USED Skoda Roomster MPV (05 - )

My car

I owned a new Volkswagen Eos which was a lovely car but I continually had to rely on friends if I wanted to collect anything bigger than an average suitcase. I test drove the Roomster and bought one. My friends wink and giggle behind my back, but if THEY need to collect things, who do they call first? Not the yellow pages!!! The car is very comfortable to drive, loads of flexible space and economical. The full length glass roof gives me all the airiness and light. It has all the gadgets I require e.g. dedicated MP socket, good audio system, cruise control, air conditioning, cooled glove box, variable intermittant windscreen wipers, reverse parking sensors etc. There are some very thoughtful touches. The audio turns softer automatically when you reverse to make the parking sensors more audible. The radio display also shows you graphically how far you are from the rear obstacles. The electric windows can be closed AFTER the car has been switched off, the doors lock automatically after driving off (it may be my South African mentality that finds this important), the seatbelt warning signal sounds when the driver OR the passenger forgot to belt up etc. It just feels that a thinking person designed this little car. And it is small, easily parked, turns on sixpence with masses of loading space, cheap to insure. The 1.9 TDi is gutsy. A modern GREEN car for the thinking person where the badge is not the overriding factor.

My car

Initial thoughts were "no way I am buying a delivery van", which is what the Roomster looks like at first. However, the shape definitely grows on you. Give it a bit of time, let the cleverness of the rear seat design, the driving/living room split, all round practicality and most impressive of all, the value for money, sink in and you'll find yourself a Roomster fan!

My car

Just hired one of these on holiday - had booked a 'Focus Size' car from Sixt and approached the desk at Funchal Airport with some trepidation about what would I end up with for the week? Focus, Golf, Megane? I always do this, not sure why it matters. My heart sank when the guy gave me the keys to a Roomster - I pretended not to care and went to find it. Daft thing is, it was love at first sight - wife & kids loved it too, not the sharpest driving machine, but hey. My wife now wants one when we replace her car. I think the Tdi is probably the way to go - however I'd have the 1.9 - the 3cyl 1.4 was very loud and ran out of puff very quickly on any think other than a mole hill. The full length glass roof is a must have too making the car seem funky rather than 'Van with carpet and windows' like a Berlingo.

Most people will think it is ugly - which is reason alone to get one.

My car

Went into the showroom with an Octavia Estate in mind and come out with the Roomster. If you want a well built, solid, and practical car then look no further. Never had a Skoda before, but I am impressed. Once you get over the shape of the Roomster it a great little car. Plenty of room for four adults and luggage, averaging 50mpg. Its not a hotrod and won't break any speed records, but is an enjoyable drive, well worth a test drive, and thats what sold it for me.