Review

Review: Skoda 5J Roomster (2007-13)

3.5 stars

  • Ecoomical 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine
  • Spacious and versatile interior
  • Comfortable ride
  • Good visibility
  • 1.6-litre petrol engine underpowered when laden
  • Cabin lacks sound insulation
  • Styling displays car and commercial origins

Review: Skoda 5J.I Roomster (2007-10)

Overview

Released in October 2007, the Skoda 5J Series I (5J.I) Roomster was a five-seat people mover. Manufactured in the Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda 5J Roomster was initially available with 1.6-litre petrol or 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engines (the 1.6 16V and 1.9 TDI variants, respectively). Supply of the 5J.I Roomster to Australia was discontinued in November 2010, but resumed in June 2012. 

Engines

Of the engines,

  • The 1.6-litre petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four vales per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.5:1; and,
  • The 1.9-litre diesel engine had a variable turbine geometry turbocharger, a side0mounted intercooler, water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation, Pumpe Duse direct injection, a timing-belt driven single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 19.0:1.

Transmission options are given in the table below.

Dimensions

The Skoda 5J Roomster was based on Volkswagen’s PQ34 platform, it also shared components with the 1U Octavia and the 5J Fabia . The Roomster was 4205 mm long, 1684 mm wide, 1607 mm tall and had a 2617 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the Roomster had three individual seats which could each be moved fore or aft, or folded into the floor. With the centre rear seat removed, the outer rear seats could also slide in-board for increased passenger space.

Suspension

The Skoda Roomster had MacPherson strut front suspension and a rear compound link crank axle.

Skoda 5J.I Roomster specifications
Variant Years Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
1.6 16V 2007-10 1.6-litre BTS petrol I4 5sp man.,
6sp auto
77 kW at 5600 rpm 153 Nm at 3800 rpm
1.9 TDI 2007-10 1.9-litre BSW turbo-diesel I4 5sp man. 77 kW at 4000 rpm 240 Nm at 1800 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5J.I Roomster included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2006 Skoda Roomster 1.9 TDI received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.82 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Roomster received maximum points.

Features

Standard features for the Skoda Roomster included 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 R15 tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatiblity, climate control air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, rear fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, cargo cover and net, two 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser.

Options included satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, roof rails, a glass panoramic roof and a security system.

Review: Skoda 5J.II Roomster (2012-13)

Overview

Released in June 2012, the Skoda 5J Series II (5J.II) Roomster was powered by a 1.2-litre direct-injected, turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or seven-speed double-clutch transmission. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine had a roller chain-driven single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, direct injection, a water-colled intercooler (integrated into the intake manifold) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Visually, the Skoda 5J.II Roomster could be identified by its redesigned front end which included a wider front grille, reshaped headlights and energy-efficient daytime running lights integrated into the double-chamber fog lamps. The interior was also revised with higher quality and more tactile materials.

Skoda 5J.II Roomster specifications
Variant Years Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
77TSI 2012-13 1.2-litre CBZB turbo petrol I4 5sp man.,
7sp DCT
77 kW at 5000 rpm 175 Nm at 1550-5100 rpm

Safety equipment

Compared to its 5J.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the 5J.II Roomster was unchanged.

Features

With respect to features, climate control air conditioning and cooled glovebox were omitted for the 5J.II Roomster. Standard features were, however, extended to include Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and roof rails.

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