Review of the new Skoda Roomster GreenLine II

Fuel economy is less important in some kinds of car than it is in others but supermini-sized MPVs like the Skoda Roomster will always have it as a top priority. People buy small MPVs because they need lots of space in a compact and affordable vehicle and there's nothing quite like a thrifty approach to fuel consumption when it comes to adding extra affordability. For this reason and others, the Skoda Roomster GreenLine II should have a bright future ahead of it.

GreenLine is the name assigned to Skoda's most environmentally-friendly vehicles, models that have been on the receiving end of specialist modifications to boost their efficiency and limit their environmental impact. The aim is to provide a greener option for buyers with none of the inconvenience that can accompany many of the environmental choices that are open to us these days. In fact, the Roomster is designed to be as convenient as possible for families with its simple and spacious layout.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre TDI engine that's both small and highly technologically advanced. It's a three-cylinder unit with common-rail direct fuel injection and a DPF diesel particulate Filter to trap any harmful substances that do escape the combustion chambers. Power is rated at 75bhp which is a respectable amount in a car of the Roomster's size but isn't going to produce exhilarating performance.

Supplementing the engine's environmental credentials are a range of features designed to improve economy and emissions. First up is a gear change indicator which recommends the best gear for the driver to engage in any given scenario. There's also a stop-start system that cuts the engine when the Roomster is stationary to save fuel. This is engaged when the car is in neutral and the clutch is raised, the engine restarting automatically when the clutch is depressed again.

"Skoda's Roomster GreenLine looks a perfect fit in this sector of the market"

An energy recuperation system is constantly at work in the background, recapturing kinetic energy that would have been lost when this Roomster is braking or coasting and using it to recharge the battery. Finally, the GreenLine model is fitted with low rolling resistance tyres which help reduce the amount of work the engine has to do in getting the car moving.

The basic shape of the Roomster owes a lot to the small vans you see out and about making deliveries or ferrying tradesmen and their tools from A to B. There's no van version of the Roomster but Skoda has cleverly borrowed elements of LCV design because it's so space efficient. In effect, the Roomster is a car of two halves. The area occupied by the driver and front passenger feels very much like that of a conventional family hatchback. But as you progress rearward, 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.

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.

The GreenLine is positioned in the middle of the Roomster range in terms of specification. Despite the success of its current models, Skoda still recognises the limits of its badge equity and the Roomster is priced realistically while embracing the need to nudge the brand incrementally upmarket.

Skoda's supermini-sized MPV is comparable to van-based mini-MPVs like Citroen's Berlingo Multispace and Renault's Kangoo as well as more car-like supermini-MPVs like Nissan's NOTE and another Renault, the Modus. In GreenLine trim, it's competitive against the very cleanest and most efficient models in the sector.

So we come to the crux of the matter. Just how efficient is this super-efficient Skoda Roomster? The answer is that the GreenLine II model can return 67.3mpg on the combined cycle with emissions of 109g/km. It's a fine showing in a vehicle of the Roomster's space and versatility and it seems likely to bring the little Skoda to the attention of a wider group of customers.

Car buyers don't usually turn their noses up at the chance to save a packet on fuel and that's particularly true in the supermini-MPV market where many customers have young families and tight budgets. Skoda's Roomster GreenLine looks a perfect fit in this sector of the market with its practical design and a series of efficiency modifications that help minimise running costs and environmental impact.

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
VIEW MORE DISCOUNT ROOMSTER DEALS