Motoring: Road Test – Skoda Rapid Spaceback

THE phrase ‘sporty Skoda’ is surely an oxymoron.

For me the two words are contradictory. Despite all the re-positioning, and plaudits for reliability, I still associate the Czech manufacturer with that other former Eastern bloc motoring behemoth, Lada.

In the 23 years since VW acquired Skoda, annual vehicle numbers have grown from around 200,000 to nearly one million and the cars are widely recognised as well made and good value.

But the designs are still pretty uninspiring and I have memories of the 1980s when Skodas and Ladas were the least desirable cars on the road – quite an achievement in an era graced with the Austin Maxi, the Mini Metro and the Nissan Cherry.

A few months ago I came close to buying an Octavia. For all the sensible information about its reliability, space and performance, I couldn’t go through with it because it looked so boring, maybe it’s the grille. Which brings me to the car under review – the Rapid Spaceback.

This looks a lot better – even though it has that trademark grille. It is the hatchback version of the Rapid, which was introduced in 2012 to sit between the Fabia and Octavia. In fact, the Rapid also has a hatchback, but looks like a saloon.

The Spaceback, which appears to be based on the Audi A3, can come with lots of optional extras. My model (pictured right), from RRG in Rochdale, had a matt black roof, 17-inch wheels, slim profile tyres, lowered springs, and tinted windows, which all added to the sporty look.

This was the 1.6 litre TDI and its appearance led me to expect more punch as I pulled away. The acceleration kicked in between 30-60 mph which left it feeling a little underpowered for those urban situations when you need a spurt of speed.

But on faster roads it felt enjoyably powerful with a nice, low driving position and responsive handling. The interior was solid and roomy with enough space for three young children in the back. The controls were also pleasingly intuitive – it only took a few seconds to work out the screen for the radio, phone and maps.

Skoda is clearly aiming this model at a younger crowd who are typically more concerned with looks. But having said that it is practical too, and would suit a family.

Younger drivers are also less likely to associate Skodas with those 1980s designs. A 24-year-old journalist who saw me with the Rapid said, “It looks like a drug dealer’s car”. That’s probably not what Skoda were going for, but shows they’ve come a long way.

The lowdown:

Price: From £14,340 (on the road), but RRG is currently offering £1,500 off the list price.

Price (as tested): £17,225, plus £2,200 for extras.

Power/torque: 90bhp/170lb ft

Acceleration: 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds

Top speed: 113mph

Fuel economy: 64.2mpg (EU Combined)

CO2 emissions: 114g/km

Duncan Tift writes…

Patriotic fervour grips Bentley for 95th birthday celebrations
 
AT the opposite end of the VW spectrum we have Bentley and the famous British marquee is marking its 95th anniversary in the UK with the unveiling of the ‘Mulsanne 95’, a striking special edition of the company’s luxurious flagship model.
 
Only 15 examples will be hand crafted by Bentley’s Mulliner division in Crewe and all have already been reserved for customers in the UK. Their British-inspired colours, as well as a unique wood veneer and range of design cues, are all intended to emphasise the exclusive nature of the Mulsanne.
 
Three bespoke exterior colours; Britannia Blue, Empire Red and Oxford White – created especially for this limited run and then hand-finished at Bentley’s own paintshop – have been conceived for the Mulsanne 95 with each option reflecting Bentley’s proud British roots.
 
The classic red, white and blue colour palette is complemented by some eye-catching exterior design touches unique to Mulsanne 95, with a dark tint finish given to the iconic Flying B bonnet mascot and the striking 21-inch five-spoke wheels.
 
The cabin of the Mulsanne 95 showcases Bentley’s ability to skilfully blend contemporary features with the luxurious wood veneers and leather hides for which the company is renowned.
 
Illuminated treadplates featuring a bespoke ‘NINETY FIVE’ script and union flag detail turn the simple act of opening the door into an occasion.  A distinctive ‘95’ emblem has been embroidered onto the front and rear seats as well as featuring on the passenger fascia panel.
 
Bentley said its passion for uncovering beautiful and sustainable wood veneers that bring character and great decorative taste to their cars had resulted in a team of experts used to searching around the globe for new designs. However, for this distinctly British model the team found their inspiration closer to home.
 
The Mulsanne 95 features a particularly rare and noteworthy wood veneer selected by Bentley from a huge walnut tree – estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old – which came down at Fulbeck Hall in Lincolnshire during a heavy storm in 2007. The Fulbeck Walnut veneer features in the signature ‘ring of wood’ that encompasses the entire interior, and its complex pattern displays a rare rippled effect which sweeps through the cabin.  This unique veneer is complemented by a blue and white two-tone leather split with red contrast stitching to elegantly continue the British theme.
 
Auction persuades Aston Martin fans to part with record sums
 
MILLIONS of pounds worth of rare and prized Aston Martin sports cars have changed hands at a special auction held at the manufacturer’s historic home.
 
The 15th annual Bonhams Aston Martin Sale at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell has grown to become a globally-significant occasion for Aston Martin collectors and enthusiasts.
 
The 2014 event was the biggest to date with almost 50 sports cars, plus a fascinating and diverse collection of Aston Martin-related automobilia, going under the hammer in several hours of exciting and highly-charged bidding.
 
Competition for the cars was intense, with bidders from across the UK and far beyond vying to snap up some of the hugely collectible lots on offer.
 
Sales totalled an impressive £8.7m with highlights of the day including the world record price at auction of the 1970 Aston Martin DBS featured in the television show The Persuaders! With the addition of buyers’ premium and taxes, the car sold for £533,500, and a rare 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon Project in need of full restoration which sold for a cool £393,500 – more than four times its £60,000-£80,000 estimate.
 
The iconic 1970 Aston Martin DBS from the TV show The Persuaders! starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis came to the market for the first time in more than 40 years and generated some enthusiastic bidding from would-be buyers keen to acquire this unique and glamorous ‘star’ of the 70s show.
 
Ironically, a version of the other car featured in the TV show – a classic Ferrari Dino once owned by Rolling Stone Keith Richards– was recently sold at a separate auction.