Today we have a Passat B5.5 estate, but it's getting old and it's due for an upgrade. We like VAG cars and I don't see any reason to pay extra for a VW when you can have Skoda for less. We are a family of 4 and a dog, have had a close look at Roomster. Even if I can't fall i love with looks it really doesn't matter. It's will mainly transport us from a to b.

But when looking at prices for the new Octavia I've had second thoughts, these cars they seems to be quite similary priced when you compare cars with equal motors. I'm based in Norway (an explanation for the sometimes funny spelling ), basicly the Octavia are priced a tad more expensive than Roomster, but also includes more equipment. I haven't gone deep into comparing packages but this is my first impresion.

Have anyone compared the Roomster pricewise with the new or previous Octavia with the same engine and equal eqiupment? If I need the extras is another question

Surly the cars are different with the Roomster as a small mpv and the Octavia as a classic estate, but they will both take our family including the dog from a to b.

The pricing might be similar in Norway, but here in the UK there is a massive price difference, so on price alone the Roomster wins by 20%-40%, depending on spec (that includes the ~17% "0VAT" offer on Roomster.

If the prices are indeed similar in Norway, I'd go for the new Octavia estate, as you can fit the dog much more easily. If you are after a diesel, you can get the 2.0CR unit on Octy which you will not get with the Roomster, 2.0CR being better in almost every respect bar the dodgy CO2 rating and initial cost/tax. Octy's wheels are bigger, resulting in better comfort (and better selection of tyres). Finally, given it is Norway we are talking about, you do not drive fast anywhere there, so the thimble 50l fuel tank is likely not an issue for you ( by comparison, you can fill 64l into a diesel Roomster fuel tank on account of venting).

The Roomster has a much taller load area, the Octy a longer load area.

The Roomster is also narrower, the back seat is really only a 2 + 1/2, rather that a 3 seater. On the other hand it will get through gaps the octavia won't.

The Octavia is also a bit better on the aerodynamic side of things so might be a bit more economical.

You pays your money and takes your choice.

I had an Octavia MK1 and a Fabia MK1. Three years ago I was going for a Fabia estate. Then I entered the rear seats of Roomster. It was a day to night comparison.A month ago while car was in for programmed service, I entered a brand new Rapid. I felt weird like a bit closed in a narrow place.

Roomster, even if it is the most "beautiful" ugly car is way far spacious for kids on the rear and way far brighter. Also rear passengers have easy access and great view from side windows. It also handles great.

On the other hand Octavia is more elegant car and more spacious for front passengers, better equipped and you can trade it much easier than a Roomster, at least in my Country.

Yet again Roomster has its own unique and distinctive character. I vote for a Roomster.

Suggest you try the view from the passenger seats (row 2) this is where you will notice a difference. Also if you ever need a small van the ability to remove the seats completely from the Roomster is a bonus as is individual sliding/reclining. Octavia is more luxury and Roomster more utilitarian. Not sure if smaller wheels (on the Roomster) would be better for the winter conditions of Norway, lower cost for a set of winter tyres or easier to add snow chains.

Suggest you try the view from the passenger seats (row 2) this is where you will notice a difference. Also if you ever need a small van the ability to remove the seats completely from the Roomster is a bonus as is individual sliding/reclining. Octavia is more luxury and Roomster more utilitarian. Not sure if smaller wheels (on the Roomster) would be better for the winter conditions of Norway, lower cost for a set of winter tyres or easier to add snow chains.

At least on mine, the 195/55 seems to be more expensive. though i don't know what the Octavia uses as standard or if it's even more expensive.

Over at camskill a 185/60 is £15-20 cheaper per tyre than the equivalent 195/55. I've been running those as winter tyres since they're slightly narrower, but come to think of it I'm lucky not to have had an accident as I suppose the insurer would count it as a modification. Oh well back to the regular tyres in a week and hopefully the snow this year is finished.

We have both an Octavia (MK1 Hatchback) and a Roomster 1.9tdi. My personal preference is the Octavia as I cant seem to get comfortable in the Roomster. As an "all things to all men" the Roomster wins hands down. With the seats out it is a small van and the extra headroom gives it a light spacious feeling. With regards to the dog mine prefers the front seat so she can see out the front windscreen - she is one spoiled bitch - literally

We have both an Octavia (MK1 Hatchback) and a Roomster 1.9tdi. My personal preference is the Octavia as I cant seem to get comfortable in the Roomster. As an "all things to all men" the Roomster wins hands down. With the seats out it is a small van and the extra headroom gives it a light spacious feeling. With regards to the dog mine prefers the front seat so she can see out the front windscreen - she is one spoiled bitch - literally

You really shouldn't talk about your Mrs like that lol

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

I vote errrrrrrrr............. vRoomster

roomster wins on serveral points for me

For

access to the rear seats is far better as the doors open wider and the seats are slightly higher than front seats

you can completely remove the rear seat to convert it all but into a van for load lugging

flat back would mean if you transport the dog in a cage far easier to fit in

against

looks are not great, looks a bit like a cut'n'shut

gap between rear seats and boot cover not good if you like hiding stuff out of site in boot

Having just bought a Roomster I would go for the Roomster if for nothing else the versitility, passenger room in the rear seats, visibility, the driver and front passenger sitting higher than a normal car and the aireness and light in the cabin because of the large windows and the roof glass in the level 2's and 3's. Brilliant car and you grow to love its quirkey looks :love: