Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.6 TDi review

More stylish version of new Skoda Rapid hits the road with efficient diesel engine

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Skoda Rapid
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Buyers looking for a frugal, reliable method of transport that’s cheap and practical will struggle to find a better all-round package than the Skoda Rapid Spaceback. But unless you do big mileages, this diesel’s low running costs won’t be enough to cancel out the sluggish pace and poor refinement. The styling pack adds desirability, but we’d stick with the 1.2 TSI.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We've already published a Skoda Rapid Spaceback review when we drove a prototype, but this was our first opportunity to drive the full production Spaceback and try the efficient new diesel.

Featuring a detuned version of the familiar 1.6-litre diesel already fitted to the Rapid Fastback (confusingly, also a hatch, but saloon-shaped), the Spaceback emits a mere 104g/km of CO2 and claims 72.4mpg when fitted with the optional £250 Green Tec pack.

Only 89bhp powers the front wheels via a five-speed manual box, so the new entry-level TDI is not the strongest performer. Also, the narrow powerband means you must change gear often to maintain momentum. Still, with 230Nm of torque (more than any of the petrol models), it’s more than capable of hauling the Spaceback (plus passengers and luggage) around and maintaining a steady long-distance cruise.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLC

2022 Mercedes

GLC

75,544 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,097
View GLC
Grandland X

2018 Vauxhall

Grandland X

41,400 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,100
View Grandland X
Mokka

2021 Vauxhall

Mokka

33,983 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,100
View Mokka
Arona

2021 SEAT

Arona

21,085 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,500
View Arona

However, unlike the silky-smooth 1.2-litre TSI we tried previously, the diesel really struggles with refinement. There is a loud clatter on start-up and noticeable vibration through the gearlever, while at high speeds both wind and road noise also become intrusive.

It’s a shame, because in other areas the Spaceback trumps the more staid Rapid Fastback. Fresh materials fitted to the dashboard and a smart three-spoke steering wheel lifted from the Octavia add a level of sophistication missing from the Rapid Fastback.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Skoda Rapid review

The Spaceback introduces a few fresh mechanical tweaks, too, with a new electric power-steering rack and mildly retuned dampers that have been softened in an attempt to smooth out the ride. The steering is light and offers no real feedback, but it does make the Spaceback very easy to drive around town.

Handling-wise, the Spaceback offers few surprises compared to its sister car. It corners with a predictable amount of body roll and there is a reasonable level of grip from the front tyres. Push harder, though, and there’s no real driver engagement.

The suspension tweaks are less than successful, too. Even on fairly smooth surfaces the low-speed ride is busy and unsettled. The 16-inch wheels really amplify large bumps in the road, sending unpleasant thuds from the rear axle through the wheel and into the cabin.

At 4.3 metres long, the car brings Ford Mondeo levels of rear space to the compact hatch sector. The optional Style Pack includes a full-length glass roof that floods the cabin with light without restricting headroom.

Starting at around £14,000 when it goes on sale in January, this new bodystyle should widen the Rapid’s appeal to a younger audience – and it’s well equipped, too. However, we’ll wait for official prices to be confirmed before passing our final verdict.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £27,795
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025