What driving a Rapid Spaceback is like

Looks don't affect driving dynamics… but I still have to mention them. The Rapid Spaceback is a great-looking car. Wide in just the right way, a large boot (closer to a liftback than an estate).

In carsharing the only available engine is the 1.0 TSI, 81kW. The displacement isn't exactly impressive, especially for a three-cylinder. To say something positive about the engine — it's quiet. At 130 km/h on the motorway you barely notice it's there. I felt like I was hearing more tyre noise than engine noise. The Rapid being a well-insulated car certainly plays a role.

The gearbox has fairly short ratios, which is somewhat expected — it's not an old faithful TDI from an Octavia.

The Rapid is very pleasant to drive, with good visibility and everything within easy reach. I have to say it's a bit of a shame they stopped making it. It just could do with a slightly bigger engine. A litre doesn't pull much (until the turbo kicks in).