Used Car Focus: Skoda Roomster
Want something spacious and practical that won’t break the bank? Chris Randall finds out whether this useful MPV should be on your shopping list.
Value for money MPV.
The current Skoda range contains plenty of tempting models, and if you want an SUV you’re spoilt for choice. But in 2006 they were just beginning to dip their toes into new market segments, and they began with the MPV you see here. First revealed as a design study in 2003 the Roomster was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show three years later, Skoda emphasising the new model’s spacious, airy cabin and value for money.
Built at the Kvasiny plant, the looks may have been something of an acquired taste, and based on proven VW mechanicals there was no great technical innovation, but there was certainly no arguing with the practicality it offered.
Arriving in UK showrooms in September 2006 buyers on a modest budget could bag a car that could handle everything from family duties to acting as a small van, and it was a blend of talents that resulted in healthy sales. With numerous tweaks to keep it competitive the Roomster would remain a part of the range until 2015, at which point the lure of SUVS such as the Skoda Yeti proved too strong.
People carriers such as this one may have fallen out of favour, but if you’re after a useful motor for not-much-money let’s see whether this one makes sense.
TRIM & EQUIPMENT
Skoda kept things simple here, offering the new MPV in 1, 2 or 3 trim levels. The entry-level model got electric front windows and a CD player amongst a modest kit list, with the 2 adding the likes of remote locking, electrically-adjustable and heated mirrors, aircon and alloy wheels. Upgrade to the 3 and cruise control and parking sensors joined the equipment roster, Roomster prices ranging from £9920 to £14,050 for a top-spec 1.9 diesel.
2007 saw the more ruggedly-styled Scout model join the range, its faux-off-roader look boosted by 16-inch alloys, a raised ride height, privacy glass, roof rails and plastic cladding.
Some free trim upgrades were offered over the next couple of years which boosted showroom appeal, the most tempting being the £1500 Family Pack that was added to 2 models for free in 2008 – a panoramic roof, metallic paint and rear parking sensors were included.
The 2010 facelift also changed the trim levels to S, SE and Scout with equipment broadly similar to the original trims, and they were joined in May 2011 by the SE Plus. Costing £530 more than an SE it brought goodies such as unique ‘Kristal’ upholstery, climate control, roof rails and a multi-function steering wheel; if you can find one today it’s well worth having.
Finally, July 2014 saw the arrival of the limited Black Edition which was based on the SE and cost £15,490. Black exterior trim and enhanced kit levels were the main draw, Skoda claiming the extras were worth £1200.
While you wouldn’t call the Roomster lavishly-equipped by today’s standards there’s certainly enough toys to keep most owners happy, so our advice is to seek out the highest trim level you can find.
TRANSMISSION
Entirely in keeping with the Roomster’s straightforward approach there was just the one manual transmission on offer – a 5-speed unit found in a range of VAG models. Inherently robust, it would take an intergalactic mileage or ham-fisted use to elicit any problems so there’s little to worry about here. Check for any signs of clutch wear, especially if you suspect a car has been used for towing, though a good quality kit is around £200 if you fancy tackling replacement yourself.