Skoda Roomster Scout

It looks quirky but some clever thinking has gone into the well-engineered Roomster Scout.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
On the road price: £11,020 - £14,555
For : Spacious, flexible, practical, reassuring to drive
Against : Can’t accommodate five adults comfortably, not the most nimble drive

Driving
The Scout’s standard 16-inch alloys may look smart wrapped in their low-profile tyres, yet the sporty rubber doesn’t do a lot for the ride. Although the firm suspension helps counter body roll in corners, bumps and potholes are not that well absorbed. And while the Skoda feels exceptionally composed and stable at all times, proving safe and easy to drive, it’s neither that agile nor engaging. The Scout offers a choice of four engines – the 1.4-litre petrol struggles, and the 1.6-litre doesn’t feel all that more lively. Better are the diesels; the 1.4-litre TDI has a unique engine note but is effective, while the 1.9-litre TDI is punchy and effortless. Alas, it’s also unrefined, with a tiring drone from under the bonnet on the motorway. All Roomsters have a substantial-feeling gearbox, though it’s not that slick or precise – it’s all too easy to select reverse instead of first when pulling away.

Marketplace
The Roomster remains a distinctive-looking machine, enhanced in Scout guise with well-judged matt back bumpers, wheelarch extensions and lower door trims. And as the Roomster is a supermini-MPV, it provides a very distinctive take on the perfect transport solution for a growing family, offering practicality in spades. There is just the single well-equipped trim line, with prices generally in line with the top-spec ‘3’ model of the standard Roomster. Off-road-look rivals include the Peugeot 207 Outdoor and Ford Fusion, while Renault also sells a mini-estate version of the Renault Clio, and both Citroen and Peugeot offer ultra-practical van-derived models for those who need more space; the Berlingo Multispace and Partner Combi are great value.

Owning
The Skoda has three individual chairs in the rear, plus big doors and wide openings to make getting in and out a breeze. The seats are fiddly to fold, though, and while the boot is gigantic, the load sill is high. However, adults will enjoy a real sense of space, and the two outer chairs slide back and forth while the smaller middle chair folds down to form a handy table with cupholders. Indeed, the whole cabin is well designed, with a good driving position, comfortable seats and ample cabin stowage. There’s a real feeling of quality, too. The boxy shape does, however, hurt fuel economy a little, and while retained values are OK, rivals hold on to a little more of the list price after three years.