Rapid is winning the space race

This somewhat overlooked model is a roomy, refined alternative to rival hatchbacks, writes Steve Teale

It is no joke. Skoda is on a high.

Buoyant sales, exciting new models and more are on the horizon.

In fact, Skoda ended 2017 with almost 80,000 sales. That was as light rise on the previous year, despite the industry as a whole suffering a fall.

And while new SUVs such as Kodiaq and Karoq are dominating attention, it is actually the bread-and-butter saloons and hatches which are playing a major part in the rise of Skoda.

Cars like Octavia, Fabia and Superb have led the way in Skoda’ s most successful year ever. But don’t forget the Rapid.

This is a quiet, fuss-free hatchback and estate which seems to go almost unnoticed. An underrated car among an underrated brand.

It was already a good car – compact, neat and simple

– but now Skoda have made a few subtle improvements includingthe addition of new 1.0 litre three-cylinder engines and the availability of wifi.

Tested here is the Rapid Spaceback, which is actually a hatchback although it looks very much like an estate. Either way, Skoda deem Spaceback to be a classier name than estate or hatch. This is a model which fits between Fabia and Octavia and is a likeable, neat car.

It might not stir the emotions but it will tick most of the boxes for people seeking a deceptively spacious car. In fact space is one of this model’s key features. There is exceptional room, especially in the back seats. And the boot is 415 litres, which sets the standard for vehicles in this class.

The range of engines is interesting, too, with a raft of 1.0-litre units which offer average economy of more than 60mpg, low emissions and 0 to 60mph times of between 9.8 and 11 seconds. The petrol version,for example, is 10 kg lighter than the previous 1.2-litre unit and runs particularly quietly. All powertrains are equipped with brake energy recovery, a start-stop system and meet the latest emission standard.

Tested here is a bigger 1.6 litre unit which is astonishingly smooth and refined, can touch 60 mph in under 10 seconds yet still returns average economy approaching 70mpg.

For a compact car in the budget sector, Rapid Space back actually has some interesting hi-tech features, too. Take the headlight system, for example. The ‘Light Assistant’ feature examines the light conditions and switches the headlights on or off automatically. This applies to both twilight and driving through tunnels. The high-beam assistant always ensures optimal illumination. In the dark and at speeds above 37 mph, the sensor detects vehicles ahead, as well as on-comingtraffic and dims the lights as appropriate.

The music and navigation systems are user-friendly and feature surround sound, Bluetooth connectivity and have Apple-compatible USB links.

Skoda is also very good at coming up with simple solutions to problems. So, we find two USB ports in the back and a nice scrap er concealed on the inside of the fuel cap.

There is also an umbrella holder under the passenger seat, something I don’t I’ve ever seen on a car before.

For less than £20,000, this is quite a comprehensive car. The fact that the range start sat under£15,000 makes it even more appealing.