2013-2015 Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) startstop

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) start/stop is a compact hatchback produced by the Czech automaker Skoda between 2013 and 2015. Positioned as a more stylistically focused variant of the standard Rapid, the Spaceback offered a shorter, more coupe-like roofline and a generally sportier aesthetic. While the Rapid itself was primarily marketed in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as select markets in Asia, the Spaceback aimed to broaden the model’s appeal with a design geared towards younger buyers. It represented Skoda’s continued effort to provide practical, value-oriented vehicles with a modern design language, leveraging Volkswagen Group’s engineering expertise.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.2 TSI: Overview and Market Positioning

The Rapid Spaceback was conceived as a derivative of the Skoda Rapid sedan and hatchback, designed to offer a more dynamic and visually appealing alternative. Skoda, as a brand, occupies a unique space within the Volkswagen Group, often providing a more affordable and pragmatic option compared to Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. The Spaceback specifically targeted buyers seeking a versatile hatchback with a reasonable price point, good fuel economy, and a decent level of equipment. It competed with vehicles like the SEAT Leon, Volkswagen Golf, and other mainstream compact hatchbacks in European markets. The 1.2 TSI engine, a mainstay of the Volkswagen Group’s engine lineup, was chosen for its balance of performance and efficiency.

Engine & Performance

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) start/stop is powered by a 1.2-liter, turbocharged, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated EA111 / CBZB, produces 105 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1550 and 4100 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger to enhance both power output and fuel efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio is rated at 11.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.7 kg/Nm. This translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 193 km/h (119.92 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further contributes to improved fuel economy, particularly in urban driving conditions. The engine’s output of 87.7 Hp per liter demonstrates a relatively high specific output for a naturally aspirated engine of this displacement.

Design & Features

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is a five-door hatchback with a distinctively sloped rear roofline, differentiating it from the more conventional Rapid hatchback. This design choice contributes to a sportier silhouette. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and provides a practical cargo capacity of 415 liters (14.66 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1380 liters (48.73 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The Spaceback’s interior is characterized by a functional and straightforward design, prioritizing usability and practicality. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, common for vehicles of this era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front ventilated disc brakes, with disc brakes on the rear axle. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4304 mm (169.45 in.) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in.) in width, and 1459 mm (57.44 in.) in height. The kerb weight is 1170 kg (2579.41 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs).

Technical Specifications