Skoda Roomster
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for something practical but completely different? The Skoda Roomster might be the quirky solution you never knew you needed. This unusual compact MPV takes the reliable Fabia platform and transforms it into something that looks like no other car on the road. With its tall, boxy silhouette and distinctive glass roof panels, the Roomster divides opinion wherever it goes. But beneath that polarising exterior lies a genuinely clever and practical family car.

The Roomster was Skoda’s answer to buyers wanting maximum space without stepping up to a full-sized MPV. It competed against practical rivals like the Honda Jazz and Hyundai i20, but offered something completely unique in the segment. The interior is genuinely spacious, with a tall roofline that makes it feel airy and open. The modular rear seating system is particularly clever, allowing you to configure the space exactly how you need it.

Driving the Roomster feels surprisingly car-like despite its van-inspired looks. The engines are borrowed from other Skoda models, so they’re proven and reliable. It handles well for such a tall car, and the driving position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead. While it may not win any beauty contests, the Roomster offers outstanding practicality at used car prices that represent excellent value. If you can live with the looks, there’s a lot to like about this distinctive Czech creation.

What's the Skoda Roomster Like to Drive?

The Skoda Roomster range offers a sensible selection of petrol and diesel engines designed for economy rather than excitement. The entry-level 1.2 petrol with around 70 horsepower feels adequate around town but struggles on motorways. More appealing is the 1.4 petrol with 86 horsepower, which provides better flexibility for all types of driving. The diesel options, particularly the 1.4 TDI and 1.9 TDI, offer excellent fuel economy and stronger pulling power, making them ideal for family duties and longer journeys.

Despite its tall, ungainly appearance, the Roomster drives better than you might expect from a compact hatchback that’s been stretched vertically. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making parking straightforward despite the unusual proportions. Body roll is noticeable in corners due to the high center of gravity, but it never feels unstable or concerning. The ride quality is generally good, soaking up most bumps effectively while maintaining reasonable composure on twisty roads. It’s tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, which suits the car’s practical character perfectly.

Inside the Skoda Roomster: Comfort & Features

Step inside and you’ll immediately understand why the Roomster exists. The cabin feels genuinely spacious thanks to the tall roofline and large glass areas. The dashboard design is straightforward and functional, with clear instruments and simple controls that anyone can master quickly. Materials are typical Skoda, solid and well put together rather than luxurious, but everything feels built to last. The large windows and optional panoramic glass roof create an airy, light atmosphere that makes the interior feel much bigger than the exterior dimensions suggest.

The front seats are comfortable and offer good support for longer journeys. The real party piece is the rear seating arrangement, which uses a modular system called VarioFlex. The three individual rear seats can be folded, removed entirely, or moved backwards and forwards independently. This flexibility means you can configure the space for passengers, cargo, or a combination of both. Road noise is well controlled, and the driving position is excellent, giving you a great view out while remaining comfortable for drivers of all sizes.

The Skoda Roomster succeeds brilliantly at its core mission of maximizing space and practicality in a compact, affordable package. It’s genuinely different from anything else on the road, with a flexible interior that can adapt to almost any lifestyle need. The build quality is solid, running costs are low, and the driving experience is more refined than the unusual looks might suggest.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Skoda Roomster Expensive to Run?

The Roomster’s running costs are one of its strongest selling points, especially in diesel form. The 1.4 TDI engine regularly achieves over 55 mpg in real world driving, while the 1.9 TDI can return even better economy on longer runs. Even the petrol engines are reasonably frugal, with the 1.4 petrol achieving around 40 mpg in mixed use. Insurance groups are generally low, reflecting the car’s sensible image and modest performance figures.

Purchase prices for used Roomsters are very attractive, making them excellent value for families needing maximum space on a tight budget. Parts and servicing costs are reasonable thanks to shared components with other Skoda models. The main consideration is that diesel models may face increasing restrictions in some city centers. Reliability is generally good, though some early examples suffered from minor electrical niggles. With bad credit car finance options available, the Roomster represents an affordable way to get into a practical and reliable family car.

Skoda Roomster Practicality & Boot Space

The Roomster is all about practicality, and in this area it truly excels. The boot space starts at 450 litres with all seats in place, which is generous for a car of this size. Remove the rear seats entirely and you have a cavernous 1,810 litres of load space, more than many estate cars can offer. The VarioFlex seating system is genuinely useful, allowing you to carry two passengers and a washing machine, or fold everything flat for a house move. The wide rear doors and low loading lip make it easy to get bulky items in and out.

For families, the Roomster offers genuine versatility that’s hard to match in this price range. The rear seats are comfortable for adults on shorter trips, though legroom can be tight for taller passengers. Children will love the airy cabin and excellent visibility. Compared to other used Skoda cars, the Roomster maximizes interior space in the most efficient way possible. Its compact external dimensions make it easy to park in tight spaces, while the tall body and excellent visibility make it confidence inspiring to drive in busy traffic.

The Skoda Roomster stands as a testament to function over form, offering unparalleled practicality in the compact car segment. Its modular interior, generous space, and sensible running costs make it an excellent choice for families who need maximum versatility from their car. While the distinctive styling won’t appeal to everyone, those who can embrace the quirky looks will find a genuinely useful and reliable vehicle.

The Roomster proves that sometimes the most unusual solutions can be the most effective ones. It delivers family car space in a city car footprint, with the reliability and value for money that Skoda is known for. For buyers seeking something different that genuinely works for their lifestyle, especially those looking at cars under £5,000, the Roomster deserves serious consideration despite its unconventional appearance.