Skoda's eye-catching Roomster is a little gem in the company's extensive model range, offering amazing practicality and great fuel economy. It offers trendy styling and has terrific appeal for discerning drivers who want to stand out from the crowd.

 

It's unusual design gives it distinctive presence, and it frequently turns heads. And in a busy week of test driving, several people can up while I was parked and wanted to know all about. Every one of them admired the Roomster, and expected it to cost at least £2,000 more than it actually does! There are 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol variants starting at around £10,970, but I recently tested a diesel model, the entry-level 1.4 TDi, with 70 hp on tap and a price tag of around £12,000. While not the most-powerful in the class, it still offers decent performance and really starts to make a lot of sense when you appreciate its combined fuel figure is 53.3 mpg. The 0-60 mph time isn't quick at 16.5 seconds but the Roomster has such a nice, fluent driving feel to it, you just don't notice!

 

Unlike many compact MPVs, the Roomster doesn't appear like a converted van. It looked like a unique design, which is exactly what it is, styled for a cool street image, yet offering excellent day to day practical for domestic or even business use. Out and about, the ride is firm but comfortable, and the steering feels sharp and direct, giving good feedback. Handling is safe and predictable, and all in all the Roomster comes across as a pleasant driving experience. In town, it is nimble and agile, and on the motorway cruises happily with minimal noise intrusion at higher speeds.

 

Standard equipment on this entry-level diesel Roomster is very good, and does include front and side airbags, central (but not remote) locking, radio/CD player, and electric front windows. Models higher up the range add more and more equipment, and there are also a range of accessories to further personalise the car. Inside, there is comfortable seating which provides ample head and leg room for four adults. The rear seats are entirely removable for a huge square (1,780 litres) load space. Clever interior design means the car is actually more roomy inside than it appears to be from outside and I can't think of any rival that can beat the Roomster for all-round pracicality at the price.

 

With a well laid-out cabin, heightened driving position for a good view, and a neat handling, the Roomster quickly wins you over.

 

For: Skoda build-quality and reliability, trendy visual appearance, excellent fuel economy.

Against: Hard to fault for the money, though I would have liked a little more power under the bonnet.