Skoda Roomster 1.9 TDI Scout

March 2009

F there’s one model that can match the Soul for visual impact, it’s the Skoda Roomster. It’s based on the Fabia supermini, but the quirky model has been designed from the inside out, with practicality getting the nod over style.

Up front the Roomster is conventional enough, as it has the same nose as the Fabia. But move towards the rear, and the lines are more awkward. Even the two-tone finish and SUV design cues of the rugged Scout trim fail to distract onlookers from the car’s strange style. However, the upshot of the tall, high-sided exterior is an incredibly spacious cabin. All occupants get huge amounts of room, while the large windows create a bright and airy cabin. There’s plenty of cubby space, including cup-holders and a twin glovebox. Buyers can even specify neat options such as an internal floor-mounted bike rack.

In the rear, the Scout gets three chairs which can be folded individually or, with the pull of a lever, removed entirely. This frees up a van-like 1,780 litres of space – nearly 1,000 litres more than the Kia! Even with the seats in place but folded, 1,555 litres are available. The front compartment is far more familiar. The dashboard is taken straight from the Fabia, so you get a logical layout and classy design. The quality of the materials and build is on a par with the Soul, although the driving position is set much lower than the Korean car’s.

On the road the Skoda is an uninspiring drive, as it feels larger and more cumbersome than its rival. Turn into a corner and there’s plenty of body roll, although grip remains strong. It’s a safe and predictable set-up, but there’s precious little fun to be had from behind the wheel. The Skoda is best suited to long-distance runs, where its soft suspension soaks up bumps.

But the Roomster’s most significant weakness is its engine. While the 1.9 TDI delivered decent performance at the track and gave strong in-gear pace, it struggles to disguise its age and low-tech origins. Start up the diesel and it clatters into life, while around town it’s gruff before becoming intrusively noisy at high revs. Only at a cruise does the oil-burner settle down, although you’ll never forget it’s a diesel.

On the plus side, the £14,125 Roomster undercuts the Kia by £870. The excellently packaged interior also gives the Czech machine the upper hand for practicality. The key question is whether this mix of value and versatility is enough to see off its new Korean challenger

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