Skoda Rapid Spaceback

Skoda’s got one of the coolest logos: a winged arrow.  First used by Skoda in 1926, it stands for speed.  Skoda’s new Rapid Spaceback with its very efficient small engines is a swift and thrifty model offering plenty of space and safety.  Let’s take a closer look.

Powered by two small four-cylinder engines that run on unleaded petrol, this is truly the logical way forward for powering modern vehicles.  While other car manufacturers have to downsize their engines, Skoda has already been masters of the small engine for years.  While one unit is a 1.2-litre engine and the other a 1.4-litre, both engines offer turbo chargers to get the power down on the road.  A promise of excellent response and class-leading efficiency is what the driving experience is all about.  These are some of the roomiest, fuel efficient vehicles in their class.

When in 1.2-litre guise, the power output is rated at 77 kW.  A 0-100 km/h trial can be finished in a prompt 10 seconds.  Fuel economy will always win praise when you can return a combined fuel economy run of 5.4 litres/100 km.  If you want a little bit more torque and snappier acceleration, then the 90 kW 1.4-litre engine might be the better choice.  Again, a thrifty engine, this unit averages just 6.0 litres/100 km.  I like either engine.  The six-speed manual gearbox is a delight to use in the 1.2 TSI model, and the 1.4 TSI makes smooth power delivery via the 7-Speed DSG gearbox.  Relaxed performance is easy when these powerful little engines keep up with the traffic so easily.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback Interior

You can’t argue with engine power and economy, but how does the new Skoda Rapid Spaceback go for comfort?  There is ample room for seating five large adults in the comfortable cabin.  Luggage space is best in class for a car running the likeably small engine capacity.  Interior width is 1428 mm, so shoulder and head space is first-rate.  There is also a lot of legroom in the rear seats.  Come on, you know this is important when you’ve got the family on-board!  The 384-litres of luggage volume behind the rear seats can be expanded to 1349-litres with the rear seats folded down.  Having the rear seats with a 60/40 split fold-down feature ensures that you can put lengthy loads into the cargo space but still have a seat or two available in the rear for occupants.

Roof racks and cargo nets can be added for even more flexibility, so Skoda has you covered with a wide selection of accessories for the Rapid Spaceback.  Compartments for cabin baggage, cups and other small items are located about the interior space.  There is even a nifty sunglasses holder above the rear-vision mirror.

Behind the wheel, the driver can keep up-to-date with a very useful multifunctional trip computer.  The driver instrument panel is well arranged, easy to read and aesthetically pleasing.  Skoda’s ergonomic design in the Rapid Spaceback is commendable, so you quickly start to feel at home when the multi adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel column comes into play.  You can control the Swing sound system via the three-spoke steering wheel, and the system also features speed volume control so that when driving at high speeds, the volume increases automatically and then returns to the original level it was set at prior to slowing down.  Cruise control is a feature that I reckon needs to be a standard feature on every new car because the traffic officers and cameras are vigorously controlling any hint of speeding on our Australian roads.  Cruise control is on all Rapid Spaceback models.

Being well-equipped, the Spaceback has great features for providing entertainment and comfort.  The computer controlled climate control system (available in Elegance) provides an awesomely cool interior temperature inside the cabin on a very hot summer’s day.  There is a distance monitor for signalling close proximity to obstacles outside – great for when manoeuvring in tight spaces.  Hands free wireless Bluetooth technology is standard, and can be used for the mobile phone and other external audio devices.  The system can be operated using voice control, the multifunctional trip computer display or the multifunction steering wheel.

Five-star safety results ticks the Skoda Rapid Spaceback box for premium safety credentials, so features like Hill Hold Control (HHC), ESC, ABS, Bi-Xenon headlights,  a superbly designed rigid body structure and a full array of airbags are affable standard features.  The daytime running lights look good on the outside and provide a great safety statement even in broad daylight.  The Skoda Rapid Space back also boasts an electronic differential-lock for when the conditions get a little slippery.

Travel in style, with a car that offers European design and style.  Privacy glass (standard on the Elegance models), sporty alloys and a compact, dynamic design always keeps you looking fresh whatever the road you travel.  Skoda provides the Rapid Spaceback with a special Style Pack that provides a darkened glass panoramic roof which really does attract approving attention.  Amazingly, all Rapid Spaceback models can be bought for under $26k!

Current Skoda Rapid Spaceback models include the:

• Rapid Ambition 77TSI Manual
• Rapid Ambition 90TSI DSG
• Rapid Elegance 90TSI DSG

For any more information on the new Skoda Rapid Spaceback or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Skoda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!