THE second model in Skoda's Rapid range is the Spaceback and it's a car that has plenty to offer family motorists.

Priced from just £14,340 up to £18,900 the Spaceback offers bags of choice with three petrol and two diesel engines to choose from.

Three trim levels S, SE and Elegance add to the mix and there are plenty of options on offer for motorists who want to personalise their vehicles - including the largest panoramic roof offered by Skoda.

I think the Spaceback is better looking than its saloon sibling and it has a more traditional hatchback appeal.

It has a sporty look to it with nice clean lines and although shorter offers added practicality. While the standard Rapid has a huge 550 litre boot the Spaceback can only offer 415 litres with the rear seats in place but when you fold them flat 1,380 litres becomes available.

The cabin is shared with the Rapid and has the same well built quality feel to it with decent materials and trim. The instrumentation is well laid out and very functional and everything works well and is easy to use.

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.

As well as the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engines, the 1.6 diesel unit is offered in a number of guises including as a Greenline which emits less than 100g/km.

The Greenline obviously offers lower running costs but you do have to pay more for it to begin with, so unless you are doing a lot of miles or paying company car tax it makes more sense to stick with another unit.

I sampled the 1.6 TDI in SE trim fitted with the optional seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.  It is good for 113mph and takes just over 12 seconds to reach 62mph.

It never feels stressed and the combined economy figure is a claimed 62.8mpg.

The Spaceback is no sports hatch  for enthusiasts but it does offer a decent ride and good handling as well as good all-round visibility and comfort.

For the family motorist who is working to a budget the Spaceback is a versatile, reliable and practical package and for that reason the entry petrol model would be the best choice.