Skoda Rapid Spaceback review (2013-2019)
Skoda has made some bold claims with this fairly sensible hatchback’s name – speed and space are promised. What it actually delivers is what Skoda has become renowned for — great value and likeable practicality in the face of some inevitable badge snobbery. The Czech company’s five-door is priced like a supermini, is as big as a family hatchback and cheap to run, too. Read our full Skoda Rapid Spaceback review below.
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Pros
- Spacious
- Very fuel-efficient
- Good value for money
Cons
- Rivals handle better
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
The Skoda hatch has a pretty spacious and comfortable cabin without ever matching the class and quality of more expensive rivals like its own close Audi relation.
Most owners find that the head- and leg room are fine in the front and the back.
The rear seats in particular compare well to many rivals in this class.
Three kids can easily fit across the back and even tall adults will be comfortable.
Tech and features
Like the exterior, it’s all neat and efficient without making anyone say ‘wow’.
There’s a decent level of equipment across the Rapid Spaceback range, with even the latest base models getting luxuries like Bluetooth, air conditioning and remote locking.
The car’s budget price tag is revealed by materials and trim that feel sturdily screwed together without giving a premium feel when you touch them.
The name may imply some unique interior luggage potential.
Actually, the five-door Rapid is as conventional as any small family hatchback.
You lift a tailgate and there’s the boot, which is average, and if you want to make it bigger, you simply lower the back seats.
The Skoda shows its budget limitations a little with an awkward high-loading lip on the boot and the fact that the back seats don’t fold completely flat.
Note the double-sided boot liner though as it allows you to carry messy loads without running the boot forever.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
Engines and power
Out on the road, the Rapid is an easy car to drive, with light and responsive controls.
Whether you opt for a diesel or petrol-powered version, the Spaceback is lively enough in town and perfectly adequate on the motorway without ever seeming to live up to its Rapid name.
Handling and ride comfort
You’ll find the Skoda rides smoothly on normal roads, is generally quiet and provides handling that is both predictable and safe.
It’s a car for making relaxed journeys — enthusiastic drivers however may be a little underwhelmed by the Spaceback’s agility in twisty roads or composure over bumpy surfaces.
There's no VRS performance version.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
There are nice practical Skoda touches to look out for in some versions, like the ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, cup holders in the back-seat armrest and an umbrella under the passenger seat.
Most models have two very handy USB sockets in the rear, too.
Some have carrier bag hooks in the boot.
Pay a little more for a top-spec model and you can get a competitive level of useful tech equipment as standard - rear parking sensors, sat-nav and cruise control.
Most get a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen system although in some trims it doesn’t provide sat-nav.
It’s all simple and easy to use.
If you love using the latest apps on the move look out for cars which have the added option of phone connectivity — it doesn’t come as standard.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
There’s a range of economical engines, with the impressive 1.4-litre diesel returning official figures of 71mpg.
Reliability
Add to that the Rapid’s low tax, low insurance, and reasonable servicing and parts and it is an easy and inexpensive car to live with.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
8/10
Forget the quirky name, the Skoda Rapid Spaceback is really just a good old small family hatchback with the basic but important virtues of a spacious, comfortable cabin and practical hatchback loading versatility.
It’s easy to own, cheap to run and relaxing to drive. It’s just not that fast.
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