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Skoda has revealed its first official pictures of the new Rapid Spaceback ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Sitting between the Fabia and Octavia, the Rapid Spaceback aims to give an alternative to Ford Focus and Opel Astra estate buyers.
Exterior
The front of the Rapid Spaceback is identical to the hatchback version's, with Skoda only making changes rearwards of the B-pillars. There, Skoda has added a rounded tailgate, which brings the car's overall length down by 18cm. A full-length, tinted sunroof can be specified too, a tint that can be extended through the rear window and onto the top of the boot lid.
Interior
Inside you'll find it's pretty much the same as the Rapid hatchback. The reduction in length has reduced luggage space from 550- to 415 litres - a strange decision in a car that is, for all intents and purposes, an estate. Despite this, Skoda claims that the Rapid Spaceback still has class-leading cabin space for both front and rear passengers.
Mechanicals
In terms of engines, Skoda expects the 1.6-litre TDI unit to be the biggest seller; it delivers 90hp, 74.3mpg and 99g/km of CO2 when ordered in Greenline specification. This engine can also be had with a DSG automatic gearbox. Petrol alternatives include three 1.2-litre units, producing 74hp as standard, and either 84- or 104hp in turbocharged TSI form.
Anything else?
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is scheduled to hit Ireland's showrooms in November. Prices have yet to be announced, but we would expect a slight premium over the standard hatchback model, which starts at €16,515.
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