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Roomster with a view. Image by James Jenkins.

Roomster with a view
Skoda has confidence in itself as a brand nowadays and the Roomster is the first foray into a niche market.

   



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#02#You have to stand back and admire the resurgence, nay, reinvention of the Skoda marque over the last decade or so. Sift through our reviews pages and you'll find not one weak link in the line up of cars we've tested from the company; a suitable outcome for all the effort and investment that VAG has put into the Czech brand; ironically almost too successful given some recent products such as the new Fabia that, for our money at least, are better all-round packages than their more illustrious (read more expensive) VW stable mates.

This growth in the higher volume niches (courtesy of Fabia and Octavia) has now allowed for forays into smaller, more specialised sectors with new models such as this car, the Roomster. Based on existing platforms and parts, the Roomster is the first of what we're told will be a growing line of new Skodas, helping to move the brand into more classes and further growth.

The Skoda Roomster's design is something of a curiosity; it looks very much like two different cars welded together at the B-pillar. The front is very much like that of the new Fabia, whilst the rear is a boxy affair more reminiscent of cars such as Fiat's Doblo. It isn't ugly, but looks a little awkward from some angles. In fairness, the test car's rather drab 'Olive Green' hue did it no favours and the brighter metallics look much better.

Once inside, the slightly unresolved exterior begins to make sense. The front of the car feels snug and comfortable, as a family hatch should, with the door's shoulder line making you feel secure and well positioned in the car. Meanwhile, in the back, the large windows and low door window height (which look strange from the exterior) give an excellent view of the outside world and make the rear space feel very airy.

A high roof line adds to the impression of space. The car is, in fact, very spacious in any case, but the added cabin light and unobstructed view out is the kind of thing kids, and adults for that matter, really appreciate. All occupants will also quickly note the physical room and comfort they enjoy as well. Upfront, the seats have a good range of adjustment and are well-shaped and supportive and in the back there is plenty of leg and headroom. The boot is generous with the rear seats in situ, while lowering them gives the car bike-swallowing capacity. #p##01# Equally impressive is the level of quality in the cabin, not just in terms of fit and finish, but also materials and basic ergonomic sense. Storage cubbies are plentiful and useful and everything is laid out logically and sensibly. Obviously, a team of people sat and thought long and hard about this car and its intended role and they've done a fine job of making it a thoroughly practical and useful family car, or "lifestyle" vehicle to give it its correct buzzword nomenclature.

Beneath the skin sits the VW Group small-car platform, in this case complete with the familiar TDi engine, coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 105bhp, 177lb.ft diesel is the perfect complement to the Roomster's role in life. It pulls lustily from low revs and, although performance is never much more than adequate, it's relaxed and smooth and perfectly suited to a family wagon. It cruises well and potters around town with the minimum of fuss. It's also refined and manages a 40mpg average.

The whole driving experience feels much like that of the Fabia, only slightly more bulky in terms of handling. It rides well and can be hustled along in a fun manner, certainly as much as you'd want to with family on board, but it does lack the ultimate ability of the Fabia's chassis, only in extremis though. Around town it's excellent with good visibility and light controls, ideal for tight spots and urban street warfare.

You can probably tell we were impressed by the Skoda Roomster; look beyond the quirky looks and here is a broadly talented car that makes a lot of common sense. Unwittingly, Skoda finds itself as a premium marque in what was a budget niche, occupied by cars such as the Citroen Berlingo and Fiat Doblo - both equally practical and capable offerings. Crucially, though, it holds a distinct and clear advantage in the quality and, ironically (but undeniably in this company), a prestige image, courtesy of the VW parent company, not to mention its parts bin.

In isolation, the price does seem a little steep relative to a regular Fabia or some other offerings on the market, but look at the price of an equivalent five-seater mini-MPV, or an estate car with this much space and practicality and the Roomster begins to look conspicuous value for money. It's an excellent concept that has been expertly executed. Pre-Skoda VW wouldn't have made this car, as it may have been at odds with the brand image. #p##04# Today though this is an excellent Skoda product, an excellent one full stop in terms of a car that is easy to live with and eminently practical. It's a lifestyle vehicle in the truest sense; economical, practical and fun - as at home carting the family shopping as it is the family's bikes, it offers a broad breadth of talents found in few other places in the market today. Looking for a new family car? Add the Skoda Roomster to your list.
2007 Skoda Roomster range overview

- Skoda Roomster 1 - 1.2 12V 70bhp : £9,920
- Skoda Roomster 1 - 1.4 16V 85bhp : £10,480
- Skoda Roomster 1 - 1.4 TDI PD 70bhp : £11,020
- Skoda Roomster 2 - 1.4 16V 85bhp : £11,480
- Skoda Roomster 2 - 1.6 16V 105bhp : £11,855
- Skoda Roomster 2 - 1.6 16V 105bhp Tip : £12,555
- Skoda Roomster 2 - 1.4 TDI PD 80bhp : £12,450
- Skoda Roomster 2 - 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp : £13,050
- Skoda Roomster 3 - 1.4 16V 85bhp : £12,480
- Skoda Roomster 3 - 1.6 16V 105bhp : £12,855
- Skoda Roomster 3 - 1.6 16V 105bhp Tip : £13,555
- Skoda Roomster 3 - 1.4 TDI PD 80bhp : £13,450
- Skoda Roomster 3 - 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp : £14,050
- Skoda Roomster Scout - 1.4 16V 85bhp : £12,480
- Skoda Roomster Scout - 1.6 16V 105bhp : £12,855
- Skoda Roomster Scout - 1.6 16V 105bhp Tip : £13,555
- Skoda Roomster Scout - 1.4 TDI PD 85bhp : £13,450
- Skoda Roomster Scout - 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp : £14,050

Dave Jenkins - 28 Mar 2007



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2007 Skoda Roomster specifications: (2 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp)
Price: £13,050 on-the-road.
0-62mph: 11.5 seconds
Top speed: 113mph
Combined economy: 53.3mpg
Emissions: 139g/km
Kerb weight: 1255kg

2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.

2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.    


2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Skoda Roomster. Image by James Jenkins.
 






 

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