Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Roomster 1.6

Terrible name, weird looks, surprisingly good car

Evo rating
RRP
from £11,855
  • Great ride, surprising handling
  • No FSI engines, image issues

There are are two reasons why you’re reading about the Roomster in evo. And neither is that there’ll be a vRS version, even though Skoda is using the Roomster as a car to ‘sharpen and emotionalise the Skoda brand’. Reason one is that the Roomster represents the evolution of the car. Sales of regular saloons and hatches are sliding because people want more useful cars to fit their changing ‘lifestyles’. The Roomster is extremely useful, with three sliding/foldable/removable seats in the back, lots of legroom, stratospheric headroom and an ample boot. It’s also very well finished and equipped. Reason two is that the Roomster is unexpectedly good fun to drive. The wide rear track keeps roll low and turn-in quick, and the choice of springs and dampers should be perfect for our desperate British roads. Gutsiest is a 1.9-litre turbodiesel with just 105bhp, the same power as the more engaging petrol 1.6.

Specifications

Engine4-cyl, 1598cc, 16v
Max power105bhp @ 5700rpm
Max torque114lb ft @ 3500rpm
0-6010.9sec (claimed)
Top speed114mph (claimed)
On saleSeptember 2006
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul
Mercedes-AMG GT 43
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul

Affalterbach’s flagship GT range now begins with a four-cylinder, lifted straight from the A45 hot hatch. It might have reasonable performance on tap,…
15 Sep 2025
The man in charge of the Porsche 911 on the future of the world’s most iconic sports car
Porsche 911 Carrera T – side
News

The man in charge of the Porsche 911 on the future of the world’s most iconic sports car

We sat down with Porsche 911 model line director Michael Rösler to talk the future of the 911, from hybrids to manuals, to special models
16 Sep 2025
Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic
Mini Cooper S
Reviews

Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic

The ‘new’ Mini was perhaps motoring’s most anticipated sequel. BMW didn’t get it wrong – quite the opposite, as it transpired
11 Sep 2025