Review of the new Skoda Roomster 1.2 12V HTP

If you were to be told that Skoda had built a van-based mini MPV, you'd expect it to be good value. And their Roomster is, assuming you take the time to appreciate all its virtues. The fact remains however, that all the models available are well over £10,000. All except one: the three cylinder 1.2-litre 12-valve entry-level variant we're looking at here.

I always think that experiencing an entry-level variant is the best way to fully understand any fresh design - and the Roomster's concept is certainly fresh. Sure, we've had van-based mini-MPVs for years - cars like Citroen's Berlingo Multispace and Renault's Kangoo - but these were, and are, vans with windows and seats: no more, no less. The Roomster, in contrast, takes a van's simplicity and a car's more passenger-orientated design and blends the best of both into an affordable package. Particularly affordable in the case of the 1.2-litre model listed here, which carries a £9,950 price tag.

This the first Skoda of the modern era not to be based on a Volkswagen platform. Every other model in the Czech company's range sits on either Volkswagen Golf or Passat underpinnings. The reason that's important is that free of Wolfsburg model shackles, the Skoda designers have been able to create something that's genuinely different: and from the average family's point of view, genuinely useful.

For example, the clever folding chairs of this five-seater design allow you to make the most of its sizeable cabin space. The area inside is divided into a separate 'driving environment' for the front two occupants and a separate 'living room' area for the passengers. The driving position is comfortable, with a good degree of adjustment and much less upright than in most MPV products. Quality materials have also been used and build quality is excellent.

As you progress rearward, you enter the Roomster's 'Living Room' and it's here that the vehicle's van-like silhouette pays dividends. The roofline steps up, allowing the rear seats to be mounted 46mm higher than those in the front: this boosts the space available to passengers. Leg and headroom are both extremely generous and there's a light, airy feel to the space thanks to the large windows. Skoda's pre-design research pointed out that children become bored more quickly if they don't have a good view of the scenery.

"If you've a budget of around £10,000 for an economical van-based compact MPV, then the Skoda Roomster has to be on your shopping list: simple as that..."

The rear seating has also been thoughtfully designed. All three sections of the rear bench are individually foldable and removable. They also recline as well as sliding fore and aft so that owners can choose either to maximise passenger legroom or to bump up capacity in the extremely generous boot behind. This boot is accessed through a large tailgate which lifts to reveal a capacity of 450 litres. Then, depending on the position of the rear seats, owners have the option of increasing that cargo space right up to a truly van-like 1,780 litres - which is achieved when all three seats are positioned in the garage at home. All this helps to open up a wide range of potential interior configurations for the Roomster - a real strength when it comes to meeting the varying needs of modern families.

And that engine? Well this part of the car is shared with Volkswagen products, being the 70bhp 1.2-litre 12-valve petrol unit found in the Polo. You wouldn't expect it to be very fast and it isn't: still, rest to sixty in around 15 seconds on the way to a top speed of around 100mph should be more than ample for the needs of most potential users. More relevant will be an average fuel consumption figure that should regularly see the right side of 45mpg.

There's no doubt that, with its composed handling and clever interior, the Roomster 1.2-litre is a far more sophisticated proposition than your typical van-based MPV. Only base Roomster 1 specification is being offered with this engine but this should supply most of the basic items that families are looking for. There's an MP3-compatible CD stereo, ABS brakes, central door locking, an immobiliser, rear fog lights, electric front windows driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbags and tinted glass. The only notable feature missing is air conditioning, something I'd tick the options box for given all that glass area.

To go with its car-like driving position, the Roomster also delivers impressively car-like handling. Despite the high roofline at the rear, it resists body roll admirably and the general ride quality is far superior to van-based MPV rivals. It stays nice and quiet when you're on the move as well, with only limited wind and road noise finding its way inside.

The Roomster 1.2-litre feels nimble around town, the 10.5 metre turning circle making it easy to jink a quick three-point turn if you take a wrong steer. It's also fairly easy to park. Visibility out of the car is excellent and it's a mere 235mm longer than Skoda's Fabia supermini. Despite this, it makes a lot of the space inside. All models have the VarioFlex rear seating as standard. Even with five passengers on board, there's still up to 530 litres of luggage space - a good deal better than most compact MPVs. Fold the rear seats down and there's a humungous 1,555 litres available. In addition to the removable centre seat, the two outer chairs can also be completely removed. By pulling on a lever, both chairs can be dismounted and lifted out and you needn't worry about displacing a disc either - at just 14kg each they're reassuringly light. With the rear seats stowed in the garage, you've got 1,780 litres of space and its useable space too, the almost vertical side windows making it easy to load bags right up to the roof if necessary.

If you've a budget of around £10,000 for an economical van-based compact MPV, then the Skoda Roomster has to be on your shopping list: simple as that. I'd go further: if you're spending around this sum on any runabout that's likely to have to assume family duties, then you should include this car amongst those you'll need to check out. Whether you should go for the 1.2-litre version we're looking at here is a harder question to answer. Your best bet would be to find just over a couple of thousand more (or less depending on your bargaining skills) and get the 70bhp TDI diesel version (15 more miles to each gallon) in 'Roomster 2' spec (standard air con). If that's not possible, then the 1.2-litre variant has plenty going for it. So your friends won't know what it is? Who cares. So some of them might think it looks odd? Every great design divides opinion. If you can't cope with that, go buy a van.

TOP 5 ROOMSTER DEALS

The results below show the top ROOMSTER deals on buyacar

Skoda Roomster 1.2 TSI 105 SE 5dr DSG Estate
Price £12,792 Read Roomster Reviews	Save £2,398
Skoda Roomster 1.2 TSI 105 SE 5dr Estate
Price £12,205 Read Roomster Reviews	Save £2,260
Skoda Roomster 1.6 TDI CR 105 SE 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £12,881 Read Roomster Reviews	Save £2,444
Skoda Roomster 1.2 12V S 5dr Estate
Price £10,025 Read Roomster Reviews	Save £1,745
Skoda Roomster 1.6 TDI CR 105 Scout 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £15,111 Read Roomster Reviews	Save £874
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