Skoda Rapid Spaceback price & release date

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is a redesigned version of the Skoda Rapid, offering a more traditional hatchback-style look compared to the standard car. It was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013, and is priced from £14,340 for the entry-level 1.2-litre TSI in basic S spec.

With the Skoda Rapid Spaceback being a completely new model in the car's line-up, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about it below.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback specs and equipment

Although it may look like a more practical estate version, the Skoda Rapid Spaceback is far from that. It's about the same size on the outside, but the new design means the Spaceback is smaller on the inside than the standard car. The Rapid Spaceback has 415 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, and 1,380 litres with them down, compared with 550 litres and 1,490 litres in the standard car.

All the same engines from the standard Skoda Rapid will be available in the Spaceback, which includes the 85bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine that can get 55.4mpg and emits 119g/km CO2. This is the engine we recommend it if you’re not going to be doing many miles as it's cheaper to buy and still not very expensive to run. The GreenTech 1.6-litre diesel, which emits 104g/km of CO2, is the most efficient engine available in the range.

All models get daytime running lights, electric front windows, air-conditioning, split-folding rear seats and ISOFIX child seat mountings. GreenTech models add fuel-saving brake energy recovery and stop-start systems across the range, while SE cars come fitted with alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. They also get cruise control, body coloured bumpers, cruise control, electric rear windows and Bluetooth for your mobile phone. These models are arguably the best value in the range, with prices starting from £15,480 for the 1.2-litre TSI petrol.

Top-of-the-range Skoda Rapid Spaceback Elegance models get bigger alloy wheels, chrome and aluminium trim, climate control and lights that illuminate the road as you turn a corner.

Skoda CEO, Winfried Vahland, said, “The Rapid Spaceback has a fresh, dynamic and individual appearance. It is a compact car with a sporty chic, spacious and practical, ideal for young people and families.”

Skoda Rapid Spaceback price and release date

The new Skoda Rapid Spaceback will go on sale in the UK later this month, with prices starting at £14,340 for the basic 85bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol. GreenTech models cost around £250 more than the standard cars – and are available across the range, from the entry-level petrol engine through to the top-spec diesels.

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback SE models cost from £15,480 for the 1.2-litre petrol, while the larger 120bhp 1.4-litre engine starts at £17,980.

Skoda’s DSG automatic gearbox is available on various models, and commands a premium of about £1,200 over the standard manual cars. Unfortunately, the eco-friendly GreenTech models don’t get the option of an automatic gearbox.

Completing the Skoda Rapid Spaceback range is the Elegance model – priced from £16,640 for the 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine. The most expensive model you can buy is the Skoda Rapid Spaceback Elegance 1.6-litre TDI with the DSG automatic gearbox.

You’ll be able to buy a Rapid Spaceback from later this month, with first deliveries in January 2014.

For the full Skoda range visit the CarBuyer Skoda reviews page.