SKODA'S Rapid is in some ways a hard car to categorise - a saloon that's small and compact overall but considering its diminutive dimensions immensely big and practical.

The saloon cum hatchback - or notchback as it has come to be known - offers space a-plenty, a feature which it's fair to say is probably its main selling point.

The Spaceback version is more of a full-on hatchback take on the Rapid - and though you could be forgiven for thinking it's an estate, it isn't.

Bizarrely although it shares the same wheelbase than the regular Rapid, a stretched VW Polo platform, it's actually 19cm shorter. It dispenses with the lengthy rear overhang, which means the almost unfathomably big boot of the Rapid is not a feature on the Spaceback.

However the conventional hatchback styling means you get added practicality and versatility and huge added carrying capacity with the rear seats folded down.

While the standard Rapid has a cavernous 550-litre boot the Spaceback has 415 litres of space with the rear seats in place or 1,380 litres with them folded.

Another big advantage the Spaceback has over the saloon version is that it looks a little more easy on the eye. It's not that the Rapid is an ugly car but it's certainly plain and somewhat uninspiring and the Spaceback's more overt hatchback styling and coupe-esque profile certainly give it a little more about it in the exterior design department.

On the inside the Spaceback is open and roomy and feels well put together. There's a bit of a budget feel in places but it's also fair to say there doesn't seem to be any overt evidence of corner-cutting.

One criticism would be driver and front passenger seats which lack a little in the way of support and comfort, though a bit of careful adjustment mitigated this somewhat. A bonus is a little added headroom for rear seat passengers, who also have plenty of legroom.

The instrumentation is simple and functional rather than snazzy and fancy but everything works well and is easy to use.

There's a range of petrol and diesel engines, including sprightly 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre TSIs, as well as a 1.6-litre diesel which comes in a variety of guises.

In terms of cost-effectiveness the smallest petrol probably makes the most sense but a Greenline diesel which emits less than the magical 100g/km of CO2 also has a lot going for it in terms of running costs, though you'll pay for the privilege in terms of initial outlay.

This 89bhp diesel model might not have been quite as eco-friendly, but performed well and combined smoothness and potency to good effect. 

The Spaceback offers a decent enough drive, capturing a bit of a sporty supermini feel when it comes to navigating corners nicely and overall I found it fun and engaging.

Tweaked suspension settings have enhance the ride quality, which came in for a little criticism when the Rapid was first launched.

The steering has also been enhanced with the addition of an electric power steering system.

There are three trim levels S, SE and Elegance. The Spaceback offers more standard equipment than the regular Rapid. All models come with air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, a height-adjustable driver's seat and an alarm.

SE buyers get body-coloured door handles and mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, a glovebox, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, cruise control, front foglights, electric rear windows and a front centre armrest.