Insurance Group: 12
MPG: 49.6
CO2: 134
0-62 Mph: 10.9 secs
BHP: 104 BHP
Range: 600 miles
You will appreciate the performance of the car’s turbocharged petrol engine. The equipment level is good and safety is at a good level as well. This is also one of the cheapest MPVs one can own.
PROS: The most practical People Carrier on the road. Very spacious. Good equipment level. Cheap to buy and run.
CONS: Body lean in corners. Poor forward visibility.
The Roomster SE 1.2 TSI 105ps 5dr is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 4 cylinder, 8v, 1197cc petrol engine. Its maximum power of 105bhp and peak torque of 129 lb-ft provides enough pull for most driving demands. It is a sprinter, going from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds. For a car this big, this is remarkable. It has a top speed of 114mph, which is quite good for an MPV.
On the road, the Skoda Roomster is assured. Firm grip and secure handling ensure that you enjoy a comfortable ride. The tall body causes the car to lean a lot in corners but generally, body control is good, all thanks to a firm suspension. The five-speed manual gearbox is efficient, while the steering is accurate.
High refinement makes the cabin a good place to be. The engine is hushed, while road and wind noise is fairly suppressed. You can let your thoughts wander freely, concentrate on the drive or listen to the kids singing in the back; there is no disturbance inside the car.
Rear visibility is good, but forward visibility is hampered by thick windscreen pillars which make it hard to see the nose. Parking and taking corners will be hugely discomforting.
The Skoda Roomster’s box-like shape will not make you want to stand back in admiration, but the SE has a panoramic sunroof which does look quite revolutionary. Other than that, it is a big car, measuring 4214mm x 1684mm x 1607mm.
Inside, the cabin has a somewhat drab look. Cheap materials and a simple layout make the interior unexciting.
The SE does well in choice of standard equipment. You get power steering, central locking, alloy wheels, air con, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, metallic paint, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, immobiliser, alarm, rear parking sensors, MP3 connectivity and CD player.
There are a host of cost options, including stability control for £365, sat nav for £525, Bluetooth for £335, part-leather seats for £600, climate control for £275 and cruise control for £175.
The Skoda Roomster is spacious enough for five, but the middle passenger at the back row may be uncomfortable because the seat is squeezed. Other than that, the car has lots of head and legroom.
The driving position is fully adjustable. The steering wheel adjusts for both reach and rake while the driver’s seat can be moved back and forth for the most suitable position. The dash is clatter free: all the controls are well-placed and clearly marked for ease of use.
Cabin storage is good. The glove box is large while the door pockets are wider than usual. There are a number of other cubicles where you can keep personal stuff.
The boot is a good 450 litres, not class leading but enough for most people. Fold the seats or remove them completely to get 1780 litres that can hold quite a lot.
Stability control is missing in the car but there are numerous other equipment and technologies to keep you safe: central locking, immobiliser, six airbags, ISOFIX child-seat mountings, deadlocks, alarm and a visible VIN will keep you and the car safe. Euro NCAP seems to agree, as seen in the car’s 5-star rating for occupant safety, 4 for child safety and 2 for pedestrian.
Generally, Skoda is known for its affordable but quality cars and the Roomster should be a good sport. There is a 3-year/60,000 mile warranty just in case the car does not live up to your/the manufacturer’s expectations.
Skoda Roomster is the cheapest large MPV in the market and one of the most practical too. Resale values are good, partly because of Skoda’s good standing and sustained demand for used People Carriers.
Running costs are very low. Fuel economy averages 49.6mpg, which is excellent for this class. Emissions are low: an average of 134g/km is what the car produces, so you pay £115 a year in VED, under road tax band E. It sits in rate-friendly insurance group 12. Stick to the 10,000 mile service interval and your Skoda Roomster SE 1.2 TSI may just surprise you with great service.
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