Driven: Skoda Roomster Scout 1.6 TDi

Looks are merely skin deep. Shallow models, actors and actresses the world over would do well to remember this fact, Katie Price and Jodie Marsh…

Although we all come in different shapes and sizes each of us has an equally important role to play regardless of appearance, a wise teacher once reminded my class at school. 

This translates to four wheels, of course.

For instance, the desirable Aston Martin DB5, Maserati GranTurismo or even the Peugeot RCZ are all fabulous sports cars. But as a celeb’s lifestyle isn’t conducive to bringing up a family the same is true of these vehicles. What do you do when children arrive on the scene? Leave them at home? Stick ‘em in the boot? 

No, you get a Skoda Roomster, which was launched in 2006. 

The Scout model tested was introduced in 2007 and adds 4x4-like looks with body cladding and a higher ride height, but without four-wheel drive. Nevertheless it feels well-suited to the challenging winter weather of late such as lashing rain, hailstones and even sleet. However, it is quite a tall vehicle and this can result in buffeting from high winds when travelling at speed.

As with its sibling, the Skoda Yeti, from outside the Roomster is an acquired taste with a mishmash of design ideas that are not smoothly carried through, in my opinion. It might look similar to a Pope mobile… the Citroen Berlingo or the Peugeot Teppee but the latter two somehow combine the small van/car concept more gracefully. Now who’s being shallow? My issue is that the front and rear don’t gel. Coupled to which the concealed rear door handles and protruding front ones look out of place. Yet they don’t on Alfas and Hondas. 

Inside there’s a great deal of space above the driver’s head but I imagine this lends itself to wheelchair conversions. So far this is the only vehicle I have come across that requires me to lean forward to adjust the rear view mirror, which is a little awkward. 

It feels a bit basic, too – there’s no cruise control, steering mounted stereo controls or electrically adjustable seats – forgive me I’ve just returned a top-of-the-range Peugeot 3008. But basic isn’t bad, it means there are less controls to confuse the motorist. 

This Skoda’s hi-fi is one of the best I have used - it’s so quick and easy to find your favourite radio station and that’s important when time is of the essence and you’re faced with a gruelling commute.

Once behind the wheel you don’t really care about its idiosyncrasies because all Skodas are thoroughly enjoyable to drive and this is no exception. For a 1.6-litre diesel it can be gutsy if required and a decent overtaker – it’s looks far belying its capabilities.

As the name suggests, the Roomster has bags of space. Its clever rear compartment offers immense flexibility between passenger and luggage space. The rear seats recline and slide - any of the three individual seats can be folded or removed. The middle seat can be taken away and the two outer seats slide inwards giving extra room for two passengers.

It’s very frugal too, definitely making it one to consider for the family run around. The versatile Roomster is the ideal solution for a shop owner with a family because it cuts out the need for owning a van as well. 

Parkers, the car experts, say: “The bold and distinctive Roomster is a small family car that stands out from the crowd. While not everyone may be a fan of the styling, it’s certainly different and also helps maximise room inside."

Yes you can pick holes but overall there’s much more than meets the eye with this model.


Skoda Roomster Scout 1.6 TDi 

Engine: 1.6-litre diesel
Economy: 60.1mpg
Power: 90bhp
Transmission: 5-speed

New price range: £11,775 - £16,120

Used price range: £3,426 - £10,838

www.skoda.co.uk











By Tim Saunders

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