Skoda Roomster test drive since 2006 -

Centaur

Roomster resembles a centaur. In front is a low cabin for a driver, a very capacious family van behind.
 
An additional word Scout in the name of the essence of the model does not change. Full -wheel drive, as for the Octavia version of the same name, is not provided. Only a plastic body kit is added along the lower perimeter, it must be said, very harmonious. An obvious hint of an active lifestyle appears with him. In the new front bumper with a large air intake, foglights with the function of the Corner left or right are implanted depending on which direction you rotate the steering wheel. Such a simplified version of the idea of \u200b\u200brotary headlights. On the rear bumper, an overlay for aluminum is installed.
 
Inside, the Scout is identical to the usual Roomster, with the exception of the finish with a fabric with a small mesh is the same as on Octavia Scout. Cost to note excellent visibility in all directions, the optional rear parkingum seems unnecessary blessed. In addition, the test car was equipped with a panoramic roof that adds a salon space of air and lightness. But there are nuances. The transparent part is addressed mainly to passengers of the back row. And on a hot sunny day, translucent curtains covering the glass ceiling still do not save, and the climatic installation has to strain to maintain a comfortable temperature. In addition, there are suspicions that in winter there will be a reverse situation with a loss of heat through glass (no matter how modern and multi -layered it may be).
 
An important feature of the interior scout spaciousness. In the reserve of the place in front, the car is time to compare with the golf class (only the landing is more vertical). But especially freely in the second row. Even if a person is 190 cm tall, he will calmly sit down behind him. And there are three full -fledged places from behind, each with a seat belt. Moreover, the side sections have longitudinal adjustment. And if three adult uncles are located in these places without problems, then imagine how freely there will be children. In addition, the rear row is located noticeably higher than the front, to stare in all directions is a pleasure.
The luggage compartment has a sufficient volume even with the rear seats shifted to the stop. A pair of children's bicycles or picnic utensils will be fitted without problems. The second row can be easily removed completely (as well as each section separately), and then you will receive a huge cargo compartment. For example, I managed to transport a refrigerator in a medium -sized Roomster. The car goes dynamically. The 1.6-liter MPI motor with sixteen valves is very good. However, a tandem with a six -speed Tiptronic automatic transmission cannot be called coherent. The automatic reactions are sometimes somewhat nervous. To make the car move quickly, you need to tightly press the accelerator on the pedal, provoking a gearbox to sharp switching and forcing a small motor to roar, holding speeds above 4 thousand. It is difficult to call this sound pleasant. In addition, at high speeds, unjustified switching are frequent in response to minor movements of the gas pedal. But if you do not find fault, it should be recognized that the running qualities of Scout are different from competitors like Nissan Note, Opel Meriva or Renault Kangoo. Clear steering, living reactions, sufficient dynamics, the driver of Roomster is unlikely to experience an inferiority in the traffic flow.
 
For pragmatists, a weaker engine with a volume of 1.4 liters is provided. However, we would recommend a version with a 1.6 liter engine. Better yet, with a 1.9-liter turbodiesel. However, it is unlikely that anyone, transporting their children to kindergarten, school or to the country, will rush headlong. Scout is quite suitable for a measured city ride. If you do not pass turns to the limit of capabilities, then the cranes of the body will be within normal limits, you probably won’t notice the buildup at all, and on the freeway you can move without tension at a speed of up to 150 km/h. Is it necessary faster when the car has the most expensive children? Tenacle and informative brakes will help to stop quickly and without problems, which is not news for cars produced under the wing of the VW concern.
 
Having weighed all the pros and cons (it turned out to be more), I boldly recommended Roomster Scout to my friend, who was just looking for a similar apparatus. For her and her two young children, this is a good option. The price of about $ 23,000 is quite justified by the original design, excellent assembly quality, a capacious salon and decent driver data.
 
Prices and configuration
Skoda Roomster Scout is sold in Russia with three engines: 1.4 liters (86 hp) and 1.6 l (105 hp) and a turbodiesel 1.9 liters (105 hp). A 5-speed mechanics are aggregated with all motors, the Tiptronic automaton is possible only in combination with a 1.6 liter engine. Prices start at $ 19,990 for a 1.4-liter Roomster Scout. The most expensive option with a turbodiesel costs $ 25,590.
 
Dmitry Zinchenko
 
   
 

 
 

Source: Motor magazine [September 2007]