Skoda Roomster (06 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 23 February 2011
The bold and distinctive Roomster is a small family car that stands out from the crowd. While not everyone may be a fan of the styling, it's certainly different and also helps maximise room inside. Its party trick is a clever rear compartment which offers immense flexibility between passenger and luggage space. The rear seats can slide and recline; any of the three individual seats can be folded or removed; plus the middle seat can be taken away and the two outer seats slid inward giving extra room for two passengers. Minimum luggage space is already good with the rear seats in place but becomes van-like with the removed. A Scout version from mid-2007 adds 4x4-like looks with body cladding and a higher ride height, but without four-wheel drive.
4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Buying new

The Roomster is a spacious family car and good value too, but if you aren't so style conscious, and want something cheaper, it could be worth looking at a van-derived car such as the Citroen Berlingo Multispace or Renault Kangoo. Skoda dealers should be able to manage a modest discount though or at least thrown some options in for free. They also usually have finance or free upgrade offers running so it's worth keeping an eye out for these.

Buy a new Skoda Roomster and save 17% on selected models

4 out of 5

Buying used

It should be possible to pick up a bargain when looking at cars from six to 12 months old. Most second hand models will be 1.4-litre engines with nearly twice as many going for petrol than diesel. The 1 (later S) is reasonably equipped, but try and find a 2 or 3 (both later replaced by SE) which gets key extras such as alloy wheels and air conditioning. The Scout model was launched in mid 2007 with an off-roader look, although it's not four-wheel drive. It's available with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.4 and 1.9-litre TDI diesels.

  • Boot/Load Space Skoda Roomster (06 on)
  • Interior Skoda Roomster (06 on)

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See 99 used Skoda Roomsters for sale, starting at £4,250

3.5 out of 5

Selling

The Roomster isn't as familiar to many buyers as the Fabia hatchback, however it has plenty going for it, especially with buyers wanting something that's easy to drive but has good passenger room. Focus on the practical features when trying to sell it, along with the low running costs and excellent reliability.