The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is praised for its spacious interior and generous boot, making it a practical family car. Owners appreciate the value for money, reliable performance, and decent fuel economy. However, the interior quality is seen as somewhat utilitarian, and the driving experience lacks excitement compared to rivals.
Read full reviewSkoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 - 2019)
2013 – 2019· 5 owner Q&As
Very good
Get ready for a blast from the past with the Skoda Rapid Spaceback! This retro icon is back, reimagined as an electric vehicle, perfect for those budget-conscious commuters seeking practicality without compromising on style.
At a glance
93
hp · Power
569
miles · Range / tank
10.7s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £243/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Spacious and practical interior
- Great fuel efficiency
- Comfortable and stable at speed
Consider alternatives if
- Limited engine options
- Lacking some advanced tech features
- Interior materials could feel utilitarian
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£243/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £1,400 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Very affordable
Great fit for most budgets.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is a solid contender in the hatchback market, particularly valued for its spacious interior, versatility, and affordability. With the promise of an electric model on the horizon, this vehicle maintains its appeal while adapting to the demands of modern drivers. Given its impressive driving experience, coupled with low running costs, it receives a strong recommendation for those seeking a reliable family car or a stylish urban vehicle.
Best match for
- Practical families
- Performance enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£125/month
£79/month
£16/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£280/month
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The Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 - 2019) offers a dynamic yet composed driving character, demonstrating a balance of agility and stability. Its responsive steering system allows for confident manoeuvring in urban environments, while its engine variants deliver a smooth power deliv
External voices
What the experts say
Expert reviewers commend the Rapid Spaceback's solid design, which combines family-friendly practicality with an attractive exterior. While it’s not the most thrilling to drive, the overall comfort and ample headroom contribute positively to its appeal. Critics note that the dashboard design feels dated and could benefit from modernisation.
Read full reviewWhatCar highlights the Skoda Rapid Spaceback's reliability and longevity, emphasising it also scores well on running costs. While the car generally performs well, some users report minor reliability concerns. Service costs are reasonable, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
Finance options for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback are flexible. Various leasing agreements and financing plans cater to different budgets, making it easier for drivers to manage their expenses efficiently.
The running costs associated with the Skoda Rapid Spaceback are notably competitive within its class. Regular maintenance is straightforward due to the availability of parts and the brand’s reputation for reliability. Fuel efficiency, especially with the petrol models, ensures lower expenditure on trips, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious drivers.
For the upcoming electric model, charging costs are anticipated to be significantly lower than traditional fuel expenses. Home charging stations can provide convenience and affordability, especially with off-peak electricity rates.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2013
Launch of Skoda Rapid Spaceback
2019
End of production for Rapid Spaceback
2023
Announcement of the electric retro icon variant
Read full launch story
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback was developed to offer a practical yet stylish option for families and young professionals looking for flexibility in their vehicle choice. It aims to blend efficiency with everyday usability. Over the years, the model has evolved from a conventional hatchback to introduce a range of modern features while now advancing towards an electric variant, represented in the iconic retro design that seeks to resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.
Compare with alternatives
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 - 2019) offers solid practicality and value, but faces strong competition from rivals with more premium offerings and dynamic driving experiences.
Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
Premium option known for high build quality and driving dynamics.
- vs features
- The Golf offers superior cabin quality and a wide range of tech options, with a more refined and engaging driving experience than the Rapid.
- vs price
- Typically more expensive than the Rapid, reflecting its premium brand positioning and quality.
Ford Focus Hatchback
A sporty contender favored for its fun-to-drive characteristics.
- vs features
- The Focus excels in driving dynamics and handling, providing a sportier feel than the Rapid, though it may lack some interior refinement and tech sophistication.
- vs price
- Generally competitive in price with the Rapid, sometimes slightly less expensive depending on the trim.
Renault Megane Hatchback
A stylish option in the compact hatchback segment with a focus on value and equipment.
- vs features
- The Megane often includes more standard features for the price compared to the Rapid, but it may not match the Rapid’s rear space and practicality.
- vs price
- Typically priced similarly or slightly less than the Rapid, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Available now
Skoda Rapid Spaceback (2013 - 2019) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
1.2 TSI (90bhp) S 5dPetrol Manual · 2015–2017
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.8 s
- Top speed
- 114 mph
- Torque
- 160 Nm
- Economy
- 60 mpg
- Range
- 726 mi
- CO₂
- 107 g/km
- Insurance group
- 12
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £14,110
1.4 TDI CR (90bhp) S 5dDiesel Manual · 2015–2018
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.2 s
- Top speed
- 114 mph
- Torque
- 230 Nm
- Economy
- 70 mpg
- Range
- 847 mi
- CO₂
- 103 g/km
- Insurance group
- 13
- Road tax
- £0 - £190
- New price
- £16,110
1.2 TSI (110bhp) SE Tech 5dPetrol Manual · 2015–2017
- Power
- 108 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.4 s
- Top speed
- 123 mph
- Torque
- 175 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 689 mi
- CO₂
- 111 g/km
- Insurance group
- 16
- Road tax
- £35 - £190
- New price
- £15,960
1.2 TSI (90bhp) SE Tech 5dPetrol Manual · 2015–2017
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.8 s
- Top speed
- 114 mph
- Torque
- 160 Nm
- Economy
- 60 mpg
- Range
- 726 mi
- CO₂
- 107 g/km
- Insurance group
- 13
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £15,260
1.2 TSI (90bhp) SE Tech 5d DSGPetrol Automatic · 2015–2017
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.9 s
- Top speed
- 114 mph
- Torque
- 160 Nm
- Economy
- 60 mpg
- Range
- 726 mi
- CO₂
- 109 g/km
- Insurance group
- 13
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £16,420
1.4 TDI CR (90bhp) SE Tech 5dDiesel Manual · 2015–2018
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.2 s
- Top speed
- 114 mph
- Torque
- 230 Nm
- Economy
- 70 mpg
- Range
- 847 mi
- CO₂
- 104 g/km
- Insurance group
- 14
- Road tax
- £0 - £190
- New price
- £17,195
+ 15 more trim variants
FAQs
- What are the key features of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback?
- The Skoda Rapid Spaceback offers a spacious interior, robust safety ratings with a 5-star Euro NCAP score, and competitive pricing, making it ideal for families and budget-conscious buyers.
- When was the Skoda Rapid Spaceback first launched?
- The Skoda Rapid Spaceback was launched in 2013, quickly becoming popular for its practicality and value.
- Will there be an electric version of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback?
- Yes, Skoda is set to introduce an electric version of the Rapid Spaceback, promising to combine its retro design with modern eco-friendly technology.
- How does the Skoda Rapid Spaceback perform on the motorway?
- On the motorway, the Skoda Rapid Spaceback provides a stable ride with good control over wind and road noise, focusing on comfort and efficiency rather than sportiness.
- What are the running costs for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback?
- Starting at £14,000, the Skoda Rapid Spaceback boasts competitive running costs, especially for diesel models, and further savings with its upcoming electric variant.














