Skoda Rapid Spaceback 2014 Review - International

Skoda Rapid Spaceback

Fitting betwixt the Fabia and the Octavia in Skoda’s 2014 portfolio, the Rapid is set to bring family-friendly flexibility to the fore. The Spaceback hatch variant will be offered in Australia from May with a choice of two efficient four-cylinder petrol engines, both available with manual or dual-clutch transmissions. A practical player with top-notch safety the new Skoda Rapid Spaceback is likely to be priced from around $20k.

Size really does matter, and Skoda knows it. The Czech brand recognised the gap between its Fabia and Octavia models and created the Rapid -- a small car that promises practicality, safety and value for money -- to fill the void.

The Rapid is available in sedan and hatch (Spaceback) body styles and is built on simpler pre-MQB underpinnings to cut production costs. Its mechanicals are both proven and robust and in Europe extend to five petrol variants and three diesels ranging from 55 to 90kW and displacing no more than 1.6 litres. Each is available with manual or dual-clutch (automatic) transmissions; all are front-wheel drive.

Skoda’s newest design theme, complete with 19 slat grille, is present on the Rapid (and new Octavia), and if straight lines are your thing, it’s a sharp looker with just a hint of  athleticism about it. Inside the utilitarian theme continues, and although the decor is conservative, it’s no less rational than most in the segment. Ergonomic considerations are many, and the view to outside is exceptional.

But more than its looks and sensible drivetrains the Rapid Spaceback is about amenity. It’s accommodating, spacious even, despite being 179mm shorter than the sedan. It has a practical feel that will appeal to those wanting to extract maximum flexibility from their vehicle, offers class-leading rear headroom, and a generous dual-floor 415-litre cargo area.

Three model grades (Active, Ambition and Elegance) and a host of optional extras mean the Rapid Spaceback is placed to suit a wide array of buyers. Official Aussie pricing has yet to be announced, though we expect a high teens starting price that steps up incrementally to the mid $20,000 mark when it arrives in May (2014).

By now, the Rapid Spaceback is probably sounding like a sensible choice -- and it is. Though on the road, it’s not a terribly exciting one. Sure it’s predictable, the electric steering works really well and the motivation is ample, but it’s not quite as mature as the Volkswagen Golf or the new Mazda Mazda3, and to be fair, we probably shouldn’t expect it to be.

The mix-and-match chassis feels competent only to the point that it needs to be. Beyond that you’re in the hands of the electronics (fortunately these work very well). Again, that’s hardly a complaint. It’s a family car and should be driven like one, but compared to the two rivals listed previously it’s obvious the Rapid lacks sophistication.

It’s also a little stiff, which is odd given its lack of tenacity. On rough roads the suspension feels too taut, and we drove a car shod with 16-inch rubber! Imagine what it’ll feel like with bigger shoes.

But these few criticisms aside the Rapid Spaceback is a really good little thing. It’s quiet, with a cheeky, rorty note to the engine under load, and is communicative through its primary controls. The amount of torque on offer low in the piece makes it exceptionally easy to drive around town, and on the highway has enough oomph to get the job done.

Both transmissions are well matched to the petrol engines we sampled (1.2-litre 77 TSI and 1.4-litre 90 TSI) with the seven-speed dual-clutch unit feeling especially refined. Fuel economy returns were commendable at around 7.0L/100km.

With packaging considerations as many and as sensible as they are, the Rapid Spaceback feels well suited to its purpose, and although it’s not the most handsome small car around, it’s big where it counts. And isn’t that what really matters?

2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback pricing and specifications:
Price: $TBA (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 77kW/175Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual / Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (combined)
CO2: 125g/km (combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star EuroNCAP

Price: $TBA (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 90kW/200Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual / Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (combined)
CO2: 134g/km (combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star EuroNCAP

What we liked:
>> Practical, spacious interior
>> Accessible torque
>> Quiet cabin

Not so much:
>> Firm ride
>> No diesel for Oz
>> Looks a little plain