Skoda Roomster S 1.4 TDI PD 70

Skoda’s compact MPV offering, the Roomster, has been around for a while. Yet its unconventional looks still stand out.

The van-shaped exterior aligns it to commercial vehicles like the Citroën Berlingo or Renault Kangoo, but its more likely rivals include Kia Soul, Vauxhall Meriva and Renault Modus.

It costs £11,485, with metallic paint an extra £400. Other options include ESP (£340), alarm (£260), alloy wheels (£405), air-con (£505), cruise control (£155) and rear parking sensor (£240).

The Roomster can’t be faulted as a basic A-to-B car. It drives satisfactorily and has good visibility.

But taken-for-granted features are lacking: manual mirror adjusters seem a hassle and the lack of parking sensors on such a sizeable car is inconvenient.

With a 1.4-litre diesel, this is a heavy, noisy and lacklustre car.

But push it hard and it will reach the required speed.

Benefits include ample space, versatile seating, outlandish looks and comfortable interior.

This is a quirky, driveable car with real substance.

It’s versatile, functional, economical, and handles the road well.