It may be that VW have twisted their arm to stop them making versions with more powerful engines which really might tread on the toes of the Golf and Leon.

I don't think there will be any change in the geometry or anything, so could be retrofitted but I would hardly think it was worth it. Here is what I could find on it:

 

Autocar: "Skoda has changed the set-up of the dampers to offer better cushioning right at the top of the damper travel,"

 

Auto.cz: (dodgy Google translation): "We tried to make driving more comfortable, because after the Rapid came from customers signals that it is one of the areas that need work on. Internal valve Suppressors (shock absorbers?) are now brand new and Spaceback should be on small bumps much smoother"

 

Just sounds like different components then. I'd agree it's hard to tell whether it would be worth it for the likely cost, especially since I'm not too concerned about the ride quality in mine as things stand, but for people like HopeImRight and j400 it's got to be worth looking in to, perhaps after one of the saloonalike Rapid's with the new suspension hit the show room where it can be 'tested' before spending money.

One German review said it's good if you "like the Audi look for Aldi money"

One German review said it's good if you "like the Audi look for Aldi money"

 

Maybe Audi money here if SUK have their way

 

 

TP

Surprisingly positive review from Top Gear:

 

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/skoda-rapid-spaceback-first-drive-2013-08-29

The spaceback looks awesome.

I just hate the towing thingy sticking out and the exhaust hidden..

also I wish the turn signals were on the side mirrors.

Surprisingly positive review from Top Gear:

 

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/skoda-rapid-spaceback-first-drive-2013-08-29

 

They think the ride is soft! Maybe they should talk to Whatcar.

They think the ride is soft! Maybe they should talk to Whatcar.

 

That's on the Spaceback to be fair, which does have modified dampers. WhatCar's take on the Spaceback was "the suspension is apparently softer but we can't confirm one way or another due to driving in a slow speed convoy" or words to that effect.

 

I might take one out for a test drive when they hit the showrooms, I'm curious as to just how different the suspension actually is and the roads around where I work (up the road from Mitchell's) are sufficiently crap to highlight any differences straight away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrQNiGAmvNo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrQNiGAmvNo

Very cool

The Top Gear review and that YouTube video are great, nice finds! I am liking the look of it in Red with the black alloys and pano roof. Bit like a grown up version of the Monte Carlo Fabia. 

Ayone noticed the new seats on 0.40 with the headrest being one with the seat?

Ayone noticed the new seats on 0.40 with the headrest being one with the seat?

 

That's the sports seats. Mine are like that.

Great pics - thanks RapidRonnie.

Some say Skoda should produce sensible cars. Others criticize the looks or image.

(I had to cover my little Fabia's ears when someone said he is ugly!)

Surely this car is simply very good-looking and neatly detailed. I like it a lot.

This car is actually very practical too.

Win - win.

It seems Skoda is listening and, while it will be hard to argue against this car on practical grounds, I think there will be people who will buy it simply because it looks good.

Apparently there are 8 different wheel options for the Spaceback. The ones in the video^^^ look like 16s? Think I will prefer it on larger 17in silver wheels tbh.

 

The addition of the panoramic roof makes the car look lower and wider somehow

Apparently there are 8 different wheel options for the Spaceback. The ones in the video^^^ look like 16s? Think I will prefer it on larger 17in silver wheels tbh.

 

The addition of the panoramic roof makes the car look lower and wider somehow

 

 

Their your wheels but in matt black  

That's the sports seats. Mine are like that.

 i had been reading your posts about sport seats, but i thought they were a slightly modified version of the normal seats. We dont have this option here. Any chance u can post a pic of the seats ?

 

 

The addition of the panoramic roof makes the car look lower and wider somehow

I have gloss black vinyl on the roof of my Rapid, and everybodys opinion was exactly that. Meaning it looks lower, wider, thus more aggressive-sportier.

Their your wheels but in matt black

 

I thought they might be but because they are black they kind of blend into the tyre and don't look so big?

 

Hope the Sport version will get 18s

 i had been reading your posts about sport seats, but i thought they were a slightly modified version of the normal seats. We dont have this option here. Any chance u can post a pic of the seats ?

 

I have gloss black vinyl on the roof of my Rapid, and everybodys opinion was exactly that. Meaning it looks lower, wider, thus more aggressive-sportier.

 

I think because it blends into the windscreen the eye is not drawn to the roof plonked on top and thus the car does not look as high.

 

Will get back to you with some pictures of the seats.

Czech review with short video: http://auto.idnes.cz/skoda-rapid-spaceback-test-dcq-/auto_testy.aspx?c=A130827_115245_auto_testy_fdv

 

News from POLAND (Sorry in polish version):

 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/66386049/IP_34_2013.pdf

IP_34_2013.pdf

This extract is interesting

So they consider it to compete in the same class as the Octavia and Rapid Liftback as it should. Some magazines and press articles categorise them differently

Edited 3 September, 201312 yr by J400uk

That graphic is regarding bootspace. I think they consider the main competitors for this car to be the Hyundai i30 and Kia c apostrophe d.

Cant wait to be in frankfurt now 17/18th will have to get pics for sure