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Skoda Roomster MPV 1.2 12v 1

For:
The Roomster's cabin is airy and spacious, and it has flexible seating with a big boot. Prices are competitive.

Against:
The outer rear seats are heavy, it won't be worth much after three years and the engines are noisy.



Performance

The best-selling engine is expected to be the 1.4-litre petrol, but it feels lethargic when asked to build speed. By contrast, the 1.9-litre turbodiesel delivers strong pull and flexibility, always seeming to have plenty of urge in reserve. Other engines offered are 1.2- and 1.6-litre petrols and 70- and 80bhp 1.4 diesels.

Ride & handling

The Roomster's ride is fine at speed, but it's a little fidgety around town. Tthe body does lean in corners, but it's rarely severe enough to make passengers reach for the grab handles. It's a shame, then, that the steering is vague at speed and slow to respond. Scout models, with extra ground clearance, feel firmer and more top-heavy.

Refinement

The underpowered feel to the 1.4-litre petrol means you need to work it hard, and the unit gets annoyingly boomy on the motorway, too. The diesels are quiet when cruising at speed, but are gruff and noisy at low revs. Some road noise also filters through to the cabin, but wind noise is minimal.

Buying & owning

Prices for the Roomster place it in competition with versatile superminis such as the Renault Modus, but in terms of interior space and boot capacity it compares well with bigger cars like the Renault Scenic midi-MPV. Running costs should be competitive, but residual values are weak.

Quality & reliability

The interior design may not be as adventurous as the exterior's, but it looks smart and feels durable. Most of the components have been proven in other VW Group cars, and Skoda has an excellent reliability record, consistently scoring well in our Reliability and JD Power customer satisfaction surveys.

Safety & security

The Roomster meets pedestrian safety regulations which are not due to come into force until 2010, and occupants benefit from twin front, side and curtain airbags and ISOFIX child seat mountings. Stability control costs extra for all but the top-spec 1.6 and Scout models. Deadlocks are standard.

Behind the wheel

Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, thanks to a two-way adjustable steering wheel and a seat that can be cranked up and down. The dash is logically laid out, too, but forward visibility could be better. The windscreen pillars are surprisingly thick, and you can't easily see where its nose ends, so parking can be tricky.

Space & practicality

There are two full size seats in the rear, with a slimmer one in between. All three can be reclined, folded or removed, although the outer seats are heavy. Alternatively, with just the centre seat taken out, the two outer ones can be moved inward to give more shoulder room, and they also slide back and forth so you can choose the balance between legroom and luggage space.

Equipment

Entry-level Roomsters have electric front windows, a CD player and a socket where you can plug in your MP3 player, but rear speakers and remote door locking are missing. Move up to 2 trim to get these, plus air-con, alloy wheels and electric mirrors. Range-topping 3 and Scout cars have cruise control, rear parking sensors and a sunroof. Scout models also have 4x4-effect styling.

Running Costs

Town mpg

32.5

Out of Town mpg

51.4

Average mpg

41.5

Tank Capacity (gallons)

12.1

CO2 Rating (g/km)

159

Insurance Group

2

Typical Insurance Quote

£281

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

40

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£261

Pence Per Mile

31.61

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£591

Servicing Intervals

10k

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 10yr Perforation + 3yr AA Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

MPV

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1198/3

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

68/5400

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4205

Width (mm)

1684

Height (mm)

1607

Boot Space (min ltr)

450

Boot Space (max ltr)

1780

Turning Circle (m)

10.5

Towing Weight(kg)

900

Kerb Weight (kg)

1150

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