Page 30 - link magazine

THE Skoda Rapid Spaceback (in
this case in Elegance trim with the In his latest Link car review, GEOFF MAXTED of DriveWrite takes
most powerful 1.4L TSI 120bhp Skoda’s family classic Rapid Spaceback for a spin
DSG engine) is the company’s latest
addition aimed squarely at the family
hatchback segment, a job for which
it is ideally suited. The Rapid fills the
gap between the the supermini Fabia
and big brother Octavia.
There’s the regular Rapid and the
Rapid Spaceback. I’m not entirely
sure why Skoda have done this but,
well, they know their business one
assumes. Maybe they feel that the
‘estate car’ looks of the Spaceback
will appeal although there is very
little difference in capacity. Personally,
I prefer the stylish Spaceback. I
wonder - if they did a VRS version
would it be the Rapid Rapid? A Space odyssey
Our car had the 1.4L TSI petrol
engine with 120bhp on tap.
This is the fastest motor in the
range and it is a cracker. 62mph
comes up in 9.4 seconds with a those who like a bit of hand either 85bhp or 104bhp which most The Spaceback costs £18,440
top speed of 126mph and the car action. Relax, leave it in Drive and drivers will find perfectly adequate. basic in Elegance trim with the 1.4L
feels nice and lively in use. It is only you’ll be pleasantly surprised by If real economy is required then the engine. The test car was also fitted
available with a seven-speed semi- the performance. There’s plenty 1.6L turbo-diesel is the best bet. with the Style Pack, which includes
auto DSG gearbox, which is a delight of power and the DSG ensures There is also the choice of Greenline a panoramic glass roof (excellent),
in my humble opinion. The driver can smooth, quick getaways from engine versions for super-efficiency. extended tailgate glass, black
use it in standard Drive mode; there’s standing still, efficient shifts, smart The 1.4TSI is the most fun though rear spoiler, as well as black door
a sports option that hangs onto gears overtaking and frugal main road for family drivers who like a bit of mirrors, rear lights and cornering
for longer - at the expense of fuel cruises. bang for their buck. front fog lights. It’s a stylish, if
consumption - which adds a tad If performance isn’t your thing Out on the road the Skoda Rapid costly addition.
more punch, or there’s the alternative then there are alternatives. A Spaceback has accurate and well- The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is
sequential gearbox type shift for choice of 1.2L TSI petrol, with weighted (if a bit numb) steering; a choice selection. No, it’s not
there’s good grip and decent body perfect; there’s a bit of wind noise
control. and, the ride quality is a matter
I personally prefer firm suspension of opinion but it is terrific value
but a passenger did remark that and Skoda are noted for reliability.
the car felt too firm, especially over If it’s not quite big enough then
poor road surfaces - which is most the Octavia range starts at around
of them. Our car was fitted with £16,500 but for the nuclear family
optional smart 17” alloys (15”/16” on a motoring budget the Rapid in
is the standard) which may have its various guises would make a fine
exacerbated things further. It’s a choice.
matter of personal preference. www.drivewrite.co.uk

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30 swindonlink.com n March 2015

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