Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Roomster

The practical and spacious Skoda doesn't have the desirability of some it competitors, but great value and characterful turbocharged engine make it a real contender.

Eye-catching style doesn’t have to come at the expense of practicality – and the Roomster proves it. But like the Juke, the Skoda is an acquired taste, as it mixes radically different looks.

Black A-pillars give the illusion of a wraparound windscreen, but this dynamic appearance finishes abruptly at the B-pillars. The back end owes more to a budget MPV, with a tall roof, big windows and vertical tailgate. Scout trim adds plastic cladding, roof rails and tinted windows, which brings a dash of SUV to the mix.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The end result is that the Roomster has an incredibly spacious cabin. It is easily the most practical family car in our line-up, although the interior isn’t very exciting. We have no complaints about the build quality, but manual rear windows are at odds with the Scout’s status as the flagship of the Roomster range.

The feeling of space continues in the back. Three individual rear seats have reclining backrests, while the outer pair also slide back and forth to increase legroom or boot space. Load capacity is unlikely to be a problem, though, as the Skoda has a 480-litre boot – that’s nearly double the size of the Juke’s load area!

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

HS

2022 MG

HS

21,399 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,150
View HS
Q2

2020 Audi

Q2

28,065 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £14,497
View Q2
C3 Origin

2022 Citroen

C3 Origin

35,391 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,697
View C3 Origin
Mokka

2022 Vauxhall

Mokka

12,603 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £16,397
View Mokka

Remove the seats and space grows to 1,585 litres. There are clever touches, too, with a 12-volt power socket, a pair of bag hooks, some storage cubbies and a plastic load divider all included.

Under the bonnet is a small 1.2-litre petrol engine. However, the 104bhp unit has a turbo and a supercharger, so the Roomster isn’t left behind. It produces 175Nm of torque at 1,550rpm and is smooth and refined. Our car was fitted with the optional £710 DSG twin-clutch gearbox, but the combination isn’t a success. 

The transmission shifts smoothly on the move, but it’s hesitant from a standstill, so the Skoda is slow to react when exiting junctions. We’d opt for the manual instead, because the 1.2 TSI powerplant is an otherwise lively performer.

On the road, the Skoda’s tall body has an effect on the handling, but roll is well controlled and the suspension smooths out bumps. Overall, the Skoda has sharper responses than the Nissan. In manual guise, the Roomster is priced at £14,540, which is £745 more than the Juke. But emissions of 134g/km are competitive, as is combined economy of 49.6mpg. 

The Roomster lacks some style in this company – does its practicality offer enough compensation for it to come out on top?

Details

Chart position: 3
WHY: The Roomster scores for practicality with a massive boot, flexible seating and spacious cabin.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,925
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona - front end

Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle

Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers’ hearts and minds
Car group tests
12 Jul 2025