Did I read somewhere that the suspension set up was being revised for 2014 model year? Maybe this relates to the new Spaceback only?

 

I believe Skoda are working on different damper ratings e.t.c. for the rear axles of all their models. There were some problems with the first Octavia 3s which were built for journalists road tests e.t.c. There is more about it here: http://www.autorevue.cz/nova-skoda-octavia-rs-existuje-i-jako-ctyrkolka

 

You would have to assume the rear suspension for Spaceback will have different properties as the weight over the rear axle will be different.

My mate randomly brought up (whilst riding in it) that he thought the ride was crap. I for one like to describe the ride as merely 'giving positive feedback'.

The diesel Felicia I had was a pretty comfortable ride, but the petrol on 14" alloys with slightly wider tyres was absolutely god-awful. My dad's spine actually disintegrated (mild exhaggeration) after a few days of driving it.

 

In comparison, the Rapid is very supple indeed, and I think the apparently 'firm' ride coupled with the excellently controlled body roll makes for rather a sporty feel. Perhaps not the most appropriate setup for a car geared towards the family hatch/taxi market, however, I don't find the ride to be problematic in any sense.