Press and Fleet Launch, Verona 

Sometimes manufacturers pick some really nice locations to launch a new car, although the locations can be very difficult to get to. Verona was one of those, due to having hardly any direct flights. Therefore on the way out it was Manchester-Munich-Verona, and coming back was via Frankfurt, but needs must and we had to get there, one way or another.

The Rapid Sportback is Skoda’s first real attempt to launch a car into the C-Sector hatchback market that will appeal to younger buyers. Its main competitors are Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Hyundai i30, KIA Ceed, Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4. But from the other Volkswagen Group Companies, Golf, Leon and A3 Sportback could be added, although I would find it difficult to imagine a Sportback driver changing their car for a Spaceback.

Now there will be two Rapid models, and this is where it gets confusing. The recently launched Rapid hatchback is styled as more of a saloon than hatchback and is not the prettiest car in the world. The Spaceback is more of a traditional hatchback and is a much nicer looking car. However to contradict the naming, the Rapid hatchback has more luggage space out of the pair.

After eventually getting to a very wet Verona, we drove a 1.2 TSI petrol engine version around Northern Italy. We found it to be extremely quiet and a really nice drive. The Rapid does not do anything exceptional or outstanding and does not do anything wrong either. It is just a very average, yet good and useable car. The derivative with the 1.2 engine that we drove produces 105ps, though a lower powered version with 86ps is also available. We found the 105ps to have enough power, even going up some of the fairly steep hills and also on the Autostrade. 

The car is comfortable and has plenty of room for five adults. With the base of the front seats being well off the floor, there is plenty of space for your feet, ankles and lower legs. They are very similar to aircraft seats. Headroom is also good and for the size of car it did feel spacious throughout.

The quality is as good as anything else in this sector, with plastics used and fit and finish up to a high standard. The seat material also looks and feels good, with stitching and the finish being excellent.

The exterior design is stylish, but nothing really special. It is just acceptable and will not turn any heads. Neither will it create a queue at the local dealership of people wanting it for its outstanding design and looks. But for a five-door hatchback it very useable, practical and flexible with some very nice touches and features.

There is a 1.6TDI engine available, with power outputs of either 90ps or 105ps. But while in Italy, we did not get chance to drive this model, as representatives from other European Countries got to the front of the queue before us. But those who did manage to get their hands on a set of keys said how quiet, quick and efficient it was. 

The new Rapid Spaceback is a good addition to the range. Skoda have done the right thing by introducing a more traditional, Western European looking hatchback that is more ‘normal’ looking than the more Eastern European, utilitarian looking Rapid hatchback. It should help to bring new and younger customers into showrooms, from both the retail and fleet markets. It does look reasonably good value, when taking the standard specification and technology into account. But as mentioned already, it is not the best looking or most dynamic car, in this highly competitive sector. Also, given that the premium for the Spaceback is £830 over the hatchback, it may stretch some people’s budgets a little too far.

The car to have in the UK has to be the 1.2 TSI 105ps GreenTech SE, that costs £16,430. It has loads of standard specification, good fuel consumption and only produces Co2 emissions of 118g/km and looks the best value for money. There are three trim levels available in total:  S, SE and Elegance, with prices ranging from £14,300 to £18,900.

Martin Ward, Manufacturer Relationship Manager