The Skoda Roomster is a compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) produced by the Czech automaker Skoda Auto between 2006 and 2010. Designed as a practical and versatile vehicle, the Roomster aimed to offer a unique blend of space, functionality, and affordability. While not officially sold in the United States, the Roomster was a significant model in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Renault Modus, Opel Meriva, and Fiat Idea. It distinguished itself with its distinctive asymmetrical rear door arrangement and a focus on maximizing interior space within a relatively small footprint. The 1.6 i 16V Tiptronic variant, equipped with a 105 horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, represented a popular configuration within the Roomster lineup.
Skoda Roomster 1.6 i 16V Tiptronic: An Overview
The Roomster, based on the Volkswagen Polo platform, was Skoda’s attempt to capitalize on the growing demand for small, family-oriented vehicles in Europe. Its design prioritized interior space and usability, making it a practical choice for urban dwellers and small families. The “Tiptronic” designation refers to the automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, offering drivers a degree of control over gear selection. The 1.6-liter engine provided a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate performance for everyday driving. The Roomster’s unique styling, particularly the rear door configuration, set it apart from more conventional MPVs.
Engine & Performance
The Skoda Roomster 1.6 i 16V Tiptronic is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, bearing the EA111/BTS engine code. This naturally aspirated engine produces 105 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 153 Nm (112.85 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration results in a power-to-liter ratio of 65.7 hp/l. The engine’s power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.1 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 11.5 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 184 km/h (114.33 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.2 kg/Hp, while the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.7 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg) in urban conditions, 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and 7.0 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) combined.
Design & Features
The Skoda Roomster is a five-door MPV with a distinctive design. Its most notable feature is the asymmetrical rear door arrangement – a standard door on the passenger side and a sliding door on the driver’s side, enhancing accessibility in tight parking spaces. The Roomster offers seating for five passengers and boasts a versatile interior. The rear seats can be folded or even removed entirely, creating a substantial cargo area. With the rear seats in place, the trunk offers 450 liters (15.89 cu. ft.) of space, expanding to 1780 liters (62.86 cu. ft.) with the seats folded down.
Safety features, typical for vehicles of its era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Roomster’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link spring suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels with 195/55 R15 tires. The Roomster’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a functional layout. While not a luxury vehicle, it offers a comfortable and user-friendly environment for both driver and passengers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Roomster |
| Generation | Roomster |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 i 16V (105 Hp) Tiptronic |
| Start of production | May, 2006 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 184 km/h (114.33 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 3800 rpm (112.85 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA111 / BTS |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.4 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1175 kg (2590.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 555 kg (1223.57 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 track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, 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) |
| Tires size | 195/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
