Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) Review

Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) At A Glance

4/5

+Spacious and practical. Comes with an efficient range of engines. Represents good value for money

-Entry-level models aren't generously equipped. A little on the dull side. Cabin materials could be nicer

Insurance Groups are between 11–18
On average it achieves 85% of the official MPG figure

With a name like Spaceback you might think the newest variant of the Skoda Rapid is supposed to be an estate, but it’s actually just a fancy name for a for more conventional family hatchback model. However it still majors on practicality – there’s a spacious cabin and a well-proportioned boot, making the Rapid Spaceback a sensible family car.

Indeed rear leg and head room are particularly impressive and while the 415 litre boot capacity is slightly less on paper than the regular Rapid, in practice it’s a more usable shape and will be more practical. Couple the useful dimensions with a range of frugal engines, decent equipment levels and competitive prices and the Rapid Spaceback makes sense as an honest, if somewhat unexciting family workhorse.

Skoda offers a range of five engines – three petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 86PS to 122PS but the pick of the range is a versatile, sprightly 1.2 TSI 105PS petrol. For those who prefer an automatic gearbox Skoda offers a 1.4 TSI or the 1.6 TDI with a DSG double-clutch gearbox.

Low running costs are at the core of the Rapid Spaceback’s appeal – even the thirstiest engine has official economy of 48.7mpg and all of the manual models have emissions below 125g/km. A diesel engine shouldn’t necessarily be top of the shopping list if you’re looking for low fuel bills – the petrol engines are all frugal and can return very respectable fuel economy in real world conditions.

Practical and sensible though the Spaceback is, it isn’t without its flaws. The cabin, while neat, isn’t as plush or as polished as you might expect and the driving experience is a little dull. But as a family hatchback it’s pretty hard to fault – it’s reasonable value for money, economical and well screwed together.

Skoda Rapid 2013 Road Test

Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI SE 'Our Cars' Long-Term Test Reports

Skoda Rapid 1.4TDI and Spaceback 1.0TSI DSG 2017 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

85%

Real MPG

36–80 mpg

MPGs submitted

125

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Can you recommend a good size family car for up to £6,000?

"I am a mother of two and would love a nice size family car that can fit two car seats in the back and also a large pushchair in the boot. I have a budget of £5,000 - £6,000 to spend and I am very indecisive so really need some help. I was driving a VW Polo before it was written off recently. "
Have you considered a Honda Jazz? It's not a stylish choice but it is extremely versatile, with more room for car seats and pushchairs than your Volkswagen Polo. It's also likely to be an extremely reliable used car with low running costs. A Skoda Fabia Estate would be a good alternative, or the bigger Skoda Rapid Spaceback.
Answered by Andrew Brady

When does a timing belt need replaced?

"I have a 2016 Skoda Rapid Spaceback. It's now 5 years old with 50,000 miles on the clock. When does it need a replacement timing belt? I've had wildly different advice from different dealers."
Over time the belt will become worn and stretched. The belt plays a vital part in the operation of the engine, controlling the opening and closing of the engine’s valves by turning the camshaft and crankshaft. If it fails, it'll cause catastrophic damage to the engine. Therefore, as a general rule, we recommend changing the belt, pulley and water pump every 50,000 - 60,000 miles or five years (whichever comes first). Most complaints we hear occur after this mileage/timeframe. No dealer that tells you otherwise will be willing to contribute towards a damaged engine if something does go wrong based on their advice.
Answered by Georgia Petrie

Buying a family car - Rapid Spaceback or Toledo?

"I need a practical, reliable family car. I have seen a 2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.2 TSI S 86ps for £8500 with 12,000 miles. I have also seen a 2014 SEAT Toledo 1.2 TSI S 105PS for £9400 ewith 2000 miles. Both are from main dealers with full history. Which one do you consider the better deal?"
The Rapid Spaceback has improved ride and handling over the original Rapid and Toledo, and the 86PS 1.2TSI is more economical than the 105. Boils down to whether you want the extra boot length of the Toledo or the greater rear seat legroom of the Spaceback.
Answered by Honest John

Can you recommend a car with good bootspace?

"I am looking to replace my Volkswagen Polo with something bigger. I need more boot space, but I don´t want a big car. I like cars with good visibility, with good fuel economy, nippy to drive and all this for a reasonable price! Can you suggest which cars to look at?"
A Skoda Rapid Spaceback is the same width as a Polo, but longer with more rear seat space and a bigger boot: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/skoda/skoda-rapid-spaceback-2013-road-test// There have been some cheap deals on the basically same but longer SEAT Toledo.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 – 2019) cost?