At last we have a new Roomster Scout and so far we are very impressed. Now on Blog.

IF YOU JUST WANT TO KNOW ARE WE HAPPY::::: YES 600 TO 750 MPG PER TANK OF 55 Ltrs VERY HAPPY. BUY ONE.

Choice of SE or Scout as the S is lacking in many areas (no diesel options). But SE comes with glass roof as standard. Should get a lot of Roomster for £13K if you shop around, bet some on here have got well under that price. The Skoda dealerships are only let down by the technical back up from Skoda UK, well it seems that way, why there is no Scout brochure on the web, no internal photos of the scout options, seems VW want to sell VW's, no kidding, is above me.

The dealership has competent mechanics and in the case of my dealership they can work on all VAG models plus Mercs. Bet that's tempted providence lol. VW prices are creeping in.

Cruise control: works fine. Reason. Have Tomtom working speed and camera's but it misses some, also these blasted vans everywhere, last night out with guns. It really is worth the money if you want to relax when driving. Works down to 20MPH.

Parking Sensor. Great but would benefit from having a loud setting. When you hear a bleep stop, its got a bit of a delay.

Electric rear windows: Have to have them. These should be standard for the Scout. Accountants again.

Heated front seats: They really are great in the winter: In winter you turn the engine on and the heated seats in 3 to 4 minutes its out of a warm bed into a warm vehicle.

Third headrest: Extra Accountants.

Cornering lights-SB heads and LHD facility : The relevant fog lamp is switched on depending on the direction of the steering wheel and indicator switch at slow speeds. Not to be confused with lights that can track.

Gave it a run around the lanes to night and the lighting system works very well, cannot see the need for HID with these eyes.

Spectical holder. This is a must have for those of us who wear glasses, not standard on the Scout, but I was sure it was in the SE, could be old brain moment. But for £16 got one fitted.

After investigation with Skoda tech mgr the controlled off of cornering headlights or cornering fogs is not available, nor is the lever in the nearside headlight. So it's beam benders for LH Driving.

Only on HID factory fitted lights may this option be available. (HID is not available on Roomsters) . The daytime light switch in the fuse panel has been remove on the new Roomsters. I cannot see why these items are not offered in the extra's department and a switch left in place to turn off the cornering facility as well as daytime lights. The other point is that the Roomster don't have a flat beam spread. Means that the spurious light (Black light lol) is still there to annoy those on the wrong side of the English channel. This is a pain as the Roomster SE we looked at in the showroom had the lever.

Have located a company that does a film protection for the front lamps £50.00, will experiment how easy it is to remove the stick on beam benders once fitted. Would be nice if Skoda stocked headlight protectors for the new models.

Maxi Dot: This is a great toy, but some brain has removed part of the setup menu for the UK, so you have Kmph cemented. Great for us who drive on the continent and know the conversion by heart, but if you are driving in the UK its needs to be set up for MPH (Unless someone at Skoda knows something we don't) as the dash backlighting don't come on when the ambient light suddenly drops. Great pointer (needle) illumination though. These are definite faults that need attention, waiting for aftersales to give me a call. Ahhh Happy Drivers.

Phoned Skoda and took the vehicle in. The Aftersales manager spent a good hour going over these problems, guess what I was right. Skoda UK, in their wisdom or non wisdom, have decided to remove certain functions of the Max Dot and leave the speed set to Kmph because there is no Kmph markings on the speedo.

He he, someone at Skoda UK is really not very good at their job. The back lighting of dash. The speedo needles are illuminated when ignition is switched on, the digits are not, now the Skoda engineers have thought "why use speedo back light when the speed is shown on the Maxi Dot. The Rodney at Skoda UK thought, wrong word, "I'll save some money. The standard computer display just mimics the speedo the Maxi do should allow settings.

FOR SKODA UK:::::: UK = MPH.. MOST EU COUNTRIES = Kmph SIMPLY. CAN YOU GET IT FIXED FOR MY CAR..... http://www.ukma.org....egislation.aspx EU directives are not law unless passed by Parliament. Not to have a visible speed indication in MPH is.

Its definitely a problem with Skodas UK according to the technical department, seems the instrument cluster is not illuminated on most models, if not all, unless the lights are on.

Internal cycle rack: I like this better than the outside type, easy to use. Carry large ground sheet so the mud never gets on the carpet.

Hill Assist: Use the handbrake. If this locks and keeps the discs on then that could cause problems. Also will cause more ware and tear on your brakes.

Arm Rest: The Skoda one is not worth getting if you need a lot of storage space, the handbrake position is another problem (should be offset). Don't miss not having one.

The Glass Roof: A waste of £400 plus. It don't open. It will not allow bricks to bounce off and it gets bloody hot in the sun. A/C costs 50 MPG set at the 21 oC setting, in the last few days with out the glass.

17" Alloys: Not on Norfolk tracks. Good if you supply tyres.

Super remote. Yes you can operate the windows up and down, only one door opening first push. Boot release but manual opening. Really have to read up on this as you can switch some alarm functions off. Dog in car I suppose.

For the technical minded. Was checking the CAN BUS to install LED lamps. What CAN BUS? this is great has it means easy adaption to LED lights, but then I checked the boot light. Now the Tornado a 42 yes, but the boot of a Skoda, whats going on. (To check your vehicle just remove a bulb and see what happens or fit a LED for a test if the LED oscillates then the CAN BUS is active and will sense any change in voltage drop and deal with it) after removing the metal cover and getting to the lamp I noticed a clamping diode, the LED would not work and when I bypassed the diode the led oscillated, meaning the onboard is monitoring this point. Now my curiosity is awakened.

There is a monitoring system for towing and the boot door but no driving light bulb monitoring so why monitor the boot light and only the boot light? I will not joke about the wife and a shovel.

This system seems a botch adaption of the more upmarket VAG marques. The system monitors total resistance with warning light, this was not working on mine and now has decided to function. The boot high brake light strobes (dim output) for a minute on actuating the locks (both conditions).

The other function that is kaput is the driver boot opening switch function. This is great as I wont be tempted to leave the keys in the ignition and go to the boot. Still have not checked if the this switch will switch the alarm sensors off, really no need with the remote being able to do it.

REAR FOG LIGHTS. To my mind you need all the help you can get in bad driving conditions. The UK model has had the wire removed from the near side cluster, but they left the bulb in. So when driving on the continent the Fog light is on the wrong side. I wonder how much was saved by removing this wire? Mind you bet the accountants are peeved now they know the factory still puts a bulb in. To be fair to Skoda a lot of manufacturers do this.

Have wired in the other Fog light use small speaker crimp it fits into the original socket, its easy to run the wire from the off side cluster. Most of the lamps are now LED,s the orange dash light has been covered until I get the dash out and find what is causing the back light and pointer problem.

My only concern was and is ground clearance Roomster 140mm Yeti 180mm. The press release stated that the Both new Scouts would be 25mm higher (165mm) what they neglected to say was "only on the Octavia Scout" So my choice is to raise it by 25 mm or leave it and live with the fantastic cornering ability.

Tested on Norfolk tractor roads and was impressed, the cornering well it held the road at 60 and the brakes stop it well. Have done about 300 miles on the tractor roads and have not left any bits of the vehicle on the road. The speed is about 40 to 50 MPH cannot rally the way I used to. cant wait to let it loose in the Highlands.

Comparing it to the Honda Accord Tourer EX I was expecting a big drop in ride quality which was not case, the interior plastics a do not fit very well, but its half the price of the Honda. So initially excellent value.

If I can get 700 MPG out of a tank I will be selling them myself.

Fuel onboard showing 650 MPG. (day two 90 miles local) Target of 600 + MPG met with A/C set to 21 oC, A happy wallet have I.

The dB in the cab has increased (with the missus quite) due to tyre noise, funny it seems more on the drivers side.

Have just completed 300 miles now and apart from a few points this is one hell of a good vehicle for the money.

If your interested in buying a Roomster I thought sharing our reasons for the purchase might help.

Needed a utility vehicle that could be parked in Paris, cope with carrying a washing machine and more, enjoy farm tracks, cruise at 70/90(130Kmph) from Dover to France and mid Spain and give good economy.

My better half translates technical specifications (German-French) and is just completing one for a VW . So the crafty person has some idea what was on the market and any quick fixes of current models before most.

On Spec the Yeti seemed to fit the bill and that was the vehicle we booked to test drive, as soon as we looked in the boot it was thumbs down, so whilst waiting for the Ace salesman to stop playing patience we started to inspect the Roomster SE in the showroom, pulled it to bits.

Now we could have purchased any of the French (even ones you don't see in the UK) vehicles or the Fiat but herself would not even entertain going to the showrooms because of the bad reliability of these marques, even the Merc B class, (quality was rubbish) that we had for a week in Belgium did not get a look in.

The Hyundai ix35 was the only other vehicle that we would seriously considered, but the no vat deal and a good part exchange for the Honda and the order was placed for the Scout that was with the salesman peeing off the wife, which was seriously stupid and could have lost the deal.

The technical back up from Skoda UK well forget that. They could not advise what Roomsters would have all round Disc brakes fitted (see other threads) and the new technology that is coming from the VAG group that will be incorporated on Skodas will mean a higher level of technical understanding than, seemly, is presently available at Skoda UK. But the help and guidance on Briskoda more than compensates and these little problems give me some thing to do rather than the garden. Would we buy another Roomster, most definitely yes...... The only Skoda model that we would give a miss is the yeti see what you can get for £23K to £24k Hyundai Santa Fe is a better buy on price. But if you can get all the bolt on goodies for <£20K then the yeti wins hand down. But both these vehicles won't corner like the Roomster...... As I said before S... to the blanket. The only problem is I will go though tyres quickly and get ear bashed, but worth it for all the fun I have.

Me! Im a retired Electronics Engineer who grew up with Panthers - Royal Enfields and Singers in the days of if you could not strip and rebuild it you didn't drive it, let alone marry.... Oops .

28th June 2010. Went to Cromer for a little drive last night and saw about three/four Roomsters and some nice people with speed guns.... Be careful... Plod along rather than being caught by one.

Edited 11 July, 201015 yr by JDW

If you can get 700MPG out of the tank, let usknow!

Many thanks for your review

I hope to order the SE 105 version before the current vat free offer ends in June.

Do you find the engine ok for power/over taking and refinement?

With the cornering lights, can you just alter them to drive on the left automatically? I suppose it must be easier as the lights move. Would be very interest to know more about this.

I currently get 280 out of a tank so anything near even over 500 willl be very nice.

Many thanks for your review

I hope to order the SE 105 version before the current vat free offer ends in June.

Do you find the engine ok for power/over taking and refinement?

With the cornering lights, can you just alter them to drive on the left automatically? I suppose it must be easier as the lights move. Would be very interest to know more about this.

I currently get 280 out of a tank so anything near even over 500 willl be very nice.

The Honda was giving me 39 MPG and that was a petrol, what are you driving?

The Roomster should easily hit 60 MPG the onboard gives a reading of 550 on the first tank, but there is only about 60 miles on the clock. But will let all know after the Scotland trip, by then will have a better feel. Its not gonna win races at Brands Hatch. It seems to have enough guts but its being run in and wont be whacked until a 1000 miles have been done. The best test will be when we go back to France latter this year and then it will be truly tested. If it don't get up to the 60MPG mark then its gonna have to go. We shall see.

(LHD light settings)

The procedure for certain items on this vehicle are not really easy to follow to but is stops the kiddies from playing, mind you has the majority are playing with computers all day long I would have thought a good old fashion switch would have foxed them. If you read the owners manual you will see what I mean. (Sticking in reverse for a signal is really bad design to my mind, but its only a few times a year and it means doing away with beam benders).

JD

Hi JDW,

Could you tell me whether the interior (dash/doors) are all black or two tone coloured?

I would really love to see some photos of this car as I am considering getting a facelift Scout to replace my pre-facelift one. Can you put some in this thread or link to them elsewhere on the web?

Hi JDW,

Could you tell me whether the interior (dash/doors) are all black or two tone coloured?

I would really love to see some photos of this car as I am considering getting a facelift Scout to replace my pre-facelift one. Can you put some in this thread or link to them elsewhere on the web?

This will have nice photos. We have the two tone, if you have kids with sticky fingers then maybe not a good choice it really shows up the scuff marks. Herself was hoping for the new Safari but Cappuccino arrived and I think it matches the interior. Will take photos when up in Scotland after its been baptized.

http://www.skoda-auto.cz/com/service/documentation/roomster/pages/06-2009.aspx

This will have nice photos. We have the two tone, if you have kids with sticky fingers then maybe not a good choice it really shows up the scuff marks. Herself was hoping for the new Safari but Cappuccino arrived and I think it matches the interior. Will take photos when up in Scotland after its been baptized.

http://www.skoda-auto.cz/com/service/documentation/roomster/pages/06-2009.aspx

Press photos are no substitute for real life photos!

Safari wasn't available to order until 3rd May so I guess that's why you got Cappucino. Nice substitute though.

Were you given a choice on the interior colour scheme or was it that you got what you were given?

Press photos are no substitute for real life photos!

Safari wasn't available to order until 3rd May so I guess that's why you got Cappucino. Nice substitute though.

Were you given a choice on the interior colour scheme or was it that you got what you were given?

Had a choice of interiors but could not get the safari.

The Safari would have meant loosing the deal, but the Cappuccino with the Silver gray looks great, remember that we did not get the glass roof. That really should be an option for all the models cannot see the sense of putting it as standard on the SE, would knock £500 off the price. The other reason for not getting the glass roof was that glass don't repel bricks, that's the French reason, for me its bad design, they should have twinned the roof and made the front half open. Like being in a greenhouse with no ventilation and aircon costs fuel.

JD

Edited 27 June, 201016 yr by JDW

Many thanks for your review

I hope to order the SE 105 version before the current vat free offer ends in June.

Do you find the engine ok for power/over taking and refinement?

With the cornering lights, can you just alter them to drive on the left automatically? I suppose it must be easier as the lights move. Would be very interest to know more about this.

I currently get 280 out of a tank so anything near even over 500 willl be very nice.

I'm getting over 700 miles on a tankful with the 1.9TDI

I would have thought the new generation diesels will be at least as economical and a lot, lot quieter

I'm getting over 700 miles on a tankful with the 1.9TDI

I would have thought the new generation diesels will be at least as economical and a lot, lot quieter

Hello RobJon

The Engine noise is less than other diesels I have owned but there is no miraculous engine designs from VAG for Skoda and you can tell this is a diesel. I heard a 1.9 diesel at the dealership (The sales guy,s face dropped when this 1.9 came out of the workshop) after its first service and the 1.6 is quieter, but with only 300 miles on the clock its no test. when its run in will have a better idea. I was told by a sales person to; and I quote "trash it" I wonder if the London Taxi tune of said Roomster Scout was due to this advice.

The fuel consumption. the majority on the driving has been done on East Anglia country roads, on purpose, most of the time to test the suspension and see it it bottoms out. I am really impressed, put on rough track and through pot holes that I would not have attempted with a non 4X4 and I have been pleasantly surprised with the results. The other point is the cornering, grips the road like .... to a blanket. Thought it would roll like the Ferry but its rock solid and corners like the Honda Tourer, now that has surprised me.

If I get 60 MPG as a bottom figure (looks like it will give more on its first full tank) that will do me, but I will be surprised if we don't achieve 70 MPG on the runs to France/Spain.

JD

The other point is the cornering, grips the road like .... to a blanket. Thought it would roll like the Ferry but its rock solid and corners like the Honda Tourer, now that has surprised me.

JD

Yep, Roomsters are awesome round the bends... As time goes on you'll push it more and more and the car won't give up!

The long wheelbase and wide rear track give it a lot of stability.

Been saying this for years. Get a RARB and a remap an it will leave a VRS in the hedge.

Been saying this for years. Get a RARB and a remap an it will leave a VRS in the hedge.

Not to sure that a remap of the new 1.6 TDI is a good idea, it seems to have the active engine management system which monitors the mechanics to your driving for best consumption, which for me and the lady is quite enough oomph. A tuning box or remap would not pay dividends. But if you lads want to leave a Lotus or VRS for dead in a TDI then goto http://www.allardturbosport.co.uk/.

JD

so quite a lot of the features you don't seem to actually want....(hill assist, roof, etc)

I asked about low spec diesel price in showroom today and was told errr.... no diesel in low spec Roomster! Seems a real shame. I warm to the non-aircon Roomie1!

How much extra height in Scout over Roomster suspension?

so quite a lot of the features you don't seem to actually want....(hill assist, roof, etc)

I asked about low spec diesel price in showroom today and was told errr.... no diesel in low spec Roomster! Seems a real shame. I warm to the non-aircon Roomie1!

How much extra height in Scout over Roomster suspension?

/quote]

None..... All models are the same. But I have a plan to give me 20mm if needed. But what I want it for in runs well. The Scout has the edge.

JD