The Skoda Rapid Spaceback, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2017, represents Skoda’s entry into the compact hatchback segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Rapid Spaceback was a significant model for Skoda in Europe, offering a practical and affordable alternative to more established competitors. The 2017 facelift brought styling updates and refined engine options, including the 1.4 TDI diesel engine producing 90 horsepower. This model aimed to balance fuel efficiency with everyday usability, catering to buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
Skoda Rapid Spaceback (Facelift 2017) 1.4 TDI: An Overview
The Rapid Spaceback is essentially the hatchback derivative of the Rapid sedan, designed to appeal to customers prioritizing practicality and space within a relatively compact footprint. The “Spaceback” designation highlights the vehicle’s focus on maximizing interior volume. The 2017 facelift included revisions to the front and rear fascias, interior trim, and available technology, enhancing the car’s overall appeal. The 1.4 TDI engine variant was popular in European markets due to its fuel efficiency and suitability for long-distance driving.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2017 Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.4 TDI is a 1.4-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This engine, identified by the EA288 / CUSB code, produces 90 horsepower (Hp) and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The engine’s transverse mounting and turbocharger with intercooler contribute to its responsive performance. Power delivery is managed through a five-speed manual transmission, directing power to the front wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.6 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 183 km/h (113.71 mph). A key characteristic of this engine is its fuel efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 4.0 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg or 70.6 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback is a five-door hatchback with a practical and functional design. Its dimensions – 4304 mm (169.45 in) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in) in width, and 1459 mm (57.44 in) in height – position it within the compact hatchback class. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and a generous 415-liter (14.66 cu. ft.) trunk space, expandable to 1381 liters (48.77 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The 2017 facelift brought subtle styling enhancements, including a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper. Standard features typically included ABS (Anti-lock braking system), electric power steering, and ventilated front disc brakes with rear discs. The kerb weight of 1239 kg (2731.53 lbs) contributes to its relatively nimble handling. The Rapid Spaceback prioritized practicality and value, offering a comfortable and spacious interior for its price point.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Rapid |
| Generation | Rapid Spaceback (facelift 2017) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 105 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 | 183 km/h (113.71 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.8 kg/Hp, 72.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.6 Nm/tonne |
| 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 |
| 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 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1239 kg (2731.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1699 kg (3745.65 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 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.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
