The Skoda Roomster 1.4 16V, produced between 2006 and 2010, is a compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) that represented Skoda’s foray into a practical and versatile segment of the European automotive market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Roomster was a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a flexible and space-efficient vehicle in Europe. It distinguished itself with a unique, asymmetrical rear door configuration and a focus on maximizing interior space within a relatively small footprint. The 1.4 16V engine variant, producing 86 horsepower, was a common offering, balancing affordability with reasonable performance.
Skoda Roomster 1.4 16V: An Overview
The Roomster was conceived as a practical alternative to traditional hatchbacks and small vans. Skoda, then under Volkswagen Group ownership, aimed to provide a vehicle that offered the space and versatility of a larger car, but with the maneuverability and running costs of a smaller one. The Roomster’s design prioritized interior space and functionality, making it a popular choice for urban dwellers and families needing a flexible vehicle for everyday use. It was positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Renault Modus and Opel Meriva in the European market.
Engine & Performance
The Skoda Roomster 1.4 16V is powered by a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the EA111 / BXW. This naturally aspirated engine produces 86 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 97.36 lb.-ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 74.5 horsepower per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 114.3 Nm per tonne. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 12.4 seconds, and 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 106.25 mph (171 km/h). Fuel economy is rated at 34.6 US mpg combined (6.8 l/100 km), with 26.4 US mpg (8.9 l/100 km) in urban conditions and 42 US mpg (5.6 l/100 km) on the open road. The engine utilizes a multi-port manifold fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder.
Design & Features
The Skoda Roomster is a five-door MPV with a distinctive design. Its most notable feature is the asymmetrical rear door configuration, with a standard hinged door on one side and a sliding door on the other, enhancing accessibility in tight parking spaces. The interior is designed for maximum versatility, with a configurable seating arrangement and a large cargo area. The Roomster offers 15.89 cubic feet of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 62.86 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 165.55 inches in length, 66.3 inches in width, and 63.27 inches in height. It has a wheelbase of 103.03 inches. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The front suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link spring suspension with a stabilizer. The steering system is a rack and pinion type. The standard tire size is 175/70 R14.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Roomster |
| Generation | Roomster |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 16V (86 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2006 |
| End of production | March, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 86 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 Nm @ 3800 rpm (97.36 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA111 / BXW |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1155 kg (2546.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1670 kg (3681.72 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1780 l (62.86 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4205 mm (165.55 in.) |
| Width | 1684 mm (66.3 in.) |
| Height | 1607 mm (63.27 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2617 mm (103.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
The Skoda Roomster 1.4 16V, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, versatility, and affordability in the European MPV segment. Its unique design and focus on interior space made it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a flexible and efficient vehicle.
