Skoda Roomster

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Few cars come close to the van-like Roomster in terms of practicality. Based on VW’S Golf Mk4 platform, there’s a generous boot, a flexible seating arrangement, and a high roofline that means a light and airy cabin. OK, so it can’t rival the more sophisticated people carriers out there, but its no-fuss approach means it’s a more comfortable and better-built alternative to the Renault Kangoo and Citroën Berlingo.

Skoda’s utilitarian MPV appeared in 2006 with three petrol engine options: a 1.2 three-cylinder, a 1.4 and a 1.6. The diesel offerings at the outset included a 1.4 three-cylinder TDI PD (in 70bhp and 80bhp guise) and the tried-and-tested 105bhp 1.9 unit. The rugged-looking Scout came along soon after and was made to resemble a 4x4 with its silver body protection and roofbars, along with better seats and chunky 16in alloys.

There was a redesign in 2010, when the Roomster received VW’S latest range of engines. The turbocharged 1.2 TSI petrol option, which was available with a two-clutch, seven-speed DSG transmission, replaced the old 1.4 and 1.6 MPI units. Skoda’s diesel offering was now the latest high-pressure common-rail 1.6, available in 90bhp and 105bhp guise, although this was later joined later by the fuel-sipping threecylinder 1.2 TDI CR in the Greenline model, which was capable of 67.3mpg.

All Roomsters come with ABS, front electric windows and a CD player, while the 2 and S get aircon and alloys as standard, with the 3 and SE adding cruise control and parking sensors.

With strengthening demand for the Yeti, Skoda ceased Roomster production in April 2015. Good value when new, the Roomster is now even more of a bargain, with the oldest 1.4 TDI and 1.6 petrol models below the £1000 mark. Build quality is good and it’s a car that’s enjoyed a reputation for reliability. That said, the first examples will be showing their age by now, so it’s worth getting the lowdown on what goes wrong and what it costs to put it right.

diesel models could be an issue, so if you notice a slump in power and excessive fuel consumption, this could be why.

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) was fitted to the post-facelift 1.6 CR, but it rarely gives problems. heavy then suspect the control module. If you go to Skoda it will cost £883.87. If it’s just the pump, you’ll pay £594, although BBA Reman charges only £298.80 for a repair.