First pics: Skoda Roomster production version
Skoda has released the first pictures of the production version of the Roomster, which will get its public unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.
As expected, the production version differs from the concept car in a number of areas, notably a change to a more practical tailgate from the concept's all-glass unit. And, as one perceptive reader suggested in the comments section of our previous Roomster post, the asymmetrical design of the concept, with a single sliding door on the passenger side, has given way to a symmetrical treatment with dual sliding doors. Regrettably, the distinctive wraparound front glass has also failed to make the transition to production.
No interior details have been released yet. More pics after the jump.
Thanks for the tip, CJ!
[Source: Skoda]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Metax 5:54PM (2/06/2006)
Best regards from a dane, owner of a Skoda Fabia 1,9 tdi. Had a 1.4 MPI before this.
It runs like ab Audi, solid as a WV and powerfull as a Range Rover - mean it, 240 NM at 1900 rpm (chip it - it gives 320 NM). Runs 20 km. on one litre diesel.
I like it, I like it.
And recommend a test drive - think you will be surprised.
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Ps6155 10:07AM (2/15/2008)
I don't believe that Skoda 's heritage would be an issue in the US, any more than that of Hyundai or Kia. Americans respond positively to anything done well, no matter who does it.
If a US adapted model of the Roomster were completive in fuel efficiency, performance and price with a similarly sized vehicle AND the dealer support network were on a par with Toyota's, I believe that it would do very well. For a reference, watch what happens in the US with the Smart Fortwo. That company has taken 10000+ deposits from US customers in advance of production to guaranty first delivery.
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Jason 8:39PM (1/24/2006)
It looks pretty decent, but any market that also had the Mazda5 available...I don't see why they'd choose the Skoda.
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WillDaThrill 8:44PM (1/24/2006)
Still looks good. I think it looks better than the concept.
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Justin 8:55PM (1/24/2006)
This is a much smaller vehicle than the mazda5. There is a whole segment of similar shape and size vehicles in france such as the Renault Kangoo. Also those are not sliding doors. Sliding doors would have handle at the front of the door. The handle on these doors is at the back. Sliding doors are heavier and take up more room.
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Steve B. 9:06PM (1/24/2006)
Dammit Justin... I was about to type "That looks just like a Kangoo or a Kombi," but you beat me to it.
It seems like just another generic mini MPV. Those things are about as exclusive as Tauruses in Europe.
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Ville 9:07PM (1/24/2006)
Those don't look like sliding doors to me. That, the front-end styling and the curving roof seem to indicate that this is placed between the "high hatchback" style mpvs like the Opel Meriva et al. and "van-wagons" like the Citroen Berlingo et al. The Mazda5 is bigger and is really more of a smaller traditional minivan. Depending on driving dynamics and interior design, the Roomster might very well find a niche for itself as a compromise between roomy practicality and car-like comfort and feel. Of course, the distinctions are often academic, but the fact is many European buyers also prefer European cars over Japanese ones and this one definitely has a more exciting styling than the Mazda5.
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tbyron 10:24PM (1/24/2006)
Love the utility of the extra height afforded by the tall rear doors...great for putting kids into their carseats (one of the biggest challenges of making smaller cars work for families), among other things.
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Tom design 10:32PM (1/24/2006)
Very nice looking box SUV on a compact design. Distinctive front end design, maybe a few Mazda cues, but overall, unique and aerodynamic handsome. And a wonderful opening up of the rear windows for unobstructed rearward vision. This is style and safety working well together. I also like the enclosure effect of the smaller windows in the front doors. This is cool and sleek, not like the Honda Element which is edgy and brick-like.
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Ville 11:35PM (1/24/2006)
I like how the styling deals with the pedestrian safety regulations raising the hood of the car. In many new cars, like the new golf, they end up cutting the shoulder line at the a-pillar, but I much prefer the way they've done it on this car, with a strong shoulderline that tapers up and away.
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Stuart 11:51PM (1/24/2006)
Justin/Ville - You're absolutely right about the doors - I didn't look very closely. The concept had a single sliding door for the rear passengers, these are evidently two large standard doors. (I assume the extra weight of the sliding door in the concept was made up for by only having one rear door.) Thanks for pointing it out!
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CJ 12:24AM (1/25/2006)
...and the interior is pretty slick as well, but you'll have to wait a few weekss....
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Lithous 8:46AM (1/25/2006)
"Roomster": That's the dorkiest model name I think I ever heard.
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aca2983 9:43AM (1/25/2006)
I admit this car is a little dorky, but I'm really growing fond of Skoda. I like every car in their lineup.
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JohnB 11:40AM (1/25/2006)
If everyone likes this car - and other Skoda models (as do I) why won't it ever make it State-side? The Superb would be a hot car for the North American market!
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rip 1:48PM (1/25/2006)
johnb:
I don't think cars with an eastern european heritage will do well in the states. Think Yugo. Or Trabant.
I know Skoda is nothing like those makes. But that's what Americans think when they think eastern europe.
Besides, if major brands like Renault, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa, etc. failed in the US, I think Skoda would have a tough time with it.
I'd much rather have any of those brands over a Skoda.
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DriverOne 1:59PM (1/25/2006)
The majority of parts in any Skoda cars are VW-made...
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aca2983 2:00PM (1/25/2006)
My heart belongs to the Skoda Octavia Combi 4x4, with the 2.0 TDI engine, leather, sunroof, & nav system. I'm undecided on the 6-speed manual, or the 6-speed Tiptronic.
AWD, diesel torgue and high mileage, wagon utility, lots of comfort features. If somebody sold a car in this size range with these specs in the US, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
UK website lists mileage at 40.9 MPG city, 64 Hwy, and 53 combined. I think a US Gallon is 80% of an Imperial gallon, so take 20% off those numbers, which still isn't too shabby.
I like the Fabia Estate too.
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Steve B. 2:22PM (1/25/2006)
"UK website lists mileage at 40.9 MPG city, 64 Hwy, and 53 combined. I think a US Gallon is 80% of an Imperial gallon, so take 20% off those numbers, which still isn't too shabby."
take 20% off for the conversion to US gallons. Divide the mileage by half, as only 9.4 gallons of diesel can be produced per barrel, rather than 18.7 for gasoline. That gives you roughly 21 mpg. It burns through crude at a faster rate than a Honda Odyssey.
Yay. Diesel. Saving the world.
It is cheaper fuel though. (shrugs)
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aca2983 2:30PM (1/25/2006)
johnb:
I agree and disagree.
I think 98% of Americans have probably never heard of Skoda, so I don't think the name is an impediment to US success. I think they'd have a much better chance than Renault or Fiat for sure- two names that have notorious reputations in the US, despite the fact that they are good now. Also, for a new generation, "Eastern Europe" is a historical reference that predated them. It's all just Europe now.
I was an exchange student in Denmark in the late 80's, and yes, Skodas were certainly the butt of jokes then. Now though, all my European friends say they have a thoroughly rehabilitated reputation after the VW investment, and several years of good JD Power ratings, awards, etc.
As for me, I'd take a Skoda over any of the brands you mentioned, but to each his own :-)
It's all hypothetical anyway, since I seriously doubt Skodas would ever be sold here.
However, I would love to get my hands on an AWD compact diesel wagon with lots of amentities someday, but I realistically know that Americans generally don't go for that type of car, so fat chance of me getting one... :-(
Skoda's probably wouldn't fly here not because of the name, but for other market factors.
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