Spaceback added to Skoda Rapid range

Skoda is extending the Rapid range with the introduction of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback, which will be available to test drive later this month.

The Czech car maker says that although the new hatchback model is 18cm shorter than the Rapid saloon, the cabin is generous and offers the best legroom and rear headroom in its class.

The 415 litre boot (with the rear seats up) is also competitively sized, according to Skoda.

Three trim levels will be available – Active, Ambition and Elegance.

Standard features on the mid-range Ambition include air conditioning and 15” alloys. Meanwhile, the top of the range Elegance gets climate control and 16” alloys.

A range of petrol and diesel engines will be offered with manual or automatic transmissions, with the 1.2 litre 86bhp TSI petrol expected to be the most popular.

Skoda Ireland head of marketing, Raymond Leddy said: ‘In recent years the assumption was you pay more at the outset for the diesel but you make the savings in the long run on road tax and fuel.

‘This is no longer the case as our clean TSI petrol engines have proven. Annual road tax for petrol and diesel are the very same at only €200 while the fuel consumption gap between petrol and diesel is closing all the time.’

Improvements over the saloon include better dashboard plastics, a revised rear suspension and a new electromechanical steering wheel system which augments driver feedback. These changes will feature across the Rapid range next year.

Prices for the new Skoda Rapid Spaceback start from €17,495, making it €200 cheaper than the petrol saloon and the same price as the diesel saloon.

Skoda will be showcasing the new variant during its Open Week event, which runs from October 29 to November 2. Drivers can avail of special 2014 offers, including reduced price Style and Technical packages.

The Style Pack includes a full length panoramic sun roof, 17” sports alloy wheels and a sports steering wheel. When these items are bought as the €1,220 pack customers save €780.

Meanwhile, the €249 Technical Pack, which includes the Amundsen Sat Nav System and cruise control offers €551 in savings.

Visit the Skoda Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.