I had one of these as a courtesy car on Monday and it was the most fun I have had in years in a car! My wife didn't like it - she said it was too bouncy - so we won't be having one. I suspect it might not be so good on long journeys but I found the ride/ handling balance really good for country roads in the Dales and as long as you use the gears to keep the engine above 2000 rpm the performance is OK. Economy - according to the computer it avaraged 55 mpg over 50 miles or so.

We've ordered an Octavia Scout diesel instead to replace our trusty 1.9 Tdi Mk 1 Octavia.

I also have the use of a 1.4tdi roomster for the next few months and I have to say Im very impressed. The engine imo is a gem - a little noisy and unrefined but thats just part of the character really; although the missus doesnt agree on that front.

As long as you keep it on the boil within the rather narrow power band of between just under 2,000rpm to around 3,500 it pulls very nicely too. Handling seems adequate and brakes good also. Considering its more of a rival to the Berlingo and Kangoo I think it has to be the best in class!

Space inside is fantastic as is the boot size and parking is a total breeze with light steering at low speed and an upright hatch design.

Economy is also superb (as I guess you would expect from a three cylinder 1.4 diesel). I reset the trip computer when I had to make an unexpected late night dash out on Sunday night and to be blunt, I gave the thing hell and spared no mercy. At the end of the 20 mile trip it was still showing 36mpg! Over 40 appears normal for town use and climbing to 50 on the short motorway journey i've so far done is great.

Lee

Had one as a hire today and the problems were:

- How hard is the arm rest in the door?

- Water from the screen comes over the drivers side window at such a rate that you can't see out or the mirror.

- That 1.4... how noisy!!! I'm used to dervs, but that thing is noisier than a montego direct injection diesel.

The car itself would be ideal for school runs, but after about 100 miles in it I was going insane.

On a plus point, the fuel economy was good

I've had a Roomster 1 1.4TDI for the past week from my dealer whist they've been sorting out our new Superb and I have to say I'm really impressed. Yes, it's a little noisy - it reminds me of a V8 sound a bit, so not unpleasent; yes, it's a little unrefined too and a bit plasticy; yes it's not a new Octavia or Superb in terms or build quality. But.....

it belts along nicely at 80 and at that speed is quite quiet; handles much better than my old 2001 Octy 1.6; has a massive and flexible boot; good sounding radio with MP3 and Aux in; excellent gear box and seems to return about 55 to the gallon - from a 1.4 three pot diesel!! Oh, it has the coldest AC I've ever come across!

Num

Got the 1.9 TDCi Roomster 2 as a loan car whilst my Fabia is in for repars (again)

Plenty of power but engine noise is quite high for a modern diesel.

Handling isn't that great, it leans around corners too much, my Fiesta handles a lot lot better.

I wouldn't have one over a standard estate car.

Can't stick my elbow out of the window because it curves round.

Got the 1.9 TDCi Roomster 2 as a loan car whilst my Fabia is in for repars (again)

Plenty of power but engine noise is quite high for a modern diesel.

Handling isn't that great, it leans around corners too much, my Fiesta handles a lot lot better.

I wouldn't have one over a standard estate car.

Can't stick my elbow out of the window because it curves round.

The 1.9 is bloody noisy, can't get over how much, but you cannot comapre the handling of a cheap MPV to a small hatchback.

I had one of these last week, I kind of like the styling and the size inside is great. But the engine was so loud I was glad to give it back later that day. When I put my foot down I got lots of noise but no movement, horrible. Nearly as bad as the 1.2 petrol fabia estate I had from the dealer last time. I'm so glad I have my Fabia VRS back.

I've had 3 different Roomsters as courtesy cars so far ..

1.2 petrol ... under powered

1.4 tdi ... bit too noisy, but goes quite well

1.4 petrol ... ok, but not brilliant for joining fast A road traffic

Overall very impressed with the internal space,

nice to drive, a bit rolly, but that's not unexpected really.

Bit noisy at motorway speeds.

Tailgate heavy for anyone a little frail.