Test: Škoda Rapid - Spaceback 1.0 TSI family

The fact that the daytime running lights are now in LED technology is in fact the only outstanding optical innovation, but the most important technical innovation is already hidden behind them. The Rapid said goodbye to the petrol 1,2-liter four-cylinder engine and got a new one-liter three-cylinder. In fact, two, but in the Rapid Spaceback test it hid a more powerful, 110-horsepower (81 kilowatt) version.

You've probably already noticed in Auto magazine that these new (not just Skoda or Volkswagen) three-cylinder turbochargers are always a pleasant surprise. OK, the sound takes some getting used to (and it's pretty close in character to the rumble of four-cylinder boxers from, say, the Impreza WRX), but what I'm most pleased with is that they're flexible right from the start of the revs and therefore (also due to the fact that the quality sounds much better than small diesels), friendly to leisurely driving. The heavily motorized liter Rapid Spaceback has a six-speed manual transmission, so engine revs at highway speeds are low enough to keep average consumption low on our standard lap: around five liters is a result that's only half a liter higher than what would be achieved with louder, less refined and less manageable, but still two thousandths more expensive diesel. The new Rapid Spaceback petrol engine is the right choice.

The infotainment system is also new, otherwise already known from the Group's higher brands (and more expensive Škoda models). It works great, and the same can be said for most of the rest of the Spaceback hardware, especially considering the price. 15 thousand for a car that, in addition to an automatic air conditioning and a good infotainment system, also has a multifunctional steering wheel, automatic dimming of the rearview mirror, a refrigerated box, cruise control, a good audio system, automatic headlights, packing sensors, tinting side windows and much more , that's a good deal.

And not only because of the equipment: the Rapid Spaceback is also pleasantly spacious (not only in the trunk, but also in the rear seats), and we can really blame the single cockpit or the slightly meager instrumentation for that. However, it is a “disease” that affects the entire Škoda, and of course the virus did not come from Škoda's headquarters in Mlada Boleslav, but from Wolfsburg.

But maybe it's even better: that's why the Rapid Spaceback is still available. If they wanted him to be even better, he would have another badge on his nose. And then it would still be more expensive.

text: Dušan Lukič · photo: Саша Капетанович

Skoda Skoda Rapid Spaceback Family 1.0 TSI 81 kW

Basic data

Technical information

engine:	3-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 999 cm3 - maximum power 81 kW (110 hp) at 5.000-5.500 rpm - maximum torque 200 Nm at 2.000-3.500 rpm .
Energy transfer:	front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 215/40 R 17 V (Bridgestone Potenza RE050 A).
Capacity:	top speed 198 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 9,8 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 4,5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 104 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.185 kg - permissible gross weight 1.546 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.304 mm – width 1.706 mm – height 1.459 mm – wheelbase 2.602 mm – trunk 415–1.381 55 l – fuel tank XNUMX l.

Our measurements

Measurement conditions: T = 15 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / kilometer state meter: 3.722 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	10,7s
402m from the city:	17,6 years ( 131 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	9,9s (14,1)
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	14,8s (18,8)
Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme:	5,0 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	41,1m
AM table:	40m
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear	60dB

We praise and reproach

engine

consumption

practicality

open space

calibration graph

somewhat barren interior