It is listed the same for the liftback in CZ, but here in the UK we get disc brakes all round on everything but the 75BHP 1.2.

You are quite right - obviously the Czechs get an inferior specification...

Said it before this Spaceback is looking the pick of the current Skada range; give it a year or so to iron out the bugs and it might be on the shopping list, particularly if this 'Monte' style sport version on offer

 

 

TP

Spaceback on Czech configurator: http://www.skoda-auto.cz/mini-apps/cc

it is seriously starting to look like the replacement for my Octy late next year will NOT be a Skoda, just read the press release for the Spaceback, which is a really nice looking car & would have seriously considered, have said that we can only have the 122bhp 1.4 with DSG - No Manual version.  

So unless the new FL Yeti has a config of gears & engine, then its another brand for me after what will have been 15 years with this brand.

I may try e-mailing Skoda about that and seeing what response I get. I'm sure they're limiting the model's appeal by restricting the range of engines. I can't see it really treading on the Octavia's toes, but maybe it would get too close for comfort to the Leon.

have said that we can only have the 122bhp 1.4 with DSG - No Manual version.

Loads of people making those comments, you've got to wonder whether anybody at Skoda is listening.

I'd really like to try the 1.4 with a manual box to see what it's like, looks like it'll have to be a test drive of a mk3 Octy to get the chance though.

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Anyone know if Skoda UK have an e-mail address, as there only seems to be a contact form on the website?

I'd really like to try the 1.4 with a manual box to see what it's like, looks like it'll have to be a test drive of a mk3 Octy to get the chance though.

It's very good, my Dad has one in his Octy with 6 speed manual.  It's very flexible, pulls from 1500rpm and keeps on going.  Stick it in 6th at 70mph on the motorway and mpg will head towards 55.

 

I love that engine.

Having been in Skoda yesterday was informed by the salesman that the spaceback will most likely land late Jan/ early Feb. Handy really as the mrs totally shunned what we'd gone to look at and decided that a Rapid will be our next motor  

Anyone know if Skoda UK have an e-mail address, as there only seems to be a contact form on the website?

 

you could try the CEO himself;

 

[email protected]

 

 

TP

but it's not just Skoda UK - I had a play with that Czech configurator and the 1.4 90kW engine was only in DSG there as well

Having been in Skoda yesterday was informed by the salesman that the spaceback will most likely land late Jan/ early Feb. Handy really as the mrs totally shunned what we'd gone to look at and decided that a Rapid will be our next motor

 

To be fair, depending on the usage case the Rapid is actually a good cheap bit of motoring (providing you don't spec up a load of pricey options at which point it doesn't make sense). It's not as luxurious inside as an Octy obviously but if it was it'd stomp all over it's bigger brother's feet.

It's very good, my Dad has one in his Octy with 6 speed manual.  It's very flexible, pulls from 1500rpm and keeps on going.  Stick it in 6th at 70mph on the motorway and mpg will head towards 55.

 

I love that engine.

 

Sounds similar in characteristics to my 1.2 then (full torque available @ 1500rpm), it's the extra "go" I'd like to experience  

I actually prefer the styling of the Rapid to the Octavia and the interior looks fine to me - the centre console does not press my left leg like the Fabia and I think less than the Octavia. I like the 1.2 tsi but understand those who want a little more power, though I am sure the power to weight ratio of Octavia II 1.4 122ps to Rapid 105ps is very similar anyway. The Polo already has the new 140ps 1.4, so maybe it will make it to the Rapid in a year but only when the new generation 1.4 is available (though the argument over not poaching Octavia sales may prevent it). I think this is a difficult changeover for the main Czech factory regarding new MQB lines, new generation engines, ending Fabia production and starting Rapid and Spaceback production.

PS I mean current Fabia production - I still think next year's new Fabia will be MQB based.

Interestingly the Spaceback is being built on the Fabia production line and not with the normal Rapid.

 

A video from Autoexpress, liking the white with panoramic roof and black/chrome wheels:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-gp6v6X33Y

It could take over that production line if next year's Fabia is MQB based. The Spaceback does look great in white or red - especially with the full-length roof and dark rear screen and black wheels - it is a very strong look for a standard production car.

 The Spaceback does look great in white or red - especially with the full-length roof and dark rear screen and black wheels - it is a very strong look for a standard production car.

 

Should look quite striking in real life, will certainly stand out more than a standard Golf or Focus!

Should look quite striking in real life, will certainly stand out more than a standard Golf or Focus!

 

Just hope Skoda UK don't go give it a Golf price tag

 

A used BMW can now be better value than a used Skoda of similar age and miles. That I find scary with being of an age when these two brands used to be at the opposite ends of the car price market.

 

 

TP

Spaceback in white with Styleplus pack:

 

 

 

 

Thanks for all the great pics n links RapidRonnie. It does look very good indeed, though I do hope 17' wheels won't spoil the ride. Loving the real pics too - I hate it when they enlarge the wheels or something on brochure pics. Thanks again!

Not keen on the white examples alloys, the reds black wheels looked much better IMHO. Although standard over sizing and spoiling the ride remains an issue with Skoda's, particularly with skoda UK always 'going large'.

 

 

TP

I may try e-mailing Skoda about that and seeing what response I get. I'm sure they're limiting the model's appeal by restricting the range of engines. I can't see it really treading on the Octavia's toes, but maybe it would get too close for comfort to the Leon.

I did this and got a call back from Skoda UK saying they had asked the Czechs to add a 1.4 TSi manual to the range as a number of people had been asking for it. Fingers crossed they see sense on this...

I did this and got a call back from Skoda UK saying they had asked the Czechs to add a 1.4 TSi manual to the range as a number of people had been asking for it. Fingers crossed they see sense on this...

 

Pleased to hear you got a response and I hope they are true to their word and have passed this on. It could happen - there are often new engine/gearbox combinations entering production although rarely all new engines unless on a facelift or new model.