• Easy to connect to mobile phone
• Controls easy to hand
• Notchy manual gearbox

Inside, the Skoda Rapid Spaceback features a simple and clean design, with a layout that makes it easy to navigate around. It’s shared with the regular Rapid hatchback and those familiar with the brand will not find it difficult to use.

Behind the steering wheel is a set of clearly laid-out instruments, with speedometer, rev counter and trip computer all present and correct.

The centre console itself is intuitive to use, the sat-nav in particular is easy to navigate around with clear easy to read graphics. Handily the instructions can also be displayed in the trip computer between the main instruments, so you don’t always have to look at the centre console. Like other VW Group cars, the touchscreen reacts to hand motions coming towards it, so some of the sub-menus pop out as your hand approaches.

Using different media is easy, as is tuning the radio, while we like the way the USB and Aux-In sockets are placed next to a storage compartment ideal for your phone or iPod.

The steering wheel has essential controls on there for volume and equipment like cruise control but is not overwhelming or over cluttered while both the air conditioning and climate control are easy to use. Plenty of vents around the car ensure it gets to your desired temperature quickly.

• TSI petrols are hushed on the move
• Ride not really affected by larger wheels
• Clattery diesels can get tiresome

Comfort in the Skoda Rapid Spaceback is impressive, helped in part by the supportive seats and plenty of passenger room allowing occupants to stretch out on longer journeys. Four adults are easily able to travel in complete comfort.

If you choose one of the TSI petrol engines, the motors are barely noticeable, but wind noise dominates the cabin at motorway cruising speeds. It’s not too loud where you can’t have a converstation, but it cancels out the efforts the small petrol engines make to remain as quiet as possible.

The 1.6-litre TDI diesel adds the classic diesel clatter to the mix on the move, and manages to sound a bit like a van even when the engine is warm.

The suspension is fairly soft meaning bumps and potholes are dealt with quite easily making for a comfortable ride.

Rear space is plentiful, with loads of legroom available even if your driver or front passenger is over 6ft tall. Headroom is equally very good, even if you choose the optional panoramic sunroof. The window line is quite high, which might lead young children to be irritated by the lack of view out, but there are two USB points as standard that can charge mobile devices at the rear end of the centre console.