We review the Skoda Rapid Spaceback from price to economy and all its features
SKODA is on course to pass a million sales for the first time this year.
The Czech car maker is the rags-to-riches story of motoring.
And its rise under Volkswagen Group ownership is epitomised by record sales in the UK.
Last year those sales hit a new high of 66,081, up 23 per cent on the previous 12 months — and the fourth year in a row of record figures.
Skoda has now nearly doubled its UK sales since 2009, when the company sold just 36,000 cars.
The winning formula is simple but highly effective — expanding the line-up of models while continuing to deliver some of the world’s most reliable, honest and affordable cars.
If you are old enough, you will remember when the Skoda “range” consisted of just one model — the Favorit.
Now the range numbers seven — and Skoda plans to bring out a new or revised model every six months, on average, until 2016.
By then, the firm expects to be selling 1.5million cars a year.
The all-new designs will include a seven-seat SUV that will sit above the super-popular Yeti, plus a smaller, entry-level crossover SUV.
Yeti fans in the UK will get a facelifted version in the next couple of months.
But this week we tested the Rapid Spaceback, which goes on sale this month.
It is the latest example of Skoda’s ability to stretch the brand.
IT is amazing what a difference you can get between two cars that share the same name.
The design of the Skoda Rapid five-door is very functional and practical but the bland styling left me cold.
The Rapid Spaceback, however, is a much more interesting affair – a hatchback with a touch of style and individuality.
For me, the Spaceback is like the Skoda Yeti.
It has character as well as Skoda’s more traditional qualities of practicality, space and value for money.
The stylish Spaceback looks like a German premium hatchback from the outside – and it is a similar story on the inside.
Stick an Audi badge on the front and people would happily pay in excess of £20,000 for this package – but the Rapid Spaceback starts at £14,340.
Prices do rise to just under £20,000 for the top-of-the-range model. The one that I tested had executive car goodies such as a full-length panoramic glass sunroof and extended tailgate glass going up to the roof.
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On the inside you get a smart, well-equipped and well-finished cabin, with piano-black and aluminium trim giving things an upmarket feel.
My test car also had a sports pack that included sports seats, sunset glass, leather multi-function steering wheel and 17in alloys, plus climate control air-con and upgraded satnav. The other thing that hits you inside the Spaceback is... space.
It has the best rear head and legroom in its class, coping easily with four tall adults. And the boot is a class-leading 415 litres, rising to 1,380 litres with the seats down.
The Spaceback is a nice drive too. It is a well-rounded car with precise steering, responsive handling and a good level of comfort.
There is a comprehensive range of three petrol and two diesel engines, ranging from 1.2litre to 1.6 turbo diesel. All are top-drawer.
I tested the mid-power version of the 1.6litre turbo, which will be ideal for most buyers, delivering reasonable performance and good economy. Skoda says 62mpg – and I got just over 50mpg while not hanging about.
But if you really want top economy, go for the 1.6 diesel Greenline that delivers 70mpg.
In many ways the Rapid Spaceback is the perfect example of why so many buyers are becoming Skoda owners.
It is a great combination of style and practicality with just the right amount of individuality to make it different.
Plus you get a great reputation for reliability that makes it a serious value-for-money buy.
FIND A USED SKODA RAPID FOR SALE NEAR YOU WITH SUN MOTORS
