The Skoda Rapid which was launched in 2012 is bigger than the Fabia and smaller than the Octavia hatch. Keeping this in mind, Skoda recently launched its Skoda Rapid Spaceback for people looking forward to a more stylish and cheaper car. The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is a hatch version of the regular Skoda Rapid and with no doubt it looks way edgier than any hatch.
One thing that should be kept in mind is that the Skoda rapid spaceback is not an estate version of the regular skoda rapid and rather it is a traditional five door hatch. Spaceback offers a good suspension however; some exterior appearances like the long nose and short rear overhang can make the car look very peculiar. Comparing it with the regular Rapid, the Rapid spaceback is 180mm shorter in length but identical from the front grille to the rear doors. The rear obviously takes a shape of a conventional hatchback.
INTERIOR
Coming to the interiors, the wheelbase of both the Rapids are same and therefore the spacious interiors remain by and large, unchanged. The Dash is made of hard and black plastic but the design is robust and sophisticated and same as the regular skoda rapid. Spaceback comes in with attractive 17-inch alloy wheels (Elegance version) and extra glass in the rear hatch. It is also decked up with improvements such as a revised multi-function steering wheel, a neater stereo installation, and new trims and seat fabrics, electro-mechanical power steering instead of a hydraulic set-up. The only problem with the ride is its over firmness. The boot space of this car is 415 litre but still roomier than any of its rival hatchbacks.
Skoda Rapid Spaceback is surely a thumbs up when it comes to space and style. The rear legroom is very much spacious followed by excellent headroom and many more storage spaces. There is a giant panoramic glass sunroof too. Other features include air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and an alarm. Mid-spec SE trim adds body-colored door handles and mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, a glove box, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, cruise control, front fog lights, electric rear windows and a front center armrest. The Elegance variant which is the top most variant also get bigger alloys, climate control, a height-adjustable passenger seat and many more! Skoda has also done some practical designing like the ice scraper which is concealed on the fuel tank cap, a multimedia device bracket to hold a phone, a removable waste basket in the door paneling holder and a warning vest holder under the driver’s seat.
SAFETY
Skoda has played very clever when it comes to the safety of its passengers. It comes with a wide range of safety measures such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control) including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and six airbags. When the curtain airbags are activated, it creates a wall to protect passengers in both the front and rear from potential head injuries.
ENGINE
Skoda Rapid spaceback comes in four variants- S, SE, Elegance and GreenLine specs. It comes with a 55 KW 1.2 Litre MPI engine which reaches 0-100 KM at 13.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 173 KMPH. Similarly, it also comes with 63 KW/73 KW 1.2 Litre TSI engine. It also comes in diesel 1.6 TDI engine with different power outputs ranging from 66 KW and 77 KW. 66 KW 1.6 TDI and 90 KW 1.4 TSI engines are mated with seven speed DSG automatic transmission. The 90 KW 1.4 litre TSI engine reaches 100 km in 9.4 seconds having a maximum speed of 203km/h. Skoda Spaceback is an environment friendly car emitting Carbon dioxide ranging from 114-134 g/km.
FEATURES
Start stop system- The start stop system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stopped thereby saving fuel and preventing the vehicle from emitting pollutants.
How does it work? When the driver stops the vehicle and shifts the gear to neutral, releasing the clutch pedal, the engine switches off automatically. The engine starts when the driver shift’s gears.
Energy recovery- What it basically does is makes the kinetic energy into usable electricity. This saves the fuel which would be otherwise used up to charge the battery.
Photo courtesy- http://www.whatcar.com/
BOTTOMLINE
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback was launched in 2014 in the United Kingdom. Skoda Rapid Spaceback is not yet launched in the Indian market. It will be a clear hit once it launches in India. The skoda Rapid spaceback is aimed at the younger buyers as it looks sporty and chick. It is very affordable and is also for the family.