A car for the head but not the heart
It is pretty hard to categorise the Skoda Roomster into a particular class. However essentially it is a compact five-door car that unfortunately has rather quirky looks that some will find reminiscent of a small van. There are two models in the range, a 1.2 TSI petrol producing 85 bhp and falling into band B road tax (€156) or a Greenline Alternative powered by a 1.2 TDI diesel and falling into band A for road tax at €105. Judging from the Skoda press pack this car is aimed at those looking for an eminently versatile car that puts practicality and space as its top virtues. Pictures of bikes in the load area, and shots of the Roomster whizzing down a hillside dirt road, or parked in a field while the occupants go ballooning may give you the general idea! There are three trim levels available, Style, Greenline or Comfort. This week I am road testing the petrol powered 1.2 litre TSI. First Impressions It has love it or loath it looks and for me it is the latter. Despite some nice colours and the fact that the test car had a very attractive Miami Blue metallic paint work, I could not say that I find it an appealing car. Furthermore its too van-like in its proportions. Behind The Wheel The cabin is both bright and roomy. The fit and finish is good and the level of standard equipment impressive. The driving position is just right with the usual reach/rake adjustment for the steering wheel as well as height adjustment for the driver's seat. Standard equipment includes, six airbags, ISOFIX, airbag deactivation for front seat, ABS and MSR, rear parking sensors, electric windows, remote locking, roof rails, 15 inch wheels, cruise control, front fog lights, Air conditioning, phone preparation and Bluetooth. Accommodation is very good, particularly when you study the compact dimensions of the Roomster. Uniquely it has a very versatile rear seat set up called "Varioflex". This easy to use system means that each of the three rear seats can move and be fully removed independently of one another. With all seat in place the luggage capacity is 480 to 560 litres, on removal of all seats it grows to a huge 1,810 litres. Furthermore there are no less than eight combinations of seat set up allowing owners to maximise the box shaped load and rear section to the full. Performance The 1.2 litre 85 bhp petrol on test performed very well. Top speed is they claim around 175 km/h while the 0 to 100km times is about 12.2 seconds. This car surprisingly falls into band B (€156) I expected it to be in A at just €104. Nevertheless it proved frugal over my road test burning just 7.3 litres per 100km. Road Behaviour Overall the Skoda Roomster handles and rides pretty well. It proves stable with minimal body roll and from the comfort point of view it's also pretty refined. Parking is easy as visibility is good and its compact dimensions make it a doddle around town. Verdict The new Skoda Roomster is a truly practical car that is well put together and well equipped. It is not a car you will buy with your heart but rather with your head. Prices for the Roomster start at €15,795 for the 1.2 HTP Style, 70 bhp petrol. But beware this car falls into band C at €302 to tax and that is going to put most off that one! The 1.2 TSI as tested cost €18,140 and as mentioned €156 to road tax. Both diesels fall into the cheapest band A and prices start at €18,965 for the 1.2 TDI Style.