Launch report:

Skoda Roomster review

by Jim McCauley (5 June 2006)

It is only two and a half years since the Roomster concept appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show and now the production versions will be arriving in UK showrooms in September. But the new Roomster is more than a new Skoda; it is uniquely a Skoda, as it is the first monoline model to appear from the company with its own stand-alone floorpan.

Using a modular approach, the supporting structure carries elements of the Fabia and Octavia's underpinnings with a new mid-section bringing the two together to underwrite this bold departure for Skoda from its traditional market segment contenders.

The body treatment also progresses with more sensitive, sculpted lines as opposed to the flatter panels of earlier models. And to complete the design, the internal vision of a driving room and a living room is defined on the outside by the smooth front-end treatment stepping into a more angular rear with deep panoramic windows. It is a thoughtful and holistic solution to solving the problem of providing a family travelling environment that can quickly transform to other duties, such as carrying lifestyle accessories and being used as an occasional commercial vehicle.

As Skoda focused on the vehicle design, it could rely on its Volkswagen Group partners for the latest engine and transmission technologies. This saving on powertrain development enabled the budget to be directed to other areas such as interior appointments and faultless build quality.

The UK will have a choice of six engines, three petrol units of 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.6-litre capacities and three diesels, two of 1.4 litres and the other a 1.9. A range of vehicles was available at the Roomster's European launch in Prague, with the 1.4 TDI PD 80bhp unit offering adequate power for the size of the vehicle and corresponding economies in fuel consumption and VED rating.

This three-cylinder turbo unit covers the 0-60 mph dash in under 14 seconds with a potential top speed crossing into three figures. Scoring over the similarly-sized petrol engines in mid-range response, it can stretch a gallon of fuel to over 54mpg in mixed driving while a CO2 emissions of 138g/km puts it in Band C for annual car tax.

Gear ratios in the five-speed box are well matched to the engine with second and third offering particularly smooth changes on demanding B-roads, although there was a temptation to seek out a sixth ratio on long, flat motorway stretches.

On a range of mixed road surfaces and in wet weather conditions that ranged from poor to horrendous, the Roomster impressed with its handling, overall ride quality and noise suppression from road, engine bay and bodywork, and only at idle was there any detectable suggestion that the car was diesel-powered.

Three trim levels are available - 1, 2 and 3 - with the test vehicle the top-spec 3 model. In the interior, an innovative dashboard structure starts as a skeleton frame which can be stacked in an integrated manner to provide an individual dash layout for each of the three trim levels or to accommodate upgrades such as satellite navigation.

The front cabin provides an excellent driving position with clear views through a windscreen that curves tightly to bring the A pillars back and provide an uninterrupted forward view. Deep rear windows provide good immediate over-the-shoulder views but a heavy C pillar restricts the view through the third side window on the driver's side.

Equipment levels are high from the entry-level 1 model with the driver enjoying a height adjustable seat and steering column adjustable for both reach and rake. Electric front windows, radio/CD player with MP3 socket, twin front, side and curtain airbags, body-coloured bumpers and Varioflex rear seating are also standard. This is the raison d'etre of the Roomster name as it allows the three elements of the rear seat to be individually adjusted.

The seats themselves sit on a stepped floorpan, some 46mm above the front ones, to give a clear forward view over the front seats. Deep side windows offer children a wide viewing angle to the side while seat backs adjust to offer reclining and more restful positions. The central unit of the rear seat folds to support an optional table top and all seats slide through 150mm to balance leg room and boot space. With the rear seats folded, the load area can accommodate over one metre in all directions thanks to pillar tail-light units that do not intrude and tailgate hinges set into the roof.

Optional equipment includes a fully glazed roof panel - standard on Roomster 3 - and storage accessories to make the most of the luggage area. Roomster 2 upgrades include 15" alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, air-conditioning, trip computer and cabin chrome pack, all of which will make this a popular trim choice.

Topping the range is the level 3 spec of the test vehicle which increases the alloy wheels to 16" rims and adds cruise control, parking sensors, a leather steering wheel and front foglights.

Overall, the Roomster is a modern vehicle for a modern family, designed from first principles to provide a flexible yet high-quality interior with excellent driving characteristics. Options include cornering lights, tyre pressure monitor, electronic stability program to enhance the anti-lock brakes, heated front seats and a choice of navigation systems including an in-dash unit and removable Via Michelin system, all of which underwrite the car's quality targets.

The Roomster will not be crash tested by Euro NCAP until August but the anticipation is a top rating while prices range from £9920 to £14,050. The test vehicle with the 1.4 TDI PD 80 bhp engine in level 3 trim costs £13,450 with the level 2 trim costing £1000 less. Like all Skoda models, the Roomster is covered by the company's comprehensive three-year/60,000-mile warranty.