2008 Skoda Roomster review
January 19, 2008 by Karl Peskett
2008 Skoda Roomster review
CarAdvice rating: 
Model Tested: 1.9 TDI manual
Recommended Retail Price: $26,990 (1.6 FSI), $28,990 (1.9 TDI)
Options Fitted: None
- by Karl Peskett
What’s the definition of cute? Ugly, but interesting.
Certainly by definition then, the new Skoda Roomster is cute. However it hasn’t had the warmest reception, judging by the responses we got in our week long test drive. Men were indifferent, but women, without exception, said it was ugly.
Are they justified? Well it’s certainly unusual. And it’s designed for that reason. But here’s the thing: Judging a book by its cover is a serious sin. Those who are critical will be the ones missing out.
You see, not only is the Roomster immensely practical, it’s also brilliant to drive. And fun too. You know the old saying – “Looks can be deceiving”, and in this case, it’s certainly true. Although it has a tallboy stance, the Roomster’s stability on the road has to be experienced to be believed.
In the same way that the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart alters your perception about defying a high centre of gravity, the Roomster simply hangs on to the road, and doesn’t roll anywhere near what you’d expect.
just too sensible!
I’ll go on record and say I love this car. It’s not ugly, not in the brash Korean or default Toyota sense, just different, daring and well done.
And well done for bringing attention to what happens to these you-beaut dash readouts when you’re wearing polarisers. I, too, cock my head at 45 degrees to see what radio station I’m on, and it ain’t a good look! :)
I’ll go on record and say I love this car. It’s not ugly, not in the brash Korean or default Toyota sense, just different, daring and well done.
And well done for bringing attention to what happens to these you-beaut dash readouts when you’re wearing polarisers. I, too, tilt my head at 45 degrees to see what radio station I’m on, and it ain’t a good look! :)
Does a Yoda come with the Skoda…..
Just a suggestion when you are reviewing the cars could you mention how they perform in the relevant safety tests if applicable?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
Exterior & interior = bland, bland, bland
Bland, D1ON? I dunno, like a Camry? Nothing else looks like this.
There are definitely worse looking cars on the market than this, but it’s by no means a looker. BUT, that isn’t really the point of this car I suppose. It’s meant to be practical, and that’s pretty much it.
External appearance aside, the pattern on the seats is terribly ugly :P
I agree with you golfschwein, I quite like this car too. It took a bit of getting use to but well done to Skoda for trying something very different and unique. However it would be good if it came with a RS version, perhaps the new 1.4l twincharger? Just a thought.
It’s obvious the design of the windows was meant to show it off as something different, but the styling of the front end and the dash layout is stuck in the late 90s. Welcome to 10 years ago.
i guess if the Pope sits at the back seat then itll look something more adequate.
It may be sensible in a way where you can carry heaps people/stuff but geez, i hope the designers could think of a more visually attractive shape than this. (i mean who designed this?…Homer Simpson?)
The interior, no matter what the reviews show and say, or try to at least insinuate that its a “decent or wow” interior design…
cant fool me, man it looks very outdated.
i hope this car comes with either a veil, hand gun or a rope. (sorry just feel abit b*tchy today)
The rear door and glass look all odd, as if 2 different teams were designing the font and back and met up there :-)
Cheers
F-0
can someone tell me why this car is bland? its more interesting than all your stupid commodores and falcons!!!
It’s due to the natural human behaviour of knocking something unusual, unfamiliar and unorthodox. And a whole bunch of other “un” words.
Steve
Yeah i think they couldve tried a little harder in the styling department. Looks like theres been very little attempt to create a cohesive attractive design. Im sure it has other qualities
I’m with yah Golfie. R32 “tried harder in the style dept” you’re joking aren’t you. Ok its a bit quirky but there are some great styling cues tucked away in there. Yep a pratical not too expensive car for the people. Seen a few about here and I appreciate them for the qualities they have.
Sounds like Alborz n Co. enjoyed a strange test drive.
And I didn’t mention the ‘d’ word once Bav M.
I like it!
The Roomster wasn’t built for narrow minded Australians who think the new Commodore is ’stylish’… It sells well in Europe, and deservedly so. Excellent dynamics, great build quality, and individual style. Much more personality than the utterly dull and over rated Golf.
Yeah! Thats right………even WHEELS mag said that the Aussie audience would not understand the car!
Well VW obviously think the car is good the next Polo (2009) will sprawn a Roomster class vehicle.
FYI Roomster is Golf IV and 2009 Polo based.
I like it but a pimped up Caddy Life is way cooler :D
that is good luke europeans call this stylish the fornt was designed to mirrror a private jet and the rear a designer pair of sunnies at first when i saw it i went what the hell but in black it looks so much better a stylish car is a golf a c class a 3 sereies and a mondeo unlike a the commodore
why is there a gtr interior on page 4
I have a roomster in Cappuccino Absolutely NOT ugly keep looking at the Roomster it’ll grow on you. I thought it was ugly when I first saw it, but it’s not it’s actually a beautiful car.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so it’s said. In this case it happens to be true.
Wonderfully comfortable smooth drive, very stable in high winds although as with any care it gets pushed about.
BTW Grey and Cream interior moulding looks cheap Black and Silver/Chrome is much better, which is what I have including seat fabric.
Great. Love it. Small car economy with large car practicality. Oozes character in a market lacking it. This is my next car. Where do I get one?
Hi All
Im seriously thinking about a skoda roomster (have a baby on the way and a staffie dog to transport). Anyone have any tips…think of any issues that could arise ? Also whats best price I should pay for a petrol manual ? Im down to 26K now but think could get them lower.
Cheers
Matt
How does this car compare with a Hyundai i30cw? The petrol versions both have the same luggage space and fuel consumption, but the warranty on the Hyundai is better … I guess the handling is better on the Skoda?
I rented one in France for 3 weeks last year and now want to buy one. It went around all the little towns and the little roads easily, it parked brilliantly and when out on the big pay road past Bordeaux did 140kph for over an hour in the fast lane passing all the trucks. Brilliant car!!!!!!!!!