Words by Rob McSorley
What do you think you would end up with if you took Skoda’s budget Rapid and lop the rear overhang off? You would think a less balanced hatchback with less interior space. Skoda will tell you otherwise.
Riding on the back of the largest product offensive in Skoda's 118 year history the brand have revealed their latest creation the aptly named Rapid Spaceback. Cleverly it swiftly provides Skoda with the ideal rival to the big-hitting Ford Focus, Kia Cee’d and VAG’s own VW Golf.
Essentially a shorter version of the already launched Rapid Liftback the new model is 180 mm shorter with a more upright rear window line and additional rear quarter window for improved visibility. Described as a Skoda’s “young compact car” the Spaceback is all-new from the B-pillar rearwards with larger rear light units. Buyers will have the option of a prolonged rear window in conjunction with a panoramic roof that extends all the way down to the rear number plate recess adding a dash of individuality.
Despite the slightly misleading Spaceback name the new car has a smaller boot than its sister car at 415 litres but it still manages to dwarf all other C-segment rivals and also offers class leading leg and headroom at 64 mm and 980 mm respectively. It shares the same 2,602 mm wheelbase also.
Prices have yet to be announced but the Spaceback is likely to command a small premium over it’s already established sister-car so expect the range to start from around £13,500 when it hits UK roads. Engine and trim options are likely to mirror the Liftback but the Spaceback will buyers the choice of a range of personalisation options which will help increase appeal to younger buyers.
All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.co.uk).
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