Car Statistics: Skoda - Roomster Series 06 (4 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

There's little evidence that the designers of the front and rear of the Roomster ever met.

Handling (2 stars)

Composed, competent and unexceptional. If you're seeking thrills, looks elsewhere.

Comfort (4 stars)

Plenty of space and a decent seating position making the Roomster a good place to spend time. Kids will appreciate the room in the back, too.

Quality (3 stars)

Solidly screwed together, although the tough-feeling cabin materials don't offer any feeling of class.

Performance (3 stars)

Faster than the bus - but not by much. Range-topping 105 bhp TDI is adequately brisk, but more basic engines would struggle to separate skin from rice pudding.

Roominess (5 stars)

Almost as practical as people-van rivals like the Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo, the Roomster has masses of room for both occupants and luggage.

Costs (4 stars)

Cheap servicing and low insurance costs make the Roomster an inexpensive car to run. Diesel engines are very frugal, too.

Value (4 stars)

Even in well equipped range-topping form the Roomster costs about the same as a basic diesel-powered family hatchback. A very practical choice.

Stereo (3 stars)

Standard stereo struggles to project sound throughout the cabin. Satnav untested.