SKODA has gone from being a laughing stock 20 years ago to a place where it can call its cars Rapid or Superb without anyone bursting into a fit of giggles.
The Superb is already well-established as a quality operator, and the recently-launched smaller sibling is set to follow a successful path already well-trodden by the Czech manufacturer's motors.
The Rapid is a five-door hatchback that looks like a saloon with bold features and crisp lines - and is the first model to embody the company's new design language.
It offers lots of room in the spacious cabin and a cavernous boot with 550-litres of luggage room available expanding to a remarkable 1,490-litres with the rear seats down.
The wide hatchback opening makes the Rapid ready for anything you can throw at, or indeed in it.
The interior has a number of clever storage options including an armrest between driver and front-seat passenger that opens up for the storage of keys and mobile phones, while the rear features a drop-down armrest with an integrated drinks holder as an optional extra on the SE model.
The design is precise with sharp angles and lots of head and leg room for all making it ideal for family or business trips.
Five adults can be seated in comfort with nice features like a third headrest in the rear designed to make life comfortable for the passenger in the middle.
The instrument panel is clearly laid out with the model I drove fitted with the optional £550 sat-nav pack featuring a natty digital screen giving access to the car's entertainment and information functions.
The engine was the fuel-efficient, low carbon dioxide emitting, reasonably responsive 86PS 1.2-litre petrol that is a refined beast and a smooth operator. It gets away pretty smartly but feels a bit pedestrian mid-range.
The Rapid also comes with a 1.4-litre petrol as well as a 1.6-litre oil burner. All engines are available in Skoda's environmentally-friendly GreenTech trim for £250 extra.
The handling is sharp and precise and there's little in the way of body roll thanks to a firm suspension that manages to avoid making the ride uncomfortable.
There are a number of safety features designed to protect you and yours including a raft of airbags which act together with front seat belt pretensioners in the event of an accident.
There are also a host of electronic aids to help keep you on the road by stabilising the handling response of the Rapid by counteracting any tendency to oversteer or understeer.
The Rapid is available in three specifications - the entry-level S model, the top-of-range Elegance and the tested mid-range SE which boasts alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, electric windows and a decent digital radio/CD player.
The exterior also gets body coloured mirrors and door handles plus tinted glass and front fog lights.