No room for improvement with Skoda

11:07, Oct 5 2009 Peter Hayward

THE Skoda Roomster has oddly offset side windows - for reasons only known to its designer. But although I don't find these good looking in any way the rest of the car is excellent and in the mould of all recent Skodas, just as well built as the VW range - if not better. All are comfortable to ride in and easy to drive and they have excellent interior space. Engines are 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 petrols, with 70, 85 and 105bhp, and then there are also three diesels - two 1.4 with either 70 or 80bhp and a 1.9 with 105bhp. The 1.2 petrol is slow and gutless and all the diesels are pretty noisy with the 1.4s also pretty slow. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT But the power steering has plenty of feel and the handling and road-holding are very good - almost up to the Fabia on which the model is based. The controls are light, the gearchange easy and the brakes superb. Interior The driving position is excellent for all sizes, and visibilty is marvellous all round apart from the quite thick pillars now common for safety. The inside is huge and very versatile in the MPV style, the boot is vast and rear legroom is also good. FAST FACTS Skoda Roomster Price: Pay around £5,400 for an '06 56-reg '1', £6,600 for an '07 07-reg '2' Mechanical: 85bhp, 1,390cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox Max speed: 106mph 0-62mph: 12.6 seconds Combined mpg: 41 Insurance group: 3 CO2 emissions: 162g/km Marks: 9/10 Main rival: Vauxhall Meriva

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