Badge snobs look away. What Car? has made a Skoda its star car for June. The Roomster, Skoda&'s first MPV, launches this autumn. Closely based on the 2003 Frankfurt show concept car of the same name, but with conventional rear side doors in place of the show car&'s single sliding door, it&'s a compact and flexible five-seater that bridges the gap between the Fabia and Octavia hatchbacks.
What&'s most impressive is the amount of space and light inside the cabin, which makes it roomy enough for four adults.
There are six engines to choose from - three petrol and three turbodiesel - all with an emphasis on economy. The diesels comfortably top 50mpg and the petrols, with the exception of the 1.6, squeeze above 40mpg.
The diesels will be nicely driveable. The 1.6 is the quickest in the range, but for everyday performance, the 1.9 turbodiesel is probably going to be the star choice.For buyers with a green conscience, there&'s an 80bhp 1.4 diesel equipped with a particulate filter to trap sooty emissions. Expect prices to start below £10,000.
What Car? predicts the Roomster will become a cult Skoda drive. For those who remain sceptical, the new Audi TT will be profiled in the July issue of What Car?
Small cars involve compromises that are hard to hide. The 207 is pretty high up the pecking order, though, and that might tip things in its favour, says What Car?, which gives it a 4/5 rating.
A fixed-roof coupé one minute; open cabrio the next.
It gets a rating of 4/5, is relatively cheap and looks good, says What Car? As coupé-cabrios go, this is one of the best at the moment.
A convertible with a folding metal roof that is easy to lower, says What Car? But you lose a lot of boot space. Choice of two petrol engines - a 107bhp 1.5-litre and a
Skoda Roomster:
Peugeot 207
Price: £8,995-£15,345
On sale: June 8
Vauxhall Astra Twintop
Price: £16,995 to £20,695
On sale: Late May
Mitsubishi Colt CZC
Price: £13,999 to £15,999
On sale: Now
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