Skoda has revealed pricing and specification for its GreenLine versions of both the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback.
Both cars will be powered by a 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. The result is CO2 emissions of 99g/km, which place both models in the 14 percent company car tax band for 2013/14.
With claimed fuel economy of 74.3mpg, the Rapid’s range could be up to 900 miles. Of course, we’d suspect you won’t hit anywhere near those figures on the road, but a range of over 750 miles seems realistic to us.
These new eco-models will be priced at £17,535 for the hatchback and £17,195 for the Spaceback, costing a 20 percent tax payer around £40 a month.
Because of the low tax bills, Skoda expects the new models to prove especially popular with company car drivers.
“The highly economical GreenLine versions of the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback are set to have huge appeal amongst our fleet customers,” said Patrick McGillycuddy, head of fleet for Skoda UK.
“Both models offer the ideal combination of low BIK values at 14%, low CO2 emissions of 99g/km and high combined cycle fuel economy of 74.3mpg. Add this to the hatchback’s generous specification, class-leading space and practicality, and the Rapid GreenLine line-up really does tick all the boxes for fleet operators as they search for vehicles which provide reliability and value for money for their drivers.”
We like the Rapid’s blend of value-for-money motoring combined with Skoda’s trademark practical interior and decent road manners. You’re getting a huge amount of car for your money here – it’s more than big enough for four occupants to sit in comfort while it’s got a big old boot too.
A Greenline version has, until now, been the missing piece of the puzzle for company car drivers. It slots into the space left by the more up-market Octavia, which will continue its drive towards the more premium end of its sector. Rapid is the value option, but we don’t think you’ll feel particularly short-changed.
Both cars are available to order now with deliveries expected to start early in 2014.
You can read the full Parkers Skoda Rapid review by clicking here.
