Roomster story

[Julian Edgar]

For those interested, a story I wrote for AutoSpeed.

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[Jake02]

TWO Roomsters!? Boy am I proud! The review that you posted is very thorough and I do agree with many of the points raised. A Roomster was almost purchased but because of my mother's taste for more 'normal' cars and a higher equipment level (where were the foglamps, 16-inch alloys and projector headlamps of overseas models? A bigger diesel or more power would've been nice too) we thought that the Octavia was fine. But I maintain that the Roomster is one of the best cars that was virtually ignored by the general Australian public (and indeed Skoda Australia too). I don't think the Roomster was ugly, mostly because I forgave it's unusual shape because it has purpose, but I'm sure a lot of people did.

It's, as you said, an excellent car and it's a shame they didn't sell more. Hope you enjoy it!

[Makk]

Thanks for the review Julian, that was great!
My girlfriend is considering buying one of the few Roomsters around if it was the right price (it's either that or a Honda Jazzz...zzzzz....zzzz....)
I have an Octavia which we both love, so the Roomster is the sentimental favourite...

I'd like to ask a couple of questions if that's OK - have you had any problems with servicing a car that's no longer being sold in Oz?
And also, do you have any idea how the 1.6 petrol performs relative to the diesel? (I can find "the stats" but would love some first hand experience)

Anyway, keep on enjoying your Roomsters!

[monkeysrus]

Nice article

[Transporter]

For those who don't know, the Roomster is coming back to OZ.

[Julian Edgar]

I'd like to ask a couple of questions if that's OK - have you had any problems with servicing a car that's no longer being sold in Oz?
And also, do you have any idea how the 1.6 petrol performs relative to the diesel? (I can find "the stats" but would love some first hand experience)

Servicing is all straight VW. I have never driven the petrol Roomster.

[Jake02]

For those who don't know, the Roomster is coming back to Oz.

Oh yeah I'm sure of it... It's not April 1st just yet!

[Julian Edgar]

My girlfriend is considering buying one of the few Roomsters around if it was the right price (it's either that or a Honda Jazzz...zzzzz....zzzz....)
I have an Octavia which we both love, so the Roomster is the sentimental favourite...

When I last drove a jazz I thought it an exceptional car - Browser Warning

[Transporter]

Oh yeah I'm sure of it... It's not April 1st just yet!

I didn't joke. It is coming, as well as Fabia and Yeti in the last 1/4 of 2011. I saw the brochure at Skoda dealer on Monday.

[Jake02]

I didn't joke. It is coming, as well as Fabia and Yeti in the last 1/4 of 2011. I saw the brochure at Skoda dealer on Monday.

OH hell yea! The Yeti is arriving half year and then Fabia and Roomster later (last 1/4)? Did the brochure have Aus specs or it was just international? Sorry to ask so many questions, I'm just happy on the new faith in it.

[Transporter]

The Yeti is coming in last 1/4 , not in 6 months time.

[Jake02]

The Yeti is coming in last 1/4, not in 6 months time.

Well that's a little bit crap then... I'm in NZ on Thursday so I'm wanting to have a big look at one .

[woofy]

Everything pretty much comes in the last qtr. If it's not being made now it won't get here by then.

[onyertod]

Many thanks for your well written article Julian.

There is a Roomster 1.6 Tiptronic and an Octavia TSI DSG wagon at our place and here is my 2 cents worth.
I have no regrets from buying either. The Octy has done over 30,000 klms now without a hiccup.
The Roomster has now 8,000 klms up with no problems. Both are Skoda quality but the two cars are very different beasts.
The Octavia:
The Octavia's ride and handling and the perfect drivetrain combination of the 1.8 turbo and the 7 speed DSG gives a rewarding open road driving experience. In my opinion, although not high powered and although not a sports car the Octavia TSI is a driver's car. (Yes, even without a manual gearbox). The extra touches like the folding mirrors, auto lights and wipers and the quality Bolero audio unit are just the icing on the cake. In heavy stop-go traffic, until you get adept at gentle use of the throttle, the DSG can mean jerky take offs and the brisk pickup of the 1.8 / 7 spd DSG combo can have you up close and personal with the car in front. So for the open road my first choice is the Octavia TSI but in town I prefer driving...
The Roomster.
Without a doubt this safe little car is the most useful and practical vehicle I have ever owned. Nothing comes close. A 250 litre fridge in the back with the tailgate shut? – No problem!
Not at all bad to drive, the relatively narrow and tall box makes city driving and parking easy.
The rear seats can be configured any way you like including in the shed. In fact the middle seat is probably best left in the shed so you can move the remaining two rear seats to provide lots of space for four big people. The width and height of the rear doors means access for the elderly or infirm is excellent. Purely for economy I would have preferred the diesel and although the 1.6 petrol donk is a bit asthmatic, the six speed Tiptronic helps and makes town driving less tiring than a manual. Although not as well appointed as our Octavia, the Roomster has all the regular good gear plus, would you believe it, tyre pressure monitors!
Even in Europe the Roomster is not a big seller. I suspect it’s not till you own one that you truly realise what a gem it is. Yes, it’s a pity the Roomster is gone from OZ but in my opinion Skoda should have played safe and brought in the more conservative Fabia at least until they had more brand recognition. And the OZ spec engine / gearbox options were simply wrong.
Now in Europe the Roomster comes with TSI engines and DSG boxes. How sweet is that? Too bad. I doubt if we will ever see them here.

Cheers,

Max.

[Lams]

my brother also has an Octy and a Roomster - even though I laugh at his Roomster all the time, secretly I think it is one of the coolest cars ever given the GO for production. Good on skoda for trying, I hope they will continue to be different. I hope the next brand new Roomster will be based on the mkV/VI Golf which should see improved powertrains and suspension... just like how the Caddy has evolved over the years.