SKODA adds Rapid Spaceback to range
SKODA’s product offensive continues as it confirms plans to launch a hatchback version of its Rapid saloon.
Slotting in between the Fabia and the new Octavia, the Rapid Spaceback represents the first time the Czech company has offered a a compact car which combines SKODA’s good practical qualities with the flexible hatchback shape.
SKODA’s CEO Winfried Vahland said: “The new SKODA Rapid Spaceback is a milestone for SKODA: it means that we are entering the strategically important segment of compact hatchback models.
“The Rapid Spaceback is a great addition to this class in that it combines SKODA’s good practical characteristics with the popular hatchback shape. Sporting the new SKODA design, the Rapid Spaceback has a fresh, dynamic and individual appearance. It is a compact car with a sporty chic, spacious and practical, ideal for young people and families.”
Set to hit European markets in October this year the new model will be shown off at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with SKODA promising it will appeal to younger customer segments.
Compared to its saloon sibling the Spaceback measures a whole 18cm less, however the passenger space is just as generous, maintaining the Rapid’s class-leading rear head and legroom. The boot space can accommodate 415 litres rising to 1,380 litres with the rear seats flat. SKODA is also porting over some of its clever ideas from other models, so we can expect the useful split double floor in the boot. There’s also the now familiar ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, the double-sided floor cover in the trunk and the waste bin in the side door. Other examples include the parking ticket holder, the multimedia holder, the cup holders in the front and rear or the parcel shelf that can be stowed behind the rear seats.
With SKODA hoping to appeal to a younger generation of driver the Rapid Spaceback will also be available with a wide selection of individualization options, including an optional panoramic glass roof, so large it covers the whole roof area from windscreen to the rear window.
The new SKODA Rapid Spaceback will launch with a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines – including a Greenline version which will emit just 99g/km of CO2.