Skoda Rapid Spaceback and VW Golf VII Variant

As a rule, I only cover cars that were grown from the country where its made, well almost. Japanese cars speak Japanese, Korean cars speak Korean, American cars speak American, German cars speak German, you get the idea. As for the Skoda Rapid, released last year, I'm only focused on the original Czech version rather than the Indian remake because they're very different from how it's made. Mlada Boleslav-made Rapid is the original Rapid I'm tackling because, well you know the rule, we don't cover cars not sold from its home markets.

2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback

This is the Rapid Spaceback model and this hatchback version is what you can expect only on the original Czech version. Apart from its hatchback looks, Skoda claims that the all new Spaceback is the “first Skoda hatchback in the high-volume compact segment,” which looks “dynamic and fresh for young customer groups.” Yeah. For young customer groups but how dynamic and fresh is the new Spaceback?

First and foremost, the new Spaceback costs 269 900 Kč, which is the same as the saloon model I've examined last year alongside its Spanish SEAT Toledo twin, and amazingly, even in an altered bodywork to accommodate more space in the back, you can still expect the same engine choices like the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, 1.4 TSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine. Depending on the engine types, you can go for either a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a 7-speed DSG.

The most powerful in the lineup was the one with the 1.4 TSi engine which has a 0-100kph time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of about 203kph. Hmmm...Not quite exciting for a car like that though but the 1.2 TSi engine model is a moderate one that can be taken very seriously. Regardless of the specs, what's like to drive as a driver's car?

2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback interior

By the moment you first drive the Spaceback, your first impressions isn't really a good one because judging by all means Czech, it feels as cruddy as the Korean cars and as confused as the low-cost machines, especially the one you can keep yelling "Good News" to your peers. It's like some of the things Jon Tickle's body can't do but for this Spaceback, there is one thing you can't do; to excite. It maybe a yuppie's car but trying to have fun in one of these is as...pre-school-ish as letting your baby do all of the things you can't. It feels like just another senior citizens' car or rather a future banger but despite that, it's still work as a family car.

With rear seats in place, the Spaceback offers 415L of space, more than enough to put your everyday groceries on the back but if you're in a bit of a leisure man, you can fold the rear seats down and attain 1380 litres of space, more than the present-day VW Golf has but less than its big brother, the Octavia. The interior maybe suffered from, what should I call it, cost-cutting-itis, but in terms of today's economy, it's a smart buy for those who want a new car that suits their budget. Hmmm... Cost-cutting-itis? I should better add that to the Big Book of Boo Boos. Don't judge me from this, this isn't some sort of kids show my baby's frequently watching, I'm in a middle of...this!

Anyway, the Rapid Spaceback maybe more of an Audi A3 on a budget but it's still doesn't worth the mettle to be a family car. Regardless from this, this is one proof that I only choose the original Czech Rapid rather than the Indian-dubbed remake. Same thing why I like the original UK version of Top Gear rather than the US version.

However, if I want a more practical family mover, I have to move to Germany and check this out...

2014 Volkswagen Golf Variant

It's the brand new Golf VII Variant, it's basically an all-new model based on an all-new Golf rather than a carryover from the previous model and oh, if you're from North America, nein. This new Golf Variant won't be called J_tt_ Sp_rt_w_g_n (some vowels blocked to avoid search query hijinks, again. I said this so I don't want to see some mess when I check my site's analytics, you get me?). Anyway, it maybe larger than the original Golf hatchback but thanks to its enhanced rear legroom, it's much better than the Rapid Spaceback as well.

The Golf has been proven to be a people power for the masses and this is the first to incorporate Volkswagen Group's new MQB platform which you can expect future models from the VW Group to wear this new outfit. The benefits include reduced weight (up to 105 kg lighter), optimised package (100 litres more cargo space), sharper body proportions, new safety and convenience systems, new petrol and diesel engines (up to 15 per cent more fuel efficient) and new running gear technologies.

With Volkswagen finally returned on Philippine soil, it seems the latest Golf will not come around until next year because so far, the only available VWs Filipinos can buy are The Beetle, the Touareg, the Tiguan crossover, the Jetta sedan, and the Touran minivan, which is essentially based on the Golf. One thing that really shocked me is that the petrol VW engines are not compatible with Philippine fuels because of, and we're not joking because Automobile Central Enterprises confirmed, manganese. Eewww...

2014 Volkswagen Golf Variant interior

Anyway, back on the new Golf Variant because for the first time, it comes with the XDS+ electronic differential lock which corrects the car every time when it faces the corners. You can opt in for the DCC dynamic chassis control in which at the touch of a button, you can make it more comfortable on the normal roads or sportier on the open roads but as for me, no matter which mode, it feels almost the same as none. You want to have a more comfortable ride or a sportier ride but by default, it feels a bit more of a default. Oh and if you're going old-school, there's also the sport suspension which drops the car by just 15mm. Lower height makes it a well-cornering act but be warned, it does make you feel uncomfortable on your back because when you hit the bumps, expect your ribs to be transplanted on your head.

There are so many engine types offered on the Variant like the 1.2 TSi, a 1.4 TSi, a 1.6 TDi, and a 2.0 TDi engine but for those who want a well-balanced car should go for the one with the 1.4 TSi with 122PS of power. 0-100 takes about 9.7 seconds and flatout, it will do about 204kph, faster than the Rapid Spaceback's but there's a twist and that's the stupid 7-speed double clutch gearbox which is as swift as a metro aide clearing the roads from the falling leaves. Do I have to be bothered by this? Well, there are so many choices available for the new Golf Variant but it might be best not to go to a more complicated ones.

Unlike any other big wagons available, the new Golf Variant is worth a value for the masses and with 18,950 Euros of starting price, that makes it a great value so it's your choice; if you want a family car would you consider a Czech hatchback with a different back or a true German family car that is worth noting than nothing? Good luck, pals.

Photo: Volkswagen Group