Skoda Roomster insurance rates are lowest in class

There’s good news for drivers who reckon there isn’t enough space on our roads these days. Skoda’s innovative Roomster is about to hit the UK, bringing with it one of the smartest and flexible cabins in the class.

But that isn’t the only attraction of Skoda’s new baby. Insurance groups have just been announced and show that the Roomster will not only be one of the most secure cars on the market when deliveries start in September, but also one of the most affordable to run. The 1.2-litre model attracts an insurance rating of just 2E – the lowest grouping in the class.

As you would expect from a car wearing the famous winged arrow badge, the Roomster embodies all Skoda’s core values of quality, value and innovation. First seen as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show three years ago, the Roomster has been brought to market in just 36 months and will move Skoda into exciting new territory.

Barely changed from the original concept, the Roomster breaks new ground in terms of interior packaging and cabin flexibility. Among its many tricks is the ability to cram estate car loads into a body little bigger than a conventional supermini. Although it measures just 4,205mm in length, its clever movable seats provide a variable boot volume of between 450 and 530 litres, expanding to 1,780 litres with the rear seats removed, figures that many full size family cars struggle to match.

The secret to the Roomster’s amazing flexibility is its layout. Put simply, it’s two rooms in one car. At the front is the ‘Driving Room’ where the driver has multi-adjustable controls and flawless ergonomics. Unlike many MPVs, the Roomster has a natural driving position that allows long distances to be covered in complete comfort.

Further back is the ‘Living Room.’ There’s no fireplace or pictures on the wall, but this area is as welcoming and spacious as any domestic living space. A huge glass area, created by the deeper than normal rear side windows, combines with the high roofline and Skoda’s innovative VarioFlex seating system to make the rear of the Roomster a haven of light and space.

Varioflex? Let us explain a little further. The middle seat armrest can be folded forward or removed completely with ease – it weighs just 11kg. The two outer seats can then be slid inwards by 110 millimetres, creating a four-seater layout with increased shoulder room and seating comfort. They can also be slid forward and back by 150 millimetres.

Three petrol and three diesel engines will be on offer. The petrol line-up starts with a 1.2-litre 70 bhp petrol engine (available from early 2007), with a 1.4-litre 85 bhp further up the performance scale. The most powerful petrol engine available is a 1.6 litre petrol unit with 105 bhp and 155 Nm torque at 3800 rpm.

The diesel range consists of a 1.4-litre unit with two outputs and a 1.9-litre motor. The two smaller three-cylinder engines provide 70 bhp and 80 bhp while their torque maximums are 155 and 195 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm and 2200 rpm respectively. The 1.9 TDI PD 105 bhp, four-cylinder generates a powerful 240 Nm at a mere 1800 rpm.

The Roomster goes on sale in the UK in September 2006, with retailers able to take advance orders from 1 August. Prices will start at just £9,920 OTR, continuing the outstanding value that is such an integral part of the Skoda brand.