Skoda is finally getting the kudos and sales it deserves in this country as more buyers start to appreciate just how classy and affordable its cars really are.

The Skoda brand is widely admired in the hotly contested UK and European new car markets, but has really worked hard for nearly a decade to win over buyers on this side of the automotive globe, and it's done it with models that are simply too darn good to ignore. This in tandem with some fairly significant price reductions last year really pushed the brand on to the radar of a lot more buyers.

One of the problems prior to the company taking a rather sharp scalpel to its price list here was that their model line-up was uncomfortably close to comparable Volkswagen models. Such a modest price differential between the two brands, meant buyers understandably opted for the Volkswagen, as it was seen as the more prestigious of the two. Now that Skoda pricing is where it should be, the company's fortunes and market share are on a strong upward growth trajectory.   

Models such as the new Rapid sedan, with its $29,990 price tag, really reinforce what great value for money Skoda offers. Being a sedan, the Rapid didn’t get off to a flying start as small car shoppers here have a strong preference for hatchbacks. While it looks like a sedan, it’s more of a lift back with access to the luggage compartment via lift up tailgate - not a boot lid normally used to enter the boot area in a conventional sedan.

Rapid sales may just take off with the recent arrival of the Fastback. This stylish five-door hatch has the panache and flair lacking in many of the conservative offerings in this market segment. Given hatchbacks, not sedans, is where the sales action is in the small car arena these days, the Fastback’s arrival could see the Rapid sedan make a hasty exit from our market. This seems even more likely with both models sharing much the same price stickers and the Fastback being slightly bigger than the sedan.

Unlike Europe and the UK where a variety of different models are offered including 1.2 litre turbo and manual gearbox, the line-up here could end up just being the Fastback hatch. Rather than trying to take on the strong Japanese and Korean competition, Skoda has wisely pitched the Rapid at those looking for a well made, equipped and engineered European alternative, for about the same price as the Japanese and Korean brigade.

The Rapid neatly bridges the gap between the mini sized Fabia hatch and medium sized and significantly larger third generation Octavia launched here towards the end of last year. For a car unashamedly built as a price leader offering, it is remarkably well equipped and refined despite using technology that is a generation older than that found in the latest Octavia. The Rapid's compact exterior dimensions disguise a deceptively roomy cabin and huge 530-litre cargo area that simply blitzes anything else in its class.

For a cost driven model this one is better appointed than most others of a similar ilk. The Rapid rides on attractive 16-inch alloys, is kitted with front and rear fog lights, power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors and comes with the added safety of day-time running lights.

This latter feature is something that isn’t offered on several a models carrying far heftier price tags than this car. For those wanting to raise the luxury bar a little higher there is a $2,000 enhancement pack that buys you 17-inch alloy wheels, climate controlled air conditioning and a punchier audio system.

A perky 90kw 1.4 litre turbo engine has been migrated across from the outgoing Octavia range. However, because the Rapid is smaller and lighter, the improved power-to-weight ratio adds a keener edge to its acceleration even under modest throttle openings. In every day driving, the engine is eager to please with its responsiveness and high energy levels. For a smallish car, the Rapid is effortless to drive at open road speeds and quick to deliver a decent swat of power for darting past slower moving traffic. The only real down side to this engine is some hesitancy under full throttle. This was most obvious when wanting to make fast dispatches from standing starts, when there is often a micro second pause between the driver planting the accelerator and the engine joining the party.

A smart 7-speed tiptronic auto features a couple of clutches that do the gear changing business with real finesse. One clutch changes evenly numbered gears, the other is dedicated to shuffling the odd numbered gears. Whether its odds or evens, it all add up to a transmission that is on top of its gear shifting game.

One thing you notice when stepping into the cabin is just how grown up it feels for what is considered a small car. I suspect that label is based on the Rapid's compact exterior. Head and leg room both front and rear is as good as you will find in this class and as I touched on earlier, the enormous luggage compartment wouldn’t look out of place in a car a size or two bigger than this one.

A well-sorted suspension kept the test car well nailed to the roads - even those with scratchy and uneven surfaces. A rigid body structure largely silences squeaks, creaks and groans from the usual haunts such as the cabin trim. It’s a nimble and surefooted car over twisty and undulating terrain. While the road holding will win the Rapid plenty of admirers its got there without compromising ride comfort. The only area where there is a bit of scope for improvement is the steering. Overall, I felt it was a bit light and lifeless and lacking necessary road feel, to ensure good lines of communication between the driver and the action unfolding beneath the front wheels.

What’s the verdict? A well priced compact Euro sedan for about or less than the Japanese competition.