Next-gen Skoda Roomster caught testing, hints at major shift
Skoda’s Roomster successor has been spotted in heavy camouflage, revealing a move to Volkswagen Touran underpinnings and signalling a departure from the original’s design.
Skoda’s plans for the next Roomster have become clearer after a heavily camouflaged prototype was photographed during public-road testing. The new model, expected to arrive in late 2014 or early 2015, will move to the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, aligning it closely with the next-generation Volkswagen Touran.
Touran platform brings Roomster in line with VW stablemates
The current Roomster has always stood apart in Skoda’s range, with its distinctive split-window design and a focus on versatility. The next iteration abandons the unique rear side window layout, adopting a more conventional MPV silhouette that mirrors the Touran’s proportions. This change signals Skoda’s intent to standardise its people-carrier offering with Volkswagen’s approach, likely improving economies of scale but at the cost of some of the Roomster’s individuality.
The move to the MQB platform is expected to benefit the Roomster with improved safety, efficiency and access to newer engines and technology already seen in the latest Octavia and Rapid. However, price positioning remains a key part of Skoda’s strategy. The Roomster is expected to undercut the Touran, with cost savings reflected in interior materials and standard equipment levels.
Market timing and model overlap
The Roomster’s update comes as Skoda refreshes much of its line-up, with new generations of the Octavia, Superb and Fabia all arriving within a short period. The Roomster’s shift to a Touran-based architecture suggests Skoda is consolidating its family-car offerings, especially as the brand prepares to expand its SUV and crossover range. For more on Skoda’s future high-riding models, see Skoda Plans Four New High-Riding Models to Replace Roomster and Yeti.
No official technical details have been released, but the switch to MQB suggests the Roomster will share engines and gearboxes with the latest Golf, Octavia and Touran. This could mean a range of petrol and diesel options, with manual and DSG automatic transmissions likely. For reference, the 2014 Octavia already shares its engine range with the Golf Mk7 (see 2014 Skoda Octavia to Use VW Golf Mk7 Engines and Platform).
What the changes mean for buyers
For existing Roomster owners, the new generation’s move to a more mainstream platform means improved refinement and technology, but the quirky styling and some of the original’s clever packaging are set to disappear. Buyers can expect a more competitive price than the Touran, but with a simpler equipment list and less premium interior materials. The new Roomster’s launch is likely to coincide with the 2014 Paris Motor Show, though Skoda has yet to confirm a debut date.
- Next-gen Skoda Roomster to use VW MQB platform
- Will share engines and gearboxes with new Touran
- Loses distinctive rear window styling
- Expected to launch late 2014 or early 2015
