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Skoda Roomster 77TSI is priced from $22,490*
(NOTE: * excludes on-road costs such as dealer
delivery fees and the various statutory charges).

Skoda's updated Roomster arrives

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22nd June, 2012

Redesigned since its initial Australian launch in 2007, the new model Skoda Roomster takes the strengths of the original and adds new looks and lower running costs to the mix.

Built on a modular platform, the Roomster features one of the most intelligently designed and flexible interiors in the small wagon/multipurpose vehicle segment. The Roomster offers as much interior space as a conventional multipurpose vehicle – despite being just 214 mm longer than a Fabia hatch.

In addition to bold styling features the new Roomster introduces a cleaner and more efficient petrol engine that delivers a more rewarding driving experience. Through the introduction of new technology, including turbocharging and direct injection, Skoda has been able to reduce overall engine capacities without harming performance. The new direct injection 1.2 litre TSI 77 kW petrol engine offers a great blend of power and torque combined with low CO2 and improved fuel economy. The Roomster also benefits from the availability of a DSG automatic gearbox for the first time.

The cabin has also been updated with the introduction of higher quality materials and new steering wheel design.

This, along with the Roomster’s acclaimed interior packaging means that passengers enjoy a comfortable and entertaining ride, regardless of where they’re sitting. The new Roomster also features a clever rear seat design.

Skoda's "Varioflex" seating system is fitted as standard and offers an easy way to re-arrange the passenger and load space.

The new Roomster offers good value for money. Equipment levels are generous featuring dual front, side and curtain airbags, electric front and rear windows, black roof rails, 4-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel (including radio and telephone controls), Bluetooth® phone connectivity and an MP3 compatible CD radio with 3.5mm aux-in socket.

Design

  • New front end with wider grille and new headlamp design
  • Cabin divided into 'driving room' and 'living room'
  • Varioflex rear seating system

The Skoda Roomster is a striking design that combines innovation with a unique sense of style. With the introduction of a new, wider front grille and revised headlamp design, the Roomster looks wider and lower than the original model, and enjoys considerably more road presence.

The new features gel with the Roomster’s trademark styling elements to provide a refreshed look.

The now familiar wraparound windscreen optically broadens the Roomster’s appearance, while the large rear windows and concealed door handle hint at the car’s flexible interior. At the rear, slim tail lights are positioned high up in the D pillar and exhibit Skoda’s typical "C"-shape when lit.

The key to the Roomster’s packaging is its wheelbase. Despite measuring only 4,214 mm long, the Roomster has a wheelbase of 2,608 mm. As a result, the Roomster combines big car practicality with the running costs and ease of use of a smaller car.

Interior

The Roomster’s cabin has always been a remarkable piece of interior packaging, and thanks to material and equipment upgrades, it is now more rewarding and enjoyable place to spend time. The integration of more soft-touch plastics and higher specification entertainment systems has improved the cabin ambience without altering the Roomster’s core strengths.

The front part of the Roomster’s passenger space is designed to satisfy the requirements of the driver – a ‘Driving Room’ that combines ergonomics, a multi-adjustable driving position and superb all-round visibility. As a result, the Roomster driver is uncompromised by oddly-angled seating or poorly located controls.

Front seat passengers also benefit from a number of additional storage options, including extra-wide door bins that can accommodate large drink bottles. Small elasticated fabric bands across the door pockets hold maps, directories or other travel articles securely in place, while the centre console and the pockets in the rear of the front seats offer countless storage solutions. In addition, the lower glovebox compartment features a cooling airflow.

The rear part of the cabin is designed as a comfortable and adaptable ‘Living Room’ – a home for families on the move.

Thanks to large side windows, a rear seat base set 46 mm higher than the front seats and the innovative ‘Varioflex’ seating system, the Roomster offers all the practicality of a multipurpose vehicle and the load space of a family hatchback.

The increased height of the rear seat offers a better view through to the front as passengers can look over the heads and see out through the large windscreen. The extra-deep side windows also provide the rear seat passengers with a better view, while the optional panoramic roof complete with roller blinds, floods the cabin with natural light.

The ‘Varioflex’ seating system optimises cabin space and sets new standards for practicality. The back of the middle seat can be folded forward and used as an armrest, a drinks holder or a storage area. With only a few movements, the middle seat, which weighs 11 kilogrammes, can be easily removed and the two remaining seats can be moved inwards.

In this configuration, the Roomster becomes a four-seater with increased shoulder space in the rear. Passengers can also fine-tune their seating position thanks to integral sliders that offer 150 mm of movement forward and back and an adjustable seat back that reclines by 13.5 degrees.

Flexibility is the stand-out feature when it comes to describing the Roomster’s boot. Even with five passengers on board, the load area allows up to 450 litres of space. Fold the rear seats down and a loading surface of up to 1,022 millimetres long is provided, while the volume increases up to 1,555 litres. In addition to the removable centre seat, the two outer seats can also be removed completely. By pulling on the clearly-marked levers, both seats can be dismounted and lifted out in a matter of seconds. They weigh 16 kg each.

In this configuration, the Roomster becomes a two-seater with a loading volume of up to 1,780 litres. The almost vertical side walls and the low edge make it easy to load goods, even up to the roofline. The Roomster isn’t just about sheer volume. Thanks to some thoughtful details, the load bay is just as helpful when it comes to carrying small or delicate items. If required, it can halve the size of the boot horizontally while still allowing access to items placed on the lowered shelf during the trip. Heavier objects can be secured safely thanks to the addition of lashing points on the boot floor.

Engine

At the centre of the updated Skoda Roomster's appeal is an efficient petrol engine. Designed to offer more performance, lower emissions and improved fuel consumption, the Roomster’s new powerplant combines significantly lower running costs with improved drivability and refinement.

Through the use of innovative technology, including turbocharging and direct injection, the engineers have been able to reduce engine capacities without affecting performance. The Roomster’s new 1.2 litre 77 kW engine is more powerful and flexible than the unit it replaced. Here the new 1.2 litre TSI offers 22 Nm more torque than the outgoing 1.6 litre engine, a 1.1 L/100 km improvement in combined fuel consumption and a 34 g/km reduction in CO2 emissions.

This new engine uses direct injection and turbocharging to deliver a smooth and economical driving experience. Despite its modest displacement, this engine delivers 77 kW and 175 Nm of torque across a rev range of 1,500 rpm to 4,100 rpm. CO2 emissions are 138 g/km, while fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 5.9 L/100 km.

A contributing factor to the TSI’s remarkable performance is its high compression ratio of 10:1. This, along with boost pressures of up to 2.5 bar gives the engine high torque outputs, which in turn allows for longer gearing to be chosen. The end result is superb economy, low emissions and excellent flexibility.

Transmissions

The 7-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox can operate in two modes – fully automated and manual Tiptronic. In both modes, shifts are executed extremely efficiently with none of the performance loss usually experienced with traditional automatics. As a result the Roomster 77TSI DSG has the same combined fuel consumption as the 5-speed manual version (5.9 L/100km).

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Chassis

The wheelbase measures 2,608 millimetres. Aside from giving the Roomster astonishing levels of interior space, it also gives the car a stable ride quality.

In terms of suspension design, the front end features McPherson struts while a lightweight semi-independent lay out controls the movements of the rear wheels. By having a slightly wider track at the rear, the Roomster has excellent levels of body control and feels remarkably secure through corners. The low kerb weight further enhances handling and the ability to change directions quickly and safely.

Another key aspect of the Skoda Roomster’s dynamic package is the steering system. All models are equipped with electrohydraulic power steering as standard. A combination of a tight turning circle (10.5m) and excellent outward visibility makes manoeuvring and parking a simple and straightforward affair. The steering system has also been designed to minimise power drain and draws significantly less power away from the engine than a conventional fully-hydraulic system.

Safety

The Skoda Roomster has achieved the top mark of five stars in the EuroNCAP ratings. The safety of passengers was one of the most crucial aspects in the development of the Roomster. The high safety level has been achieved by using the latest design methods, progressive technological solutions and state-of-the-art vehicle construction techniques.

An essential element of any car involved in a crash is a carefully designed structure. The Roomster is designed in such a way that in the case of a collision, defined load bearing paths spread the energy generated in a controlled manner, leading these into the assemblies in the floor of the vehicle. The front part of the car can deform in a clearly defined manner and the interior space remains a survival space for the passengers.

As standard, the Skoda Roomster comes with five three-point seat belts on all seats, including the centre rear seat.

Seat belts in the front are height-adjustable and fitted with pre-tensioners. Additionally, the Roomster comes with six airbags – driver and passenger, side and curtain.

Standard Equipment

• VarioFlex (3 separate, removable seats rear)
• Curtain airbags and side front airbags ESC Plus (including ABS, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, HHC)
• Black roof rails
• Air conditioning
• 15” Line alloy wheels
• Front and rear electric windows
• 4-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel (including radio and telephone controls)
• Bluetooth® phone connectivity
• Swing radio – 2 DIN with CD and MP3 player and aux-in socket
• Central door locking with remote control
• Front armrest
• Folding table in rear middle backrest

Optional Equipment

• Rear parking sensors
• MDI - Media Device Interface
• Climate control air-conditioning
• Privacy glass from B-pillar
• Alarm system
• Partial leather seats (leather/artificial leather and fabric)
• Front foglights with daytime running lights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Luggage partition net
• Coloured roof (Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Black Magic)

New Skoda Roomster Prices*

Roomster 77TSI 5-speed manual 22,490*
Roomster 77TSI 7-speed DSG 24,790*


NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.


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