Skoda Roomster

Despite the comedy looks, we have a soft spot for the Skoda Roomster. It neatly bridges the gap between the vast but utilitarian Kangoo/Berlingo brigade and the mini-MPVs.

• Comfort

  Space certainly isn't an issue, and as driver you sit in a car-like manner not the upright position of most MPVs. But the ride is jigglier than it ought to be, and the 1.9 diesel makes a bit of an agricultural racket.

  

• Performance

  Adequate is the keyword. The 1.4 diesel and 1.2 petrol engines make a charming three-cylinder chatter, but don't actually offer acceleration, especially not if you plan on doing what the Roomster was designed for - carrying stuff. There isn't an engine in the range that can get you to 60 in 10 seconds.

  

• Cool

  The Roomster is undoubtedly quirky, charming, original, different, thoughtful and useful. All these and more. But cool? Not in our dictionary anyway.

  

• Quality

  The perceived quality of the dash and so on is well up to snuff, but we wonder if the materials around the rear seats and load area will be able to resist the scratches and knocks that'll be dished out to them if a Roomster leads the active life depicted in its brochure.

  

• Handling

  The way it tackles corners is more car-like than most MPVs, thanks to good control of body roll. But the steering is wispy-light and low-geared, so you're denied much sense of fun.

  

• Practicality

  Three individual rear seats aren't all the same size, so someone will get the short straw. If there are only two in the back it's great. Sliding, folding seats make things versatile. They can be removed too, but note they're bulky and heavy so make sure you have somewhere to store them. And the load bay isn't as long as you'd expect.

  

• Running costs

  The Roomster tells the usual Skoda story: lowish depreciation, long service intervals, decent diesel economy and a three-year warranty.