Skoda's innovative Roomster is about to hit the UK, bringing with it, what is said to be, one of the smartest and flexible cabins in the class.
Insurance groups have just been announced and show that the Roomster will not only be one of the most secure cars on the market when deliveries start in September, but also one of the most affordable to run. The 1.2-litre model attracts an insurance rating of just 2E - the lowest grouping in the class.
Barely changed from the original concept, the Roomster is said to break new ground in terms of interior packaging and cabin flexibility. Although it measures just 4,205mm in length, its movable seats provide a variable boot volume of between 450 and 530 litres, expanding to 1,780 litres with the rear seats removed.
The secret to the Roomster's flexibility is its layout. Put simply, it's two rooms in one car. At the front is the 'Driving Room' where the driver has multi-adjustable controls and ergonomics.
Further back is the 'Living Room.' A glass area, created by the deeper than normal rear side windows, combines with the high roofline and Skoda's VarioFlex seating system to make the rear of the Roomster light and spacious.
Three petrol and three diesel engines will be on offer. The petrol line-up starts with a 1.2-litre 70bhp petrol engine (available from early 2007), with a 1.4-litre 85bhp further up the performance scale. The most powerful petrol engine available is a 1.6-litre petrol unit with 105bhp and 155 Nm torque at 3800 rpm.
The diesel range consists of a 1.4-litre unit with two outputs and a 1.9-litre motor. The two smaller three-cylinder engines provide 70bhp and 80bhp while their torque maximums are 155 and 195 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm and 2200 rpm respectively. The 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp, four-cylinder generates a powerful 240 Nm at a mere 1800 rpm.
The Roomster goes on sale in the UK in September 2006, with retailers able to take advance orders from 1 August. Prices will start at £9,920 OTR. |
