Second-Hand Skoda Roomster
Used Skoda Roomster
It could not have escaped many people's attention that we are living in the age of the crossover car. The market is full of these exotic blends of supermini and MPV, MPV and saloon or estate car and SUV. What is perhaps the ultimate in crossover vehicles goes a little further than that. A while ago someone noticed how practical, spacious and cheap to run vans were. Then they looked at the space limitations of the average MPV. A short time later the van-based MPV was born. The Skoda Roomster was based on more conventional Fabia supermini underpinnings and arrived in 2006 with a range of petrol and diesel engines and trim levels.
What You Get
Skoda wants you to think of the Roomster as a car of two halves. The front seats of the cabin inhabit an environment which is designed to be pure supermini, with all the standard layouts and controls you would expect in a modern hatch. Move into the rear, and things soon begin to change. The roofline steps up quite markedly and that allows more headroom and the rear seats to be lifted. There is a lot of glass, which can be added to by an optional panoramic glass roof and this makes the cabin feel very light and airy. Overall, the interior feels very well thought out and well made with good, quality materials being used throughout.
How it Drives
Despite its van-like body lines, the Skoda Roomster is decidedly car-like when it comes to handling. There is very little body roll, despite the extra height. The driving position is much more supermini than van or even MPV. The ride quality is probably better than any of its van-based MPV rivals and it stays quiet even at motorway speeds. All of the engines deliver excellent fuel economy and if performance is less than startling then that is what is to be expected in this sort of car. Overall a used Skoda Roomster makes a very convincing family car.