Skoda Roomster Greenline II 1.2 TDI CR 75ps 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The handling is good and offers the security and stability expected, although those looking for an exciting driving experience will need to look elsewhere.

The three cylinder engine delivers a fairly low amount of power to this large vehicle with a maximum output of just 74 bhp (75 ps) at 4200 rpm. This puts the car’s top speed at 103 mph which is average for a car of this class. Acceleration can feel a little sluggish due to the size and weight of the vehicle, with the engine taking a laborious 15.4 seconds to take the car from 0-62 mph – only marginally better than the acceleration offered in the Skoda Roomster S 1.2 12v 69ps model.

As a large vehicle, fuel consumption levels are likely to be higher than those in smaller family cars. However, this model performs incredibly well and achieves an impressive 67.3 mpg on a combined cycle. As a Greenline model, the car is also friendly to the environment and this means carbon emissions are low, registering at 109 g/km and putting the car into one of the cheapest road tax bands, B.

Some criticism has been made over the external design of the Roomster and in the interior this model comes with a fair selection of standard in-car kit, but those after additional comfort will need to look elsewhere.

Standard equipment for this model includes power steering, central locking, stability control, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and an advanced stereo system with both CD and MP3 connectivity.

Options such as Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in sat nav can be added for £335 and £525 respectively whilst other features such as rear parking sensors and a leather interior are still not an option on this model.

Practicality is high in the people carrier and there is plenty of cabin space for passengers. The driving position offers good visibility of the road and there is plenty of adjustment available to help drivers sit in the optimum position. Although some inner materials feel a little cheap, the overall quality of the build is high and the fit and finish of a good quality.

The boot capacity is also good with a 450 litre capacity offered when the seats are in place and this can expand to 1,780 litres by folding the seats down, making the car ideal for large families.

In terms of safety, the car comes fitted with driver, passenger and front side air bags as standard features. An immobiliser is also fitted to protect the car from theft but owners who want the additional security of an alarm will be expected to pay an additional £285.

Reliability is expected to be strong with this model as well and a three year warranty for 60,000 miles is provided in order to give buyers with additional assurance to the reliability.

Priced at £16,120 this car is still reasonably priced in comparison to others within its class. The exceptional green credentials and high levels of efficiency mean that running costs are low as well and this makes this model great value for money.

Insurance premiums and road tax are both low falling under insurance group 9 and tax band B respectively whilst the fuel economy of 67.3 mpg means refuelling will not be too frequent or expensive.

For those looking for an efficient and practical people carrier this model is the best option within the range, offering all of the benefits which are required but at a low price.