Practicality, refinement and composure: the Skoda Roomster Scout (From Hereford Times)

Practicality, refinement and composure: the Skoda Roomster Scout

7:20am Sunday 20th November 2011 in Road Tests

SPACIOUS transport coupled with low running costs is a big issue for families ferrying children or adults and their loads of equipment.

So Skoda took this on board and came up with a design resembling the Fabia supermini at the front with a roof line rising to the rear and offering interior space of vanlike proportions.

But the Roomster is a far more sophisticated proposition than a van as it drives and handles like a hatch despite the unconventional looks.

However, while it is good to drive, not everyone will like the quirky styling. Like it or hate it, the Roomster does grow on you as you appreciate its outstanding practicality and infrequent visits to the filling station.

The five-door, five-seat Roomster came in for a notable redesign last year with efficient and flexible new petrol and diesel engines, more stylish looks and reduced running costs.

And with five different trims with generous equipment levels on all the specifications, prices start at a reasonable £11,640 on the road for the 1.2-litre petrol.

However, the model winning plenty of attention is the Scout aimed at drivers wanting the image and styling of an SUV without the high running costs and parking problems often associated with 4x4s.

The Scout of fers four engine options – all turbocharged - with the petrol line-up consisting of a 1.2-litre TSi with 86PS and 105PS and the availability of a sevenspeed DSG gearbox with the 105PS version.

The 1.6-litre diesel unit gives the option of 90 or 105PS.

Arguably, the Scout looks the best of the bunch with its specially- styled bumpers, alloy wheels, side skirts for a rugged look and roof rails, while inside there are added touches such as speciallybadged carpets, leather steering wheel, gear stick knob and gaiter.

Passengers sit quite high in the Roomster and for the driver there is plenty of adjustments on seat and steering wheel to find a comfortable position.

Considering its height the vehicle handles well with plenty of g rip and with the suspension managing to soak up all manner of bumps and road imperfections.

The 1.6-litre diesel with 90PS and a 5-speed manual gearbox will not set the pulse racing but it pulls well and cruises quietly and comfortably on the motorway.

Of course, the trump card with the Roomster is its spaciousness, thanks to a wheelbase which is slightly longer than its bigger relation, the Octavia.

You’ll find its wide range of potential interior configurations are very useful when it comes to meeting the varying family needs.

The boot is large with 450 litres of space which can be extended to a huge 1,780 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

And that’s not all.

The back of the middle seat in the Scout can be folded forward and used as an armrest, a drinks holder or a storage area.

The middle seat can also be removed while the two remaining seats can be moved inwards.

The almost vertical side walls and the low edge make it easy to load goods even up to the roofline.

Although the cabin does look fairly plain the quality of materials and excellent layout give the Roomster a classy feel.

Cabin space is generous and there is a light and airy feel throughout the vehicle thanks to large windows which give a good view of the passing scenery.

Safety is tops with an electronic stability prog ramme, airbags galore, ISOFIX child seats mountings, all backed by a five-star adult occupant crash rating in Euro NCAP tests.

AT-A-GLANCE

Skoda Roomster Scout 1.6 TDi CR 90PS.

Price: £15,760 (on the road).

Top speed: 106mph.

0-62mph: 13.3 seconds.

Fuel: 60.1mpg (combined figure).

CO2 emissions (g/km): 124.

Verdict: Practicality of MPV with refinement and composure of hatchback, low running costs, excellent build quality, comfortable and quiet, well equipped, unconventional looks.