2008 Skoda Roomster review

CarAdvice rating:

Model Tested: 1.9 TDI manual

Recommended Retail Price: $26,990 (1.6 FSI), $28,990 (1.9 TDI)

Options Fitted: None

- by Karl Peskett

What’s the definition of cute? Ugly, but interesting.

Certainly by definition then, the new Skoda Roomster is cute. However it hasn’t had the warmest reception, judging by the responses we got in our week long test drive. Men were indifferent, but women, without exception, said it was ugly.

Are they justified? Well it’s certainly unusual. And it’s designed for that reason. But here’s the thing: Judging a book by its cover is a serious sin. Those who are critical will be the ones missing out.

You see, not only is the Roomster immensely practical, it’s also brilliant to drive. And fun too. You know the old saying - “Looks can be deceiving”, and in this case, it’s certainly true. Although it has a tallboy stance, the Roomster’s stability on the road has to be experienced to be believed.

In the same way that the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart alters your perception about defying a high centre of gravity, the Roomster simply hangs on to the road, and doesn’t roll anywhere near what you’d expect.

Skoda Fabia GreenLine

Even before the start of the discussion on climate change, Škoda Auto had already sworn its allegiance to environmental compatibility. Engines which operate economically with lower pollutant emissions, combined with the use of materials which help to save resources and energy-optimised manufacturing processes, are the cornerstones providing the harmonious relationship between car and nature which the company strives for. The next step along this path was the consumption-optimised versions of the Škoda Fabia, Fabia Combi, Octavia and Octavia Combi which, under the name of GreenLine, form a family of their own within the model program as a whole. From the beginning, the new Škoda Superb is part of this GreenLine with the introduction of the Škoda Superb GreenLine. Especially in the case of larger cars, which in general are driven more than small and compact cars, the reduction in fuel consumption makes its effect felt positively in the providing relief for the environment.

Thanks to a whole package of measures, the Škoda Fabia Greenline achieves a CO2 emission value of 109 g/km. Here, aerodynamic changes to the bodywork, combined with an engine control system with changed characteristics and longer gearing help to reduce fuel consumption further and to protect the environment. This is further enhanced by reductions in weight and fitting the car with alloy wheels.

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