Following on from the introduction of the Rapid last year, Škoda has expanded the Rapid range with the arrival of the new Spaceback. The Spaceback is the first Škoda hatchback to compete in the high-volume compact segment. Priced from just €17,495, models will be in dealerships later this month as part of Škoda’s Open Week event. The Rapid Spaceback is priced €200 below the Rapid Saloon on petrol models and priced the very same as the saloon for diesel versions.
To mark the launch of the Rapid Spaceback, Škoda dealerships nationwide are holding an Open Week from Tuesday, 29thOctober to Saturday, 2nd November where motorists can test drive the Rapid Spaceback and avail of special introductory offers for new 2014 purchases. All customers will be given a free 3-year service plan with every Rapid order taken and for early orders Sat Nav and cruise control are provided for €249. In addition Škoda Dealers are providing finance from just 1.9% APR.
The Rapid saloon quickly gained fans due to its superb value and extraordinarily spacious interior and with the new Spaceback, this more compact car retains similar levels of space and versatility.
Although the Spaceback measures 18 centimetres less than the Rapid saloon, passenger space is just as generous and offers the largest legroom (64 millimetres) and the largest rear headroom (980 millimetres) in its segment. At 415 litres, or 1,380 litres with the rear seat folded down, boot volumes are among the best in the segment.
There are three trim levels offered the in Rapid Spaceback; Active, Ambition and Elegance. Air Conditioning and 15” Alloy wheels come as standard with Ambition while the Elegance receives 16” Wheels and Climate Control.
“The Spaceback offers yet another option for Škoda customers in 2014,” said Škoda Ireland Head of Marketing, Raymond Leddy. “The family hatchback segment accounts for nearly 19% of all cars sold in Ireland so it is great for us to finally be able to offer a competitive and well-appointed car in this class.”
“With the majority of Rapid Saloon customers choosing petrol versions and the same likely with the new Spaceback, our focus will be on our competitively priced petrol offering. 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,” adds Leddy
The Škoda Rapid Spaceback will be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines ranging from 86bhp to 122bhp. The range starts with the 86bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine (€200 Road Tax), which is expected to be the volume seller. This is followed by the 105bhp 1.2-litre TSI (€270 Road Tax) and at the top of the petrol range is the 1.4-litre TSI with 122bhp (€280 Road Tax) that uses the 7-speed DSG double clutch automatic gearbox. Prices start from €17,495.
The diesel Rapid Spaceback uses the 90bhp 1.6-litre TDI engine (€200 Road Tax) with a choice of manual or DSG transmissions. Prices start from €19,495.
The unique selling point of the Spaceback is the Style Pack from €1,220 that adds a full length fixed panoramic glass sun roof, glass tail gate and other black design elements such as 17” sports alloy wheels and a sports steering wheel. These items individually equate to €2,000 representing a saving of €780 for the consumer.
There is also the option of a Technical Pack which adds the Amunsden Sat Nav System and Cruise Control for just €249, a saving of €551 for consumers.
The Spaceback receives a new dashboard with improved plastics, as well a revision to the rear suspension to give improved ride quality while a new electromechanical steering system improves driver feedback and reduces vehicle weight. All of these measures will feature across the entire Rapid range for 2014.
