The Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) is a compact hatchback produced by the Czech automaker Skoda between 2015 and 2017. Positioned as a more practical and affordable option within the European market, the Spaceback is a derivative of the Rapid hatchback, distinguished by its shorter overall length and a more coupe-like roofline. While not officially sold in the United States, the Rapid Spaceback represents Skoda’s commitment to offering value-driven vehicles with a focus on fuel efficiency and practicality, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile and economical family car in Europe.
Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.4 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The Rapid Spaceback emerged as Skoda sought to broaden its appeal within the competitive European small car segment. It was designed to offer a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra, by providing a spacious interior and a large trunk within a relatively compact footprint. The “Spaceback” designation highlights the vehicle’s emphasis on interior space and cargo capacity. Skoda, as part of the Volkswagen Group, leverages shared platforms and technologies, resulting in a vehicle that offers a good balance of cost-effectiveness and modern features. The 1.4 TDI engine variant was particularly popular due to its excellent fuel economy and suitability for long-distance driving.
Engine & Performance
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) is powered by a 1.4-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, identified by the EA288 / CUSB engine code. This engine produces 90 horsepower (Hp) and 230 Newton-meters (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The engine’s turbocharger and intercooler contribute to improved performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.6 seconds, while the top speed is rated at 181 km/h (112.47 mph). A key characteristic of this powertrain is its fuel efficiency; the Spaceback achieves a combined fuel consumption of 3.6 liters per 100 kilometers (65.3 US mpg or 78.5 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 94 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is a five-door hatchback with a practical and functional design. Its shorter length compared to the standard Rapid results in a more agile feel in urban environments. The interior offers seating for five passengers and boasts a generous trunk space of 415 liters (14.66 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1381 liters (48.77 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The Spaceback features a standard array of safety equipment, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s suspension utilizes a conventional setup with ventilated discs on the front and discs on the rear. Electric power steering provides a light and responsive driving experience. The Spaceback’s design prioritizes practicality and usability, offering a comfortable and functional interior with ample storage space. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1154 kg (2544.13 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1689 kg (3723.61 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Rapid |
| Generation | Rapid Spaceback |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.4 l/100 km (69.2 US mpg, 83.1 UK mpg, 29.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 94 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed | 181 km/h (112.47 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp |
| Power per litre | 63.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / CUSB |
| Engine displacement | 1422 cm3 (86.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.4 l (8.88 US qt | 7.39 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1154 kg (2544.13 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1689 kg (3723.61 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 415 l (14.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1381 l (48.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 610 kg (1344.82 lbs.) |
| Length | 4304 mm (169.45 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2602 mm (102.44 in.) |
| Front track | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
