Skoda Roomster Review

Skoda Roomster Review

Skoda has just introduced its very own greenhouse effect. The aptly named Roomster is TARDIS-like and has so much glazing it is just like driving a greenhouse.

Effectively two cars in one, the Roomster hits the spot, both as an MPV and a hatchback. Unfortunately, it actually looks like two cars in one joined together at the B-pillar. That said, quirkiness is part of the Roomster's charm and Skoda has never flinched from flying in the face of convention.

The Roomster first appeared as a design study at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. It got a good response from press and public alike and with the support of a lengthy list of potential customers the car recently made it into the showrooms. The production model looks a little squarer than the showcar but otherwise very little has changed.

The front end features the 'new face' of SkodaAuto, with a large front grille flanked by pronounced ribs, more in keeping with the more common of the Volkswagen Group brands. The wraparound-effect windscreen has been retained from the original design, made possible by black A-pillars, which give the impression of a single-piece windscreen and front windows. The end of the front half of the car is finished off by an upward sweep of the window frames at the B-pillars, just above the door handles.

The window-line of the rear half is lower than those in the front. The C-pillars incorporating the rear door frames are also black and disguise the integrated door handles. This part of the car is altogether more squared with a flat and wide tailgate finishing off the effect.

This obvious difference between the front and rear end styling can be a little off-putting but is, in fact, a deliberate design detail separating the two room functions. The front or 'Driving Room' is for the driver and the rear is the 'Living Room' is for the passengers - it makes sense.

Skoda Roomster