Facelift for Rapid Spaceback

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

Skoda has given the Rapid Spaceback a facelift for 2017 with styling in line with the impressive new Kodiaq and boosted by the arrival of a new 1.0-litre engine.

The Rapid has not been a best-seller for Skoda but things might just improve thanks to the Kodiaq influence, a list of new innovations as long as your arm and a range of impressive engines to choose from.

There’s something for everyone in the range from the new 1-0 -litre TSi engine with three cylinders to the SE Sport .6TDi SE Sport which we recently put to the test.

The facelift includes new bumpers, re-designed wheels and optional bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights to spice up the package of space and affordability that is always associated with the Rapid range

The Spaceback is far from the best-looking Skoda on the road but it meets all the requirements for a family with competitive levels of space, plenty of leg and headroom for three seated in the rear and with more than enough room with seats folded down.

Inside the Spaceback you will find many changes. New inlays have been added to the four doors, there are new-look air vents in the dashboard and the instruments and control panel to the air conditioning system have been redesigned.

On the road the ride is smooth enough and even though there’s a bit of roll when cornering there’s enough grip to give the driver the comfort to take on most bends without too many worries.

The 1.6 TDi SE Sport on test came with a five-speed manual box and produced a top speed of 123mph and 0-62mph in 9.9seconds while producing stunning figures of 74.3mpg while emitting only 99g/km of CO2.

The model included 17 inch black alloys, a three-spoke leather, multi-function, steering wheel with controls for radio and telephone, rear parking sensors, Sat Nav, rear spoiler and body coloured mirrors and handles.

One of the better features was the stunning panoramic glass roof and the model also gets sports seats, sunset glass, Bluetooth connectivity, tinted rear lights and even an umbrella under the front passenger’s seat.

This model would set you back £18,955 but a boot package, floor mats, rear view camera, SmartLink and a temporary space saver wheel took the price up to £19,590.

If being connected at all times is a must the Skoda Connect system will impress, offering on-line infotainment and a care connect system. That means hotspot traffic information, parking updates, current news and weather information alongside a sim-card generated emergency assist system.

Time will tell if Skoda has done enough to make the Rapid Spaceback as popular as other models in the company’s growing range of competitive offerings – but you do get a lot of car for your money.