Roomster Crash Test Results

Please click on the link below !

http://www.euroncap.com/images/results/mini_mpvs/car_275_2006/Skoda%20Roomster%20Datasheet.pdf

The comments on Frontal Impact and Child Protection on page 2 aren't so promising (although seeing how it got 5 stars, I dread to think what it would say for my 4-star Fabia :eek: )

The comments on Frontal Impact and Child Protection on page 2 aren't so promising (although seeing how it got 5 stars, I dread to think what it would say for my 4-star Fabia :eek: )

So, don't say anything for the pedestrians :(

The frontal impact comments about the battery working loose and the pre-tensioner/airbags firing late is concerning so anyone who has an early car should be kicking up a stink to get the modifications they made to the test car retrofitted.

The other thread where the Roomster was rolled also suggests that there may be a world of difference between EuroNCAP results and real-world results!

Chris

Also the bit about the battery cables being damaged in a frontal collision. The damage resulted in pre tensioners not going off, and airbags deploying late. Skoda have modified the system to include a capacitor to overcome this problem allowing airbags and pretensioners to deploy properly, although cables may still be damaged possibly resulting in no hazard lights etc after an accident. Skoda have no intention to modify vehicles already sold!!

Slightly concerning.

EDIT - Just as per Chris above.

When was the test performed?

Does it mean, my car needs modification for battery cable etc. ?

:(

It sounds like Skoda didn't fix the battery cables but I'd be more concerned about the delays in the pre-tensioners and airbags being detonated which could potentially make a life or death difference in the event of a crash! Best speak to your dealer/Skoda Customer Services if you're concerned

Chris

In the re-test, the cables were again damaged, despite Skoda's efforts to protect them, but the airbags and pre-tensioners fired as intended thanks to a re-programmed control unit and a capacitor in the circuit to the control unit and the pre-tensioners. Skoda has informed Euro NCAP that it does not intend to modify cars already sold to customers.

Despite the success of some of Skoda's modifications, Euro NCAP remains concerned that all of the main electrical supply cables are vulnerable in a frontal collision. While it is not considered a fire risk, a vehicle could be left without any of its electrical systems (hazard lights etc) functioning after an accident. Structures in the dashboard also presented a potential risk to the pelvis, femurs and knees of the driver and passenger.

Source:http://www.whatcar.com/news-special-report.aspx?NA=223694&EL=3186997

Exactly! So make sure that your car is one of the ones manufactured after they made the modifications as it doesn't look like they'll bother telling you about it otherwise!

Chris

personally if I had bought one I'd want my money back. I cant believe Skoda could also be so cowboy like over it's customers safety. I guess the recall/replace cost is greater than the law sue possibility.........maybe I'm just synical?

Not a good start to the cars life............Merc A class anyone? :P

Certainly sounds like the most flagrant couldn't give a toss attitude. I would also say it brings into doubt the credability of the euro ncap scores saccross the board if they give a car the top marks knowing a goodly amount on the road would not be able to get anywhere neer the results. Surely if the airbags are likely to be compromised in a frontal impact they might as well not be there period :eek: The more I hear and read about their shinanigins the lower they go in my estimation.

So, basically Skoda have been successful at assembling cars from VAG parts, helped by relatively cheap Czech labout rates to keep prices down. But, when they go to design and build their own car it's a heap of junk.

European New Car Assessment Programme: Safety Rating Details

Sorry to go off topic, but does the Fabia have seatbelt pre-tensioners? This tested Fabia ('00) did...

If so is it safe to use the CG lock?

Yes it does have pre-tensioners and yes, allegedly it's safe to use the CG-Lock with them, as I think the pre-tensioners will only be able to tighten the chest part of the belt....

Chris

My inquiry to Czech Rep. about the test results is as follows

Dear ...,

thank you for your email and for choosing our Roomster model especially.

We fully understand your fears related to the published information about the Roomster crash test results.

I am sorry to inform you that currently we are not able to provide you with any further information regarding the attitude of Skoda Auto to this concern. The whole matter is currently in the responsibility of our Public Relation and you will be informed as soon as there is an official attitude of our company issued in the near future.

We would like to thank you for your kind patience and understanding. We believe that soon the whole matter will be clarified and you will be able to use your vehicle with trust and to your satisfaction.

Best regards,

Customer Care

Oooh, fingers crossed for a further reply from them then.

Anyone in the UK written to them about their Roomster? If not, get on and do it!!!!

We would like to thank you for your kind patience and understanding. We believe that soon the whole matter will be clarified and you will be able to use your vehicle with trust and to your satisfaction.

And in the mean time?!?! :confused: I'd certainly not be happy with awaiting a response from a PR team!

Chris

Confused

:smrbow:

So as long as you don't have an accident before now and when their PR team spin a story you will be fine :P

Definitely

Hope they are not selling this anywhere like the states or they will have a massive class action lawsuit coming their way.

I have to ask though, if they are fitting caps to keep power after the battery has been cut, erm... how do you work on them without setting the buggers off?

FYI:

Euro NCAP asked if Skoda planned to modify cars already sold but was disappointed to learn that there are no plans to do this. Skoda has appllied the modifications to vehicles from VIN number TMBVCB5J875025783

So, basically Skoda have been successful at assembling cars from VAG parts, helped by relatively cheap Czech labout rates to keep prices down. But, when they go to design and build their own car it's a heap of junk.

The Roomster is the collection of parts already made, the back end is from parts of the Octavia and the front is from the Fabia so no real redeigning here, just cut and shut.

I have to say, I like the new Roomster and I think the Fabia will be a good looker when it's actually out on the road.

do u know how can i be sure that my roomster has pre-tensioners"? it is a 2007 model, but VIN number begins with TMBM..... Is there an alphabetical order on providing VIN numbers, or depends on countries they are exported?

do u know how can i be sure that my roomster has pre-tensioners"? it is a 2007 model, but VIN number begins with TMBM..... Is there an alphabetical order on providing VIN numbers, or depends on countries they are exported?

It depends on the country too.

When I look to the VIN number it looks like my car needs to go service for safety update. But, the airbag control unit was controlled at the Turkish distributor, they checked the unit's serial number. I've been told that no security update was necessary, depending on the airbag control unit version.

I bought my car on Dec 2006.