Skoda Rapid Spaceback review

Speaking of options, the Spaceback is available in three trim levels – S, SE Tech and SE Sport. S models don’t get much equipment as standard, so we’d recommend upgrading to either SE Sport or SE Tech. As a matter of fact a mid-level SE Tech car would probably do you, given all the Sport really adds are visual upgrades like bigger alloy wheels (which you don’t want anyway because they affect the ride). SE Tech gets climate control, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels and electric windows all around. To that you can add such features as front and rear heated seats, a rear centre armrest and keyless entry.

As for safety, a Front Assist system that warns and if necessary brakes to avoid impending collisions is available as an option on the two higher trim levels. All cars get six airbags. No Rapid Spaceback emits more than 110g/km of CO2, making them relatively cheap to tax. The 1.4-litre diesel engine is the most economical choice, giving a claimed 70.6mpg combined, but we’d still choose one of the 1.0-litre petrol models. The higher-powered one, because the eco penalty is only around 1mpg.