Skoda Rapid Spaceback hatchback (2013-2019) - Practicality & boot space

Compared to its hatchback sister, the Skoda Rapid Spaceback has actually lost a little space in the boot – even though its name suggests otherwise. However, it’s still impressively large, with a 415-litre capacity that easily beats the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus. It does this while still affording a remarkable amount of space in the rear seats – more than the regular Rapid does.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback interior space & storage

The different shape of the Spaceback compared to the hatchback seems to be a win-win for everybody. Not only does it look better, but there’s more space for those in the back, too. Indeed, the Spaceback feels easily the equal of larger cars from the class above: neither the Ford Mondeo nor the Vauxhall Insignia feels any more spacious. There’s over 12 inches of rear knee space, as well as improved headroom compared to the hatchback version.

Passengers are unlikely to moan about a lack of places to store bits and bobs that they might need to use during a journey – the doors have generous storage compartments, while there are drawer-like cubbies under the front seats and a pair of cup-holders in the centre console.

Boot space

The only slight sacrifice made by the Spaceback compared to the regular Rapid is outright boot capacity, although at 415 litres, it still offers more space for cargo than you’ll find in a Focus, Golf or Astra. This space expands to a truly cavernous 1,381 litres if you fold the rear seats down. This doesn’t give you a totally flat load floor, though, unless you specify the optional variable boot floor, which cuts capacity to a still-substantial 380 litres with the rear seats in place. Further utility is provided by the boot package with storage nets (two vertical and one horizontal) for secure transportation of smaller objects.