Skoda Roomster (2006 – 2015) Review
Skoda Roomster (2006 – 2015) At A Glance
Skoda’s van-shaped Roomster might be showing its age, but there’s no denying its practicality. There’s a large boot, sliding rear seats and masses of headroom in an airy, spacious cabin. It’s not the most sophisticated of family cars, but as a no nonsense everyday car it’s impressive, offering more comfort and quality than a Citroen Berlingo Multispace or similar van-based car at the expense of outright size.
The engine range has changed several times over the Roomster’s production life, but currently it’s made up of four 1.2-litre petrol engines with between 69PS, plus three diesel engines with between 75PS and 105PS. None of these is particularly speedy, but the Roomster is more about economy than pace – all of the engines are reasonably frugal with the Greenline models able to returm more than 65mpg according to the official figures.
The driving dynamics aren’t exactly pin-sharp but the payoff is good levels of ride comfort. Speed bumps, potholes and undulations in the road are all absorbed well, even on the larger 17-inch alloy wheels. The controls are well-weighted and precise, which makes for a likeable and relaxed driving experience, helped further by the large glass area, giving good visibility.
The back row of seats can be folded, slid and tumbled individually, which makes the rear load space flexible and practical. Its minimum capacity is a still-spacious 450 litres, but that can be expanded to a huge 1780 litres if needs be. That makes it ideal for carrying bulky items or for dog owners.
The Skoda Roomster is a well thought out and practical family car. Rival models are typically van-based and lack the solid, car-like cabin and well-judged suspension set up of the Roomster. For those who want van-like space – but who don’t want a van – the Roomster is ideal.
Reviews for Skoda Roomster (2006 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
Skoda Roomster (2006 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TSI 86 to 1.9 TDI Scout
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 32–66 mpg
The Roomster has been available for a few years, so the engine range has been tweaked several times. Currently it is made up of four 1.2-litre petrol engines, plus three diesel engines – one 1.2-litre and two 1.6-litre. The most frugal of these is the 75PS 1.2 TDI Greenline II, which produces 109g/km of CO2 and achieves official economy of 67.3mpg.
The 1.6-litre diesel is slightly less economical but it is a better performer on faster A-roads and motorways in either 90PS or 105PS forms. Many drivers will be better suited to a petrol engine, but the entry level 69PS 1.2-litre is best avoided – it has high emissions of 143g/km. The turbocharged 1.2 TSI engines are better, offering improved economy and emissions and better performance.
Both the 86PS and 105PS versions of the 1.2 TSI are impressive. In-gear performance is good because peak torque is available from low in the rev range, so it’s not necessary to rev the engine hard to accelerate. The 105PS TSI is the only engine in the range offered with an automatic transmission, though it is a DSG and so best avoided unless you really need an automatic.
The controls are well-weighted, with a solid feel that inspires confidence. The steering is accurate enough but is hardly the last word in feedback and precision but the gear change is slick and precise. The Roomster does show its age in some areas though, notably refinement. Diesel engines can be heard grumbing away and suspension thumps, albeit very comfortably, over road imperfections.
Indeed, the Roomster is a comfortable drive. The suspension has been tuned to give good ride quality over potholes, uneven road surfaces and speed bumps, even on larger alloy wheels. The trade-off is bodyroll, which is very noticeable when changing direction suddenly or when cornering hard – though the car does remain predictable and safe even if it does wallow around.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.2 | 42–46 mpg | 15.9 s | 143–159 g/km |
1.2 TDI Greenline | 67 mpg | 15.4 s | 109 g/km |
1.2 TSI 105 | 50 mpg | 10.9 s | 134 g/km |
1.2 TSI 105 DSG | 50 mpg | 11.0 s | 134 g/km |
1.2 TSI 86 | 50 mpg | 12.6 s | 134 g/km |
1.4 | 42 mpg | 13.0 s | 162 g/km |
1.4 Scout | 42 mpg | 13.0 s | 162 g/km |
1.4 TDI | 53–55 mpg | 14.7–16.5 s | 135–139 g/km |
1.4 TDI Scout | 55 mpg | 14.7 s | 135 g/km |
1.6 | 40 mpg | 10.9 s | 165–167 g/km |
1.6 Scout | 40 mpg | 10.9 s | 165 g/km |
1.6 TDI 105 | 60 mpg | 11.5 s | 124 g/km |
1.6 TDI 90 | 60 mpg | 13.3 s | 124 g/km |
1.9 TDI | 53 mpg | 11.5 s | 139 g/km |
1.9 TDI Scout | 53 mpg | 11.5 s | 139 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Skoda Roomster (2006 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
93%
Real MPG
32–66 mpg
MPGs submitted
296
Skoda Roomster (2006 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 450–1780 litres
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4205–4214 mm |
Width | 1684–1897 mm |
Height | 1607 mm |
Wheelbase | 2608–2620 mm |
Up front the Roomster is very much the same as the Skoda Fabia. The driving position is upright and comfortable and the controls are well-placed and easily reached. It’s starting to show its age a little, but it’s hard to pick fault – everything is solidly made and easy to operatel. More important is the back row of seats and the boot - with a spacious 450-litre load capacity and individually sliding folding rear seats, the Roomster is all about practicality.
That said, the middle seat is actually quite narrow, so is better suited to small children. Adults will be comfortable in the other two seats, thanks to ample head and kneeroom. Each seat can be slid, reclined, folded or tumbled individually, so owners can choose a layout that suits their needs the best. With all of the seats tumbled forward there's a sizeable 1780 litres of capacity.
This is paired with a load deck that makes the Roomster very versatile. People who need to carry large, heavy items or those with big dogs will find the Roomster does all they need. One problem with the otherwise impressive boot is the large, upwards swinging tailgate, which can be a pain in tight car parking spaces because of how much space is required to open it. Split, van-style rear doors would be easier.
There are a few more limitations. Unlike a Ford B-MAX or a van-based MPV like the Citroen Berlingo Multispace there are no sliding rear doors for tight spaces and, while the boot is pretty spacious, it lags behind the likes of the Renault Kangoo. Those vehicles feel less polished from the driver’s seat though, so it’s a compromise some people will be happy to make.
Entry-spec Roomster models come with the essentials, including electric windows, but air conditioning is an additional £560. Moving up to SE trim adds luxuruies including standard fit air conditioning and alloy wheels. Skoda also makes a Scout model, which has off-roader styling including brushed aluminium bumper inserts, plus larger alloy wheels, although it's not four-wheel drive.
Standard equipment:
S models come with a 12V socket in boot, CD-player with aux-in, four speakers, electric front windows, height adjustable driver’s seat, Isofix mounting points, ‘Varioflex’ seating and 15-inch steel wheels. Air conditioning is an additional £560.
Greenline II models gain 15-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, energy recovery system and an eight-speaker audio.
SE trim adds floor mats, glovebox cover, height adjustable passenger seat, trip computer, storage tray in boot, storage tray under passenger seat, 15-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, tinted rear windows, parking sensors, cruise control, remote central locking and air conditioning.
Scout models have Scout-specific upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels, Scout-specific body-styling
Skoda Roomster (2006 – 2015) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4205–4214 mm |
Width | 1684–1897 mm |
Height | 1607 mm |
Wheelbase | 2608–2620 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1125–1255 kg |
Boot Space | 450–1780 L |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | 10000–18000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Tyre-repair kit / None | ||
Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £9,845–£16,325 |
Insurance Groups | 4–14 |
Road Tax Bands | B–H |
Official MPG | 40.4–67.3 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | 5 |
Child | 4 |
Pedestrian | 2 |
Overall | - |
On sale until May 2017
Medium MPV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.2 12V 69ps S 5dr | £12,105 | 45.6 mpg | 15.9 s |
1.2 12V 69ps SE 5dr | £13,575 | 45.6 mpg | 15.9 s |
1.2 12V 69ps SE Plus 5dr | £13,780 | 45.6 mpg | 15.9 s |
1.2 TDI CR 75ps Greenline II 5dr | £16,325 | 67.3 mpg | 15.4 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps Black Edition 5dr | £15,490 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps S DSG 5dr | £14,185 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps Scout 5dr | £15,350 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps Scout DSG 5dr | £16,230 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps SE 5dr | £14,800 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps SE DSG 5dr | £15,570 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps SE Plus 5dr | £15,090 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
1.2 TSI 105ps SE Plus DSG 5dr | £15,970 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
1.2 TSI 86ps Q4 Special Edition 5dr | £9,995 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.2 TSI 86ps S 5dr | £12,750 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.2 TSI 86ps Scout 5dr | £14,685 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.2 TSI 86ps SE 5dr | £14,135 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.2 TSI 86ps SE Plus 5dr | £14,425 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.2 TSI 86ps Special Edition 5dr | £9,995 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
1.6 TDI CR 105ps Scout 5dr | £16,190 | 60.1 mpg | 11.5 s |
1.6 TDI CR 105ps SE 5dr | £15,640 | 60.1 mpg | 11.5 s |
1.6 TDI CR 105ps SE Plus 5dr | £15,930 | 60.1 mpg | 11.5 s |
1.6 TDI CR 90ps Scout 5dr | £15,965 | 60.1 mpg | 13.3 s |
1.6 TDI CR 90ps SE 5dr | £15,415 | 60.1 mpg | 13.3 s |
1.6 TDI CR 90ps SE Plus 5dr | £15,705 | 60.1 mpg | 13.3 s |
On sale until October 2015
MPV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Greenline II 1.2 TDI CR 75 DPF 5dr | £16,325 | 67.3 mpg | 15.4 s |
S 1.2 12v 69 5dr | £12,105 | 45.6 mpg | 15.9 s |
S 1.2 TSI 105 DSG 5dr Auto | £14,185 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
S 1.2 TSI 86 5dr | £12,750 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
Scout 1.2 TSI 105 5dr | £15,350 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
Scout 1.2 TSI 105 DSG 5dr Auto | £16,230 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
Scout 1.2 TSI 86 5dr | £14,685 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
Scout 1.6 TDI CR 105 DPF 5dr | £16,190 | 60.1 mpg | 11.5 s |
Scout 1.6 TDI CR 90 DPF 5dr | £15,965 | 60.1 mpg | 13.3 s |
SE 1.2 12v 69 5dr | £13,575 | 45.6 mpg | 15.9 s |
SE 1.2 TSI 105 5dr | £14,800 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
SE 1.2 TSI 105 DSG 5dr Auto | £15,570 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
SE 1.2 TSI 86 5dr | £14,135 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
SE 1.6 TDI CR 105 DPF 5dr | £15,640 | 60.1 mpg | 11.5 s |
SE 1.6 TDI CR 90 DPF 5dr | £15,415 | 60.1 mpg | 13.3 s |
On sale until April 2013
People Carrier | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
SE Plus 1.2 12v 69ps 5dr | £13,770 | 45.6 mpg | 15.9 s |
SE Plus 1.2 TSI 105ps 5dr | £15,080 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
SE Plus 1.2 TSI 105ps DSG 5dr Auto | £15,960 | 49.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
SE Plus 1.2 TSI 86ps 5dr | £14,415 | 49.6 mpg | 12.6 s |
SE Plus 1.6 TDI CR 105ps 5dr | £15,930 | 60.1 mpg | 11.5 s |
SE Plus 1.6 TDI CR 90ps 5dr | £15,705 | 60.1 mpg | 13.3 s |
On sale until January 2010
People Carrier | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
S 1.2 12v | £10,970 | 42.8 mpg | 15.9 s |
S 1.4 16v | £11,545 | 41.5 mpg | 13.0 s |
S 1.4 TDI PD | £12,090 | 53.3 mpg | 16.5 s |
S 1.6 16v Auto | £12,660 | - | - |
Scout 1.4 16v | £13,550 | 41.5 mpg | 13.0 s |
Scout 1.4 TDI PD | £14,540 | 55.4 mpg | 14.7 s |
Scout 1.6 16v | £13,915 | 40.4 mpg | 10.9 s |
Scout 1.6 16v Auto | £13,915 | - | - |
Scout 1.9 TDI PD | £15,160 | 53.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
SE 1.4 16v | £12,905 | 41.5 mpg | 13.0 s |
SE 1.4 TDI PD | £13,895 | 55.4 mpg | 14.7 s |
SE 1.6 16v | £13,270 | 40.4 mpg | 10.9 s |
SE 1.6 16v Auto | £13,270 | - | - |
SE 1.9 TDI PD | £14,515 | 53.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
On sale until December 2008
People Carrier | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1 1.2 12v | £9,845 | 42.2 mpg | 15.9 s |
1 1.4 16v | £10,398 | 41.5 mpg | 13.0 s |
1 1.4 TDI PD | £10,921 | 53.3 mpg | 16.5 s |
1 1.6 16v Auto | £11,466 | - | - |
2 1.4 16v | £11,387 | 41.5 mpg | 13.0 s |
2 1.4 TDI PD | £12,336 | 55.4 mpg | 14.7 s |
2 1.6 16v | £11,759 | 40.4 mpg | 10.9 s |
2 1.6 16v Auto | £11,759 | - | - |
2 1.9 TDI PD | £12,933 | 53.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
3 1.4 16v | £12,375 | 41.5 mpg | 13.0 s |
3 1.4 TDI PD | £13,324 | 55.4 mpg | 14.7 s |
3 1.6 16v | £12,748 | 40.4 mpg | 10.9 s |
3 1.6 16v Auto | £12,748 | - | - |
3 1.9 TDI PD | £13,921 | 53.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
Model History
- February 2006: Roomster launched
- November 2006
- January 2008
- February 2010
- April 2010
- January 0001: SE
- May 2010
- May 2011: New SE Plus trim introduced
February 2006
Roomster launched
Skoda’s fourth model line positioned between an MPV and a Utility like a Berlingo. Made first appearance as design study at 2003 Frankfurt Show. After positive response, was developed into a production car.
4,205mm long. Load capacity 450 litres seats up to 1,780 litres seats down.
Good value for money, vast luggage compartment, lots of storage space. New Varioflex rear seat design which offers an easy method of re-arranging the passenger and carrying space. Three separate rear seats; outer two slide; centre seat folds into table or can be removed.
Five three-point seatbelts. Choice of 1.2 3 cylinder 70PS chain cam, 1.4 4 cylinder 86PS belt cam and 1.6 4 cylinder 105PS belt cam petrol and two 1.4 3 cylinder 70PS diesels with 155 and 195Nm torque and one 1.9 4 cylinder 105PS diesel with 240Nm torque, all belt cam. All manual. 6-speed DSG auto came later with 1.6 petrol engine. Manufactured at the Kvasiny plant. In UK from September 2006. Handles much better, is much nicer to drive and has much higher quality ambiance than competitors.
1.2 from £9,920
1.4 16v from £10,505 (CO2 168 g/km)
1.6 16v from £11,855 (CO2 170 g/km)
1.4 TDI PD 70PS from £11,020 (CO2 142 g/km)
1.4 TDI PD 80PS from £12,450 (CO2 138 g/km)
1.9 TDI PD 105PS from £13,050 (C02 149 g/km)
November 2006
Roomster Scout introduced 14 mm longer, 11 mm wider and 43 mm taller than standard. 16 inch alloy wheels as standard with 17s available as an option. Robust black exterior trim, silver rear bumper guard and practical roof bars. SunSet privacy glass used from the B pillar back. Looks like it is 4WD but isn't.
1.4 16V 85bhp £12,505
1.6 16V 105bhp £12,855
1.4 TDI PD 80bhp £13,450
1.9 TDI PD 105bhp £14,050
January 2008
£1,500 Family Pack offered free. Features include panoramic sunroof, acoustic rear parking sensors, metallic paint, sunset glass and electric rear windows. The Roomster 2, priced from just £11,630 OTR, has 15 " ‘Avior’ alloy wheels, air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric front windows, remote central locking, curtain airbags and a trip computer all included as standard. The car’s efficient fuel consumption results in lower day-to-day running costs and reduced environmental impact. The 1.4 TDI 80bhp engine can achieve up to 62.8mpg and emit just 135g/km of CO2, providing a cheaper, cleaner drive.
February 2010
New design from March 2010 The new look is most evident in the redesigned radiator grille and 3D-shaped headlamps, which have been widened, highlighting the stronger horizontal line of the cars’ faces. This gives both Fabia and Roomster a more dynamic look, while losing none of the cars’ elegance and appeal. Both vehicles now look more confident, mature and expressive.
The Roomster also receives a number of technological improvements including state-of-the-art engines. This new engine portfolio is at the very core of the changes, with the entire front structure being redesigned to accommodate them.
Skoda will offer four petrol engines and two diesel units in the UK, with power ranging from 60PS to 105PS in the Fabia and from 70PS to 105PS in the Roomster. All engines comply with the EU5 standard and deliver exceptionally low fuel consumption and CO2emission levels.
But Skoda's development efforts weren’t only aimed at improving efficiency – improved performance was also a key goal. Nowhere is this more apparent than when the new 1.2 TSI 105PS petrol engine is combined with the optimised, two-clutch seven-speed DSG transmission. This delivers impressive power with excellent combined fuel consumption of just 53.3mpg. The four-cylinder 1.2 TSI engine is available in two power levels – 85PS and 105PS. Both of these will also be available with a five-speed manual transmission.
Both diesel units are fitted with high-pressure Common Rail injection, with a pressure of up to 1600 bar combined with fast-responding piezoelectric injectors that are able to perform as many as five injections within one beat, resulting in improved engine refinement. Both diesel engines feature particulate filters as standard and CO2 emissions are under 110g/km.
The Roomster is available with the following engines:
- 1.2 12V 70PS
- 1.2 TSI 85PS
- 1.2 TSI 105PS (manual and DSG)
- 1.6 TDI CR DPF 90PS
- 1.6 TDI CR DPF 105PS
April 2010
New Price list
Trim | Engine | CO2 | OTR Price |
S
|
1.2 12v 70bhp | 143 | £11,260 |
1.2 TSI 85bhp | 134 | £11,890 | |
1.2 TSI 105bhp DSG | 134 | £13,250 | |
January 0001SE |
1.2 TSI 85bhp | 134 | £13,245 |
1.2 TSI 105bhp | 134 | £13,895 | |
1.2 TSI 105bhp DSG | 134 | £14,605 | |
1.6 TDI CR 90bhp | 124 | £14,515 | |
1.6 TDI CR 105bhp | 124 | £14,735 | |
Scout | 1.2 TSI 85bhp | 134 | £13,890 |
1.2 TSI 105bhp | 134 | £14,540 | |
1.2 TSI 105bhp DSG | 134 | £15,250 | |
1.6 TDI CR 90bhp | 124 | £15,160 | |
1.6 TDI CR 105bhp | 124 | £15,380 |
May 2010
Following-on from the launch of the face-lifted Fabia and Roomster, Skoda Auto has unveiled the Fabia Estate GreenLine II and Roomster GreenLine II – the first of its second generation of environmentally-friendly GreenLine models.
The new model Fabia and Roomster’s have been facelifted and fitted with new technology designed to further reduce fuel consumption and CO2emission levels. The most important innovations include a new diesel engine (1.2 TDI CR DPF/75bhp DPF) with Common Rail (high-pressure direct injection), start-stop technology, energy recuperation and gear recommendation (on a Maxi DOT display).
One of the biggest technological changes in the second-generation GreenLine version is a new three-cylinder supercharged engine (1.2 TDI CR DPF/55 kW) with a consumption of just 83.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of 89 g/km for the Fabia Estate GreenLine II, and 67.3mpg and 109g/km for the Roomster GreenLine II.
The key benefits of the stop-start system stand out in busy city traffic. The system operates automatically, directly after the engine starts. If, after some time, the driver stops the vehicle, engages neutral and releases the clutch pedal, the engine switches off automatically. As soon as the driver presses the clutch, the engine starts again immediately. stop-start makes it is possible to save up to 4.2mpg (combined) or up to 7.7 mpg in city traffic.
May 2011
New SE Plus trim introduced
Roomster SE Plus (priced from £13,560 OTR)
Additional features above SE trim include 15-inch Antares alloy wheels, unique Kristal upholstery, roof rails, climate control, multi-function steering wheel and Media Device Interface (MDI) with connecting cable.
Equipment value over SE | £945 |
Customer premium over SE | £530 |
Saving | £415 |
What to watch out for
All apart from the 1.2 chain-cam three-cylinder and 4-cylinder TSI engines need new timing belts and tensioners every 4 years or 60,000 miles whichever comes first.
April 2009 report that engine mounting bolts prone to shearing was exaggerated. Seems that the engines are installed at a slant and look as if the mounting bolts at one end have sheared.
Problems reported of 1.4 TDIs cutting out, leaving no power assistance to steering and brakes. Repeated power steering failure quite common.
No spare wheel from 2009MY. Spacesaver spares complete with jacking kit from www.skospares.com or www.theskodashop.co.uk
Reports of very high early oil consumption of 1.2TSI 105.
21-01-2011:Report of multiple electrical failures on 2007 Roomster with 19,000 miles just out of warranty: Light control switch, n/s window motor, mirror control switch all failed at cost of £368. Goodwill turned down.
21-08-2011:Moisture ingress to windows and locking ECU inside drivers door causing windows to open when car is left standing.
28-10-2011:Another reader is suffering severe rear tyre inner shoulder wear despite having had new consort bushes fitted. Suspect a bent rear twist beam axle, possible from having been jacked up by it at some time.
21-10-2012:Hesitation of 2011MY 1.2TSI with 7-Speed DSG can sometimes be cured by a turbo shim modification and software update to cure the problem, but that Skoda only makes it it available if owners report, even if the car is on Skoda's database as being susceptible to the problem.
20-11-2012:Report of oil pump chain drive failure on 79k mile 2007 1.4TDI resulting in £2,800 of engine damage.
11-01-2013:Warranty on DSG 7-speed dry clutch DQ200 gearbox extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia and China. Sources: Indiancarsandbikes 1 , vwwatercooled , Indiancarsandbikes 2 .
07-02-2013:Plague of rear wiper failures coupled with failure of Skoda to supply replacement parts. Same problem reported on an Octavia in February 2013.
06-04-2013:By April readers were reporting that replacement rear wiper motors were coming through.
01-05-2013:Seems that the problem with the rear wiper motors is the carbon brushes which are too tight in their holders. It is just a DIY job requiring a nailfile and pins. Carefully remove the brushes and slightly file down the edges so that when placed back in the holder (using pins to hold brushes in place) they move easily within the holder. When satisfied remove the pins and replace wiper motor. If successful it is far cheaper than a new wiper motor.
12-11-2013:Engine light on in 45k mile 2008 Roomster 1.4 petrol. Remains on despite new cat converter, lambda sensor and EGR. Cylinder compression low. Points to same problems as in 1.4 16v Polo IV 2002-2009.
30-11-2013:2012 Roomster returned to Skoda dealer 12 times for faulty electric windows , faulty drivers seatbelt and the alarm going off when the weather gets frosty. Dealer unable to fix in 2012 and Skoda made £500 goodwill payment. Alarm now activating at night again. Multiple electrical failures seem to be a Roomster problem.
12-08-2014:Leaking camshaft cover reported on 2013/63 Skoda Roomster 1.2 TSI 86; also transmission rattle.
18-07-2016:Parking brake of 2013 Skoda Roomster 1.2TSI failed, leading to £3,000 repair bill for damage to the front. See Yeti entry for photo of rusted brake disc.
18-01-2017:Report of front windows of 2010 Roomster failing. Quoted £250 to fix.
02-08-2017:Reassuring letter sent to owners of EA189 engined Skodas who have had the NOx emissions fix: “if a customer makes a complaint to an Authorised Repairer or to the Volkswagen Group in respect of a failure of the EGR, fuel injection system or emissions after treatment system within 24 months following the date of the implementation of the technical measures, in respect of a vehicle with mileage not exceeding 160,000 miles, SKODA will consider the complaint very carefully and if such complaint was established to have arisen as a result of the implementation of the technical measures, then Skoda will act responsibly and swiftly, in line with its goodwill policy, as supplemented in the annex, to respond to the consumers’ reasonable concerns.”
05-04-2018:No official word from VAG, but ECU testing believes that the DQ200 7-speed dry cutch Mechatronics control box was finally re-engineered in 2016. This DSG 7 control unit is a common failure with engines under 2.0 litres on the Skoda Roomster (2010 – 2015).
11-05-2018:Report of electric front windows occasionally sticking in 2010 Skoda Roomster, then finally sticking open. Garage managed to close them, but now not working at all.
22-11-2019:Report of failure of Mechatronics and failure of clutch pack of DQ200 7-speed dry clutch DSG in 2014 Skoda Yeti. Skoda will pay the £1,200 cost of the replacement Mechatronics, leaving the owner to pay £300 for labour. But the clutch pack also needs replacing at a cost of £1,421 and Skoda will only contribute £150 towards that (probably because it can be damaged by the dstiver sitting in D on the brakes).