Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) Review
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Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) Verdict
Spacious and practical. Comes with an efficient range of engines. Represents good value for money
Entry-level models aren't generously equipped. A little on the dull side. Cabin materials could be nicer
Find out more about the Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019)
With a name like Spaceback you might think the newest variant of the Skoda Rapid is supposed to be an estate, but it’s actually just a fancy name for a for more conventional family hatchback model. However it still majors on practicality – there’s a spacious cabin and a well-proportioned boot, making the Rapid Spaceback a sensible family car.
Indeed rear leg and head room are particularly impressive and while the 415 litre boot capacity is slightly less on paper than the regular Rapid, in practice it’s a more usable shape and will be more practical. Couple the useful dimensions with a range of frugal engines, decent equipment levels and competitive prices and the Rapid Spaceback makes sense as an honest, if somewhat unexciting family workhorse.
Skoda offers a range of five engines – three petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 86PS to 122PS but the pick of the range is a versatile, sprightly 1.2 TSI 105PS petrol. For those who prefer an automatic gearbox Skoda offers a 1.4 TSI or the 1.6 TDI with a DSG double-clutch gearbox.
Low running costs are at the core of the Rapid Spaceback’s appeal – even the thirstiest engine has official economy of 48.7mpg and all of the manual models have emissions below 125g/km. A diesel engine shouldn’t necessarily be top of the shopping list if you’re looking for low fuel bills – the petrol engines are all frugal and can return very respectable fuel economy in real world conditions.
Practical and sensible though the Spaceback is, it isn’t without its flaws. The cabin, while neat, isn’t as plush or as polished as you might expect and the driving experience is a little dull. But as a family hatchback it’s pretty hard to fault – it’s reasonable value for money, economical and well screwed together.
Reviews for Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 TSI 95 to 1.6 TDI 105 GreenTech
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 36–75 mpg
The Spaceback is designed primarily for comfort and it shows on the road. The cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth for the most part, although optional 17-inch wheels do make the car thud over potholes. But stick to smaller wheels and it’s a gentle, undemanding car to drive.
The steering is light, gear changes are easy and corners are taken care of safely without fluster. Even on damp roads there's plenty of grip and there's not much in the way of disconcerting body roll. Sure, it's no hot hatch, but it's a perfectly capable and competent vehicle both in town and out on faster roads. It's unlikely to fill you with 'joie de vivre' but as a means of getting from A to B it's fine.
Skoda offers a choice of five engines - two diesel and three petrol. Petrol options are a 86PS or 105PS 1.2-litre or a 122PS 1.4-litre. The 86PS engine does run out of steam a little, particularly when tasked with a hill, but working the gearbox means it can easily keep up with traffic. With an official economy figure of 51.4mpg and emissions of 119g/km it's the cheapest petrol-powered model in the range to tax.
The pick of the petrol range is the 105PS 1.2 TSI. It feels sprightly, eager and paired with a six-speed manual transmission it’s versatile, with plenty of torque for relaxed driving and a sixth gear for motorway cruising. It’s so good, in fact, that it makes the case for one of the 1.6 TDI engines - either the 90PS or 105PS version, a little weak.
That said, they’re both perfectly good, offering the typical diesel attributes of low-down torque and frugality. The cleanest and greenest engine of the lot is the Greenline 1.6 TDI, which has emissions of 99g/km. That makes it free to tax, and with official economy of 74.3mpg it should be cheap at the pumps too.
The 1.4 TSI and the 1.6 TDI 105PS diesel are available with a smooth, unobtrusive DSG automatic gearbox which performs its role perfectly well – it’s quick to change gear and because it’s a dual-clutch transmission it doesn’t have much of an effect on fuel economy. However be aware that this gearbox is not without its problems and we have had lots of reports of DSG issues across various Volkswagen Group cars.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI 110 | 58 mpg | 9.8 s | 106 g/km |
| 1.0 TSI 110 DSG | 59 mpg | 10.2 s | 110 g/km |
| 1.0 TSI 95 | 59 mpg | 11.0 s | 103 g/km |
| 1.0 TSI 95 DSG | 51–61 mpg | 11.3 s | 107 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 105 | 52 mpg | 10.2 s | 125 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 105 GreenTech | 55 mpg | 10.2 s | 118 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 110 | 58 mpg | 9.7 s | 111 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 86 | 55 mpg | 11.7 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 86 GreenTech | 58 mpg | 11.7 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 90 | 60 mpg | 11.2 s | 107 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 90 DSG | 60 mpg | 11.3 s | 109 g/km |
| 1.4 TDI 90 | 71 mpg | 11.6 s | 94 g/km |
| 1.4 TDI 90 DSG | 63–74 mpg | 11.7 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 122 DSG | 49 mpg | 9.4 s | 134 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 122 DSG GreenTech | 51 mpg | 9.4 s | 127 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 122 GreenTech DSG | 51 mpg | 9.4 s | 127 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 125 DSG | 59 mpg | 8.9 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI DSG | 49 mpg | 9.4 s | 134 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 105 | 64 mpg | 10.3 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 105 GreenTech | 55–71 mpg | 10.3 s | 106 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 115 | 60–67 mpg | 9.9 s | 109 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 | 64 mpg | 11.9 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 DSG | 63 mpg | 12.1 s | 118 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 Greenline | 74 mpg | 11.9 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 90 GreenTech | 71–72 mpg | 12.1 s | 104–106 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
85%
Real MPG
36–75 mpg
MPGs submitted
84
Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 415–1381 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4304 mm |
| Width | 1940 mm |
| Height | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2602 mm |
The Spaceback name might be a little misleading – this isn’t supposed to be estate version of the Rapid, rather it’s a more sensible and traditional hatchback. It is spacious though – the rear seats can comfortably carry adults and the boot is a good size. It has a fairly high load lip to haul heavy items over, but a false boot floor is offered to alleviate the problem.
As family transport the Rapid Spaceback is hard to fault – but it is relatively narrow, so carrying three fully grown adults or teenagers in the back row might be tricky. Some of the materials are a little lacklustre too – there’s no soft touch dash covering and the faux-metallic inlays feel a bit second rate. That said the plastics that Skoda has used should stand up to plenty of abuse.
There’s nothing special about the dashboard layout, but nor is there anything wrong with it – the controls are placed where you’d expect them to be and everything is intuitive and easy to operate, from the steering mounted audio buttons to the air conditioning and the touchscreen display.
Those who wish to lift the ambience a little will be pleased with the options list – Skoda offers a full length glass roof, which bathes the cabin in light, there are options for different dash inlays and you can even pick cream upholstery. These few extras lift an otherwise drab but perfectly functional cabin.
Standard equipment on entry level models is okay, with front electric windows, air conditioning, a CD player and Isofix mounts. Those who want some luxury will need to move up to SE trim which adds alloy wheels, parking sensors, steering wheel audio controls and satellite navigation.
Rapid Spaceback S models come with 15-inch Dakara steel wheels with trims and 185/60 R15 tyres, an alarm with interior monitoring, centre console with cupholder, curtain airbags, daytime running lights, ESP including ABS, ASR, MSR, EDS and HBA, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, front electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable drivers seat, parking ticket window clip, Isofix on back seats, manual air conditioning, remote central door locking plus a reversible (rubber/carpet) load floor mat.
Greentech models gain braking energy recovery system and a stop/start system.
SE has 15-inch Carme alloy wheels and 185/60 R15 tyres, six speakers, three-spoke leather steering wheel with controls for radio and telephone, acoustic rear parking sensors, body coloured door mirrors and handles, cruise control, front centre armrest, front fog lights, storage compartment for sunglasses, hill hold control (on 1.4 TSI DSG and 1.6 TDI 90 DSG only), maxi-dot trip computer, sat-nav, tinted glass and Bluetooth.
Elegance models gain 16-inch Dione alloy wheels with 215/45 R16 tyres, chrome interior surrounds, climate control air conditioning, cornering front fog lights, front and rear floor mats and a height adjustable passenger seat.
Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4304 mm |
| Width | 1940 mm |
| Height | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2602 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1075–1212 kg |
| Boot Space | 415–1381 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit / None | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,110–£19,800 |
| Insurance Groups | 11–18 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–E |
| Official MPG | 48.7–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until November 2019
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 TSI 110 SE Sport DSG 5dr | £18,925 | 58.9 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.0 TSI 110ps SE Sport 5dr | £17,785 | 57.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.0 TSI 110ps SE Tech 5dr | £16,585 | 57.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.0 TSI 110ps SE Tech DSG 5dr | £17,795 | 58.9 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.0 TSI 95ps S 5dr | £14,630 | 58.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.0 TSI 95ps SE Sport 5dr | £17,065 | 58.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.0 TSI 95ps SE Sport DSG 5dr | £18,145 | 61.4 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.0 TSI 95ps SE Tech 5dr | £15,865 | 58.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.0 TSI 95ps SE Tech DSG 5dr | £16,945 | 51.4 mpg | 11.3 s |
On sale until November 2018
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90 SE Sport DSG 5dr | £19,730 | 62.8 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90 SE Tech DSG 5dr | £18,530 | 62.8 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps S 5dr | £16,285 | 70.6 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps SE Sport 5dr | £18,570 | 70.6 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps SE Tech 5dr | £17,370 | 70.6 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.6 TDI CR 115 SE Sport 5dr | £19,370 | 60.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI CR 115ps SE Tech 5dr | £18,170 | 60.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until September 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps SE Sport 5dr | £17,160 | 57.7 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps SE Tech 5dr | £15,960 | 57.7 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 1.2 TSI 90 SE Tech DSG 5dr | £16,420 | 60.1 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.2 TSI 90ps S 5dr | £14,110 | 60.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.2 TSI 90ps SE Tech 5dr | £15,260 | 60.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.4 TDI CR 90ps S DSG 5dr | £16,295 | 74.3 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE Sport DSG 5dr | £17,590 | 58.9 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE Tech DSG 5dr | £16,390 | 58.9 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI CR 115ps S 5dr | £15,935 | 67.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until July 2015
Model History
- September 2013: Skoda Rapid Spaceback debuts
- October 2013: Prices announced for the UK
- November 2013: Rapid Spaceback Greenline launched
- February 2017: Revised Rapid Spaceback revealed
September 2013
Skoda Rapid Spaceback debuts
First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show the Rapid Spaceback is Skoda's new offering designed to combine a fresh design with the Skoda qualities people expect. Compared with conventional hatchback models, the car appears significantly longer when viewed from the side. The Rapid Spaceback has many optional features, such as a large panoramic sunroof and a long rear window. The new brand appearance marks the front: A new logo on the bonnet ‘nose’, a distinctive grille, headlamps and fog lights arranged in a cloverleaf pattern.
Rapid Spaceback customers can choose new 3-spoke steering wheels, new fabrics and new trim lines. In addition to being stylishly sporty, the interior offers plenty of room for all passengers. Passengers in the rear enjoy the most knee room and headroom in the entire segment, while the boot sets new standards with its volume of 415 to 1,380 litres.
The Rapid Spaceback is a smart compact to the core that includes many ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, such as the double cargo floor in the boot, which divides the floor into two horizontal compartments when needed, an ice scraper inside the fuel filler flap, many holders for daily items, restraining nets and hooks.
October 2013
Prices announced for the UK
There will be three trim levels: S, SE and Elegance, with prices starting from just £14,340 OTR. Specification levels across the range are generous, with all three Spaceback models fitted with additional equipment over the Rapid. Air conditioning is standard across the line-up, along with curtain airbags, front electric windows and a height and reach adjustable steering column. SE models feature alloy wheels, acoustic rear parking sensors, cruise control and a Bluetooth telephone connection, while Elegance models add, among other items, climate control, height-adjustable passenger seat and cornering front fog lights.
| Rapid Spaceback S | CO2 | Recommended OTR |
| 1.2 TSI 86PS | 119 | £14,340 |
| 1.2 TSI 86PS GreenTech | 114 | £14,590 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS | 114 | £16,140 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS DSG | 118 | £17,300 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 105PS | 114 | £16,790 |
| Rapid Spaceback SE | CO2 | Recommended OTR |
| 1.2 TSI 86PS | 119 | £15,480 |
| 1.2 TSI 86PS GreenTech | 114 | £15,730 |
| 1.2 TSI 105PS | 125 | £16,180 |
| 1.2 TSI 105PS GreenTech | 118 | £16,430 |
| 1.4 TSI 122PS DSG | 134 | £17,980 |
| 1.4 TSI 122PS DSG GreenTech | 127 | £18,105 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS | 114 | £17,280 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS GreenTech | 104 | £17,530 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS DSG | 118 | £18,440 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 105PS | 114 | £17,930 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 105PS GreenTech | 106 | £18,180 |
| Rapid Spaceback Elegance | CO2 | Recommended OTR |
| 1.2 TSI 105PS | 125 | £16,640 |
| 1.2 TSI 105PS GreenTech | 118 | £16,890 |
| 1.4 TSI 122PS DSG | 134 | £18,440 |
| 1.4 TSI 122PS DSG GreenTech | 127 | £18,565 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS | 114 | £17,740 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS GreenTech | 104 | £17,990 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 90PS DSG | 118 | £18,900 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 105PS | 114 | £18,390 |
| 1.6 TDI CR 105PS GreenTech | 106 | £18,640 |
November 2013
Rapid Spaceback Greenline launched
Following on from the successful launch of the Rapid, and ahead of the January showroom debut for the Rapid Spaceback, Skoda has revealed pricing and specification for the GreenLine version.
It is powered by the 1.6-litre TDI CR 90PS DPF diesel engine linked to a five-speed manual transmission. The result is emissions of just 99g/km and an official combined cycle fuel economy of 74.3mpg. With BIK values of just 14% the pair are expected to prove especially popular with fleet and corporate customers. Running costs are further reduced because each is in VED Band A.
All cars come with 15-inch ‘Carme’ alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, front fog lights and sunset glass. Inside there is a height-adjustable driver’s seat, air-conditioning and a Maxi-DOT trip computer. These desirable comfort and convenience features are in addition to the standard equipment which is on all Rapid and Rapid Spaceback cars. That includes heated door mirrors, height-adjustable head rests and reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel. The Rapid Spaceback GreenLine is £17,195.
February 2017
Revised Rapid Spaceback revealed
Changes include modified fog lights and a narrow chrome strip (standard from SE L up) connects the lights and creates a wider-looking front end plus black-tinted covers on the taillights in the distinctive C-shape.
The wheels are available in new designs: Costa wheel trims for the 15-inch wheels, Evora (silver) and Vigo (silver / black metallic) for the 16-inch alloys, Trius (silver) and Torino (black polished, for the Monte Carlo edition) 17-inch alloy wheels.
The main headlights are now available with bi-xenon lights and the daytime running light uses LED technology. The interior of the upgraded model features many design changes such as new inlays which have been added to the four doors while the air vents in the dashboard, the instruments and the control panel of the manual air-conditioning system have also been redesigned.
As part of the upgrade, a 1.0-litre TSI engine is now available in two versions, 95PS and 110PS with official fuel economy of 64.2mpg and 62.8mpg respectively.
What to watch out for
Failure of 7-speed DSG transmission on new 16 reg Skoda 1.4TDI Spaceback DSG at 1,303 miles. " The conditions that prevailed at the time were not dramatically severe, just slow moving traffic at a constant speed of between 5-10 miles per hour, up a slow gradient of perhaps a couple of miles. This caused initially, an amber warning of ‘gearbox overheating’ to display, followed a few minutes later by the red command to ‘STOP'." Dealer advised customer that "if sat in traffic, shift the car into neutral whenever possible to avoid the gearbox overheating. If the gearbox overheating warning illuminated in red, pull the car over at the next available opportunity and allow it to cool down for 10-15 minutes before setting off again." Obviously this is general good advice, but it should not be necessary on a brand new car. The model must still not be fitted with the new wet-clutch 7-speed DSG.
05-02-2018:Report of judder in reverse gear only in 2015 2015 Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.4 TSI SE Greentech DSG at 15,000 miles.
08-02-2019:Report of intermittent problem with heating and ventilation of 2015 Skoda Rapid Sportback 1.4TSI DSG. O curred on 3 recent occasions after engine reached full operating temp. It is impossible to turn the hot air down. Close the vents and even the air con doesn't work.
