play in the mechanism occurs after 50 thousand km).
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Before buying used Rapid 2 Be sure to test the climate control at maximum fan speed. In some cars after 2021 production, there is a defect in the damper motor, which leads to a whistle.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Škoda Rapid 2 interior

Is it possible to install wireless phone charging in Rapid 2?

Yes, but only in configurations Style and Sportline (optional Wireless Charging). In other versions, you can install the charging yourself, for example, model Baseus with fastening into the hole for the cup holder. You will need to connect to a USB port or directly to the wiring (via a fuse).

What kind of oil should I put in the Rapid 2 climate control?

Manufacturer recommends oil PAG 46 (article G052171A2). Refill volume - 500–550 g. When replacing freon (usually R134a) the oil also needs to be updated. If the climate control starts blowing warm air, check the freon level and the condition of the compressor.

How to turn off the seat belt alarm sound?

This can be done through the on-board computer menu:

  1. Click the button MENU on the steering column switch.
  2. Select Settings → Safety → Seat Belts.
  3. Disable the option Beep.
Attention: on some versions this option is blocked and requires intervention via the diagnostic scanner (VCDS).

What to do if there is a smell of gasoline in the Rapid 2 interior?

The reasons may be different:

  • 🔧 Fuel tank flap not tightly closed (check the seal).
  • 🔥 Fuel line leak (look under the rear seat).
  • 🚗 Problems with the adsorber (diagnostics required).

If the smell is strong, do not operate the car - contact a service center to check the tightness of the fuel system.

Which covers are best for Rapid 2 seats?

Recommendations for selection:

  • For fabric seats: covers from neoprene (for example, Covercraft) - they protect against moisture and dirt.
  • For leatherette/Alcantara: covers from Alcantara with perforation (for example, Katzkin).
  • For winter: heated covers (connected to the cigarette lighter).

Important: the covers must not cover the side airbags (check the compatibility certificate).