Skoda Roomster (2006)

The rear part of the passenger cabin of the Škoda Roomster is designed as a comfortable and variable "living room". Large side windows, seats which are 46 mm higher than those in the front and the innovative VarioFlex system of the seating make it possible to design the configuration of the rear to suit the occupants' needs. The higher position of the rear seat provides the passengers in the rear the best view looking out over the heads and the headrests of the driver and co-driver. The panorama roof which can be ordered as an optional extra creates additional excellent lighting conditions throughout the whole of the Škoda Roomster. In the event that the light is too strong, it can be closed off using a roller blind. The variability of the "living room" sets new benchmarks. The back of the centre seat can be folded down to form space for placing things or for use as an armrest. As special equipment there is a folding table with two holders for drinks incorporated in the back of the centre seat. With only a few hand movements the middle seat which weighs only 11 kilograms can be removed. The two outer seats can then be pushed inwards by 110 millimetres. In this way the Škoda Roomster becomes a four-seating version with even more shoulder space and seating comfort in the rear. The outer seats can also be moved longitudinally by 150 millimetres. The rear seat back angles in the rear can be changed individually for all three seats by up to 13.5°. The comfort measures of all of the seats are among the best in the car's class.

Variability is the exceptional characteristic of the boot space in the Škoda Roomster. It amounts to between 450 and 530 litres in size when 5 people are travelling. This is the record for its class. When the back seats are folded down, a level storage space of up to 1595 millimetres in length is created and the transport volume increases to 1555 litres. The rear seats can be folded down in the ratio of 40:20:40. Thus, the size of the loading area can be increased step by step to suit the transport requirements. The two outer seats, each weighing only 16 kilograms, and the centre rear seat in the rear can be quickly and easily removed. In this way, the Škoda Roomster is converted two a version with two seats, but with a loading capacity of 1780 litres. The smooth side walls and the low loading sill make it possible to load the car easily even up to the roof level. And the Škoda Roomster is also best fitted out for any number of transport tasks thanks to the many resourceful details available. For example, the solid boot cover can be positioned securely at two different heights. If required it can divide the boot into two horizontally. This makes it possible to gain access to luggage during the trip when this is stored on top of the cover when it is in the lower position. Below this, heavy objects can be securely fastened to the eyelets in the boot.

At the front, the occupants of the Škoda Roomster can use the additional storage facilities, which include storage space in the doors in which even 1.5 litre bottles can be kept. Small elastic bands will, if required, hold even large road maps or other travel documents securely in place. The recesses in the central console and the pockets integrated in the backs of the front seats offer a number of storage possibilities for small change, toll cards, drinks, magazines or even books while two glove compartments will accommodate a number of utensils.

The engines for the Škoda Roomster:

• 1.2 12V HTP/51 kW (70 HP)
• 1.4 16V/63 kW (86 HP)
• 1.6 16V/77 kW (105 HP)
• 1.4 TDI PD/51 kW (70 HP)
• 1.4 TDI PD/59 kW (80 HP)
• 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW (105 HP)

The Škoda Roomster Scout is provided exclusively with the 1.4 16V and 1.6 16V four-cylinder petrol engine and the 1.4 TDI PD/59 kW and 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW diesel engines.

All of the engines are combined with a five-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, a six-speed automatic transmission is available for the most powerful of the petrol engines. This is fitted out with a Tiptronic function. The modular underbody structure of the Škoda Roomster has a wheelbase of 2617 millimetres, 39 millimetres longer than an Škoda Octavia Combi. At the front MacPherson struts are used while a semi-independent suspension at the rear reduces weight. ABS with MSR (engine drag torque control) is part of the standard equipment provided in the 25 EU member states and ASR (anti-spin regulation) and the electronic stabilizing program (ESP) are available on request. The neutral driving properties of the Škoda Roomster and the high level of safety reserves in the chassis make driving in the "space vehicle" a pleasant experience.

The bodywork structure with a height of 1607 millimetres (without the roof railing) exhibits exceptionally good stability in curves thanks to a well balanced chassis design. Different track widths at the front and the rear prevent vehicle roll. The Škoda Roomster, configured as a private car, weighs between 1150 and 1265 kilograms; and, depending upon the equipment version chosen, has a payload of up to 515 kilograms.

The safety standards of the Škoda Roomster are at the same high level as those of the rest of the whole Škoda family. Three-point seatbelts at the front and the rear, front, side and head airbags as well as seatbelt tensioners provide safety for the occupants in the case of an accident. The two outer seats in the rear are fitted out with Isofix fixtures. Curve and cornering lights are dependent upon the level of equipment selected.

And the Škoda Roomster is also considerate to other weaker road users. Its bodywork already fulfils the regulations governing the protection of pedestrians which will only come into force officially in 2010. A soft, deforming car bonnet and decoupled or covered rigid, hard parts in the front part of the car clearly reduce the risk of severe head injuries.

The bodywork structure of the Škoda Roomster is designed in such a way that in the event of a collision with another vehicle, defined load paths reduce the impact forces generated in a controlled manner leading these off into the structural units in the floor of the car. The front part of the car can this deform in an exactly defined manner so that the passenger cell remains a safety survival cell for the occupants. In crash tests, the biomechanical load placed on the occupants was far below the limits specified. In the stringent EuroNCAP test the Škoda Roomster was awarded five stars for the safety of the occupants.

The Škoda Roomster continues in the tradition of the brand in providing an excellent price-performance ratio while nevertheless providing a variety of useful and simply clever features, increasing comfort. The outer mirrors can be adjusted manually or electrically from the interior depending upon the version. Reading lamps incorporated in the ceiling at the front and in the rear provide spot light and the interior lighting remains on for a short time after closing the doors. And even if the Škoda Roomster is ordered without the automatic airconditioning system, Climatic, or the electronic Climatronic system, the outer air drawn in is automatically cleaned by a pollen filter before it passes into the interior. All of the Škoda Roomster versions have a steering wheel adjustable in height and length, a factor which is not a matter of course in a car of this class.

Two different audio systems are available for the Škoda Roomster. The car radio, Beat, fits the DIN 1 opening and is equipped with RDS function. As an option, it can also be combined with a CD changer. The more comfortable version of the car radio, Dance, fits the double DIN 1 opening and has a CD player which is also capable of use with MP-3 and has a digital signal processor providing the highest level of sound quality for even the most demanding listener. With the audio system Dance the optional CD changer can be operated. A line-in audio connection for external devices such as iPod or an MP3 player and a telephone input connection for handsoff telephone operation is installed in the central console and functions with both types of radio.

The higher versions of Style, Sport and Comfort provide, in addition to the basic standard fittings, electrically operated windows at the front, a central locking system, height-adjustable driver's seat and tinted glass windows. External mirror housings and door handles in the same colour as the car are also part of the package. While the basic model runs on 175/70 R14 wheels, the other higher versions have larger wheels.

Depending upon the configuration, dimensions of up to 16-inch are possible (Roomster Scout - 16- and 17-inch wheels). All of the Škoda Roomster versions with 14-inch and 15-inch wheels have a full-sized spare wheel. The spacious interior dimensions of the Škoda Roomster make it possible to transport bicycles upright in the rear. Škoda Auto has developed a bicycle holder especially for this purpose which will hold the bike securely in place. The navigation system installed in the Škoda Roomster keeps the driver on the right track. As an attractive alternative the ViaMichelin mobile navigation system can also be installed.