SKODA has been one of the undisputed automotive success stories of recent years and its upward trajectory shows no sign of waning.

Part of a sustained model expansion programme, the Rapid is the latest Skoda new kid on the block.

It would seem to fill a gap in the market as a vehicle that sits somewhere between a supermini and a family saloon or hatch.

Above all it combines affordability and practicality in equal measure - a winning combination if ever there was one.

Probably the most disparaging thing one could say about it is that it isn't all that exciting. But then again Skoda isn't really in the business of being exciting - unless you want to plump for one of its vRS models, which provide a fair measure of excitement at a very affordable price.

Like the SEAT Toledo, which is to all intents and purposes the same car, the Rapid looks like a saloon but is in effect a cleverly disguised hatchback.

Its overall look might be simple and sedate - and arguably even uninspiring - but this is a clever design touch that works rather well.

It is based on an elongated Volkswagen Polo platform and although it looks far bigger it also shares its underpinnings with the Skoda Fabia.

While its design lines are fairly sensible there's also nothing about it to dislike particularly and that simple boxy design has a major plus point in terms of practicality.

While not exactly Tardis-like the Rapid is far bigger on the inside than one might first imagine.

Rear seat passengers are exceptionally well catered for and the entire cabin is roomy and open.

Best of all it has a boot that's big enough to put many far larger saloons in the shade - 550 litres to be precise.

The instrumentation is simple and functional rather than snazzy and fancy but everything works well and is easy to use and there's enough of a hallmark of quality about it too. It also feels sturdy and well put together.

If pushed to find another criticism it would be its name, which is actually a bit of a misnomer.

It's not particularly ‘rapid' one has to say, though its name obviously fits with a Skoda naming convention that involves either choosing a Latin-derived female name (cue Fabia or Octavia) or an adjective that is perhaps intended to relate to the car such as Superb, Citigo or Roomster.

Seriously though, while the Rapid might not be all that quick it offers a perfectly decent drive and a comparatively comfortable ride (albeit more supermini than saloon-like) and above all reasonable running costs

There's the expected array of Volkswagen group engines to choose from and it's worth doing your sums before deciding which one to plump for.

The entry-level three-cylinder 1.2-litre might look good from a price perspective but the turbocharged 84bhp 1.2 TSI is a better bet and actually offers lower emissions and better economy.

There's a 104bhp version of it if you want something a little more rapid, a 121bhp 1.4-litre petrol for that's swifter still or a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel.

I would initially have imagined the diesel might be the best all-rounder but having driven the 84bhp 1.2 I'd say it pips it as the pick of the bunch.

It's a smooth and sweet performer, that pulls well, is eerily silent when idle and delivers decent economy and low emissions.

While it might not set pulses racing the Rapid is to all intents and purposes a very smart buy and it's hard to imagine a family car in this price bracket that offers more bang for one's buck.