Škoda Roomster — one of those cars that manage to combine compact dimensions with the spaciousness of a minivan. Its trunk has become a legend among owners, but still raises questions among potential buyers. How much does the luggage compartment really hold? How to fold the seats correctly to transport large cargo? And why do some people call Roomster "Tardis on wheels" (similar to the time machine from Doctor Who) that is bigger on the inside than on the outside?
In this article, we will look not only at the official trunk volume figures, but also at real-life usage scenarios. You will learn how Maximize space with folding seats and removable shelveswhat accessories will help organize cargo, and why owners often compare Roomster with the van, despite its modest external dimensions. We’ll also compare the trunk with its competitors and reveal secrets that are kept silent in showrooms.
Official data: Škoda Roomster trunk volume in numbers
The manufacturer declares three key figures for the luggage compartment Škoda Roomster:
- 📦 Basic volume (with second row seats up): 450 liters - this is more than many hatchbacks in the class Golf.
- 🪑 With seats moved forward: before 580 liters — by adjusting the position of the second row.
- 🚛 Maximum volume (with seats folded): 1,600–1,800 liters - here the data varies depending on the source and method of measurement.
However, these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. The actual capacity depends on the car's configuration (for example, the presence of a panoramic roof, which "eats up" part of the height), as well as on exactly how you fold the seats. For example, if you fold only one of the rear seats, the volume increases to 1,200 liters, but there will still be room for a passenger.
| Configuration | Trunk volume (l) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard seat position | 450 | Loading height - 75 cm, width between wheel arches - 100 cm |
| Second seat moved forward | 580 | Passengers lose in comfort, but gain in cargo space |
| One rear seat folded | 1 200 | Ideal for transporting long items (such as skis or furniture) |
| Both rear seats folded down | 1 600–1 800 | Depends on the year of manufacture and configuration (pre-restayl vs restayl) |
| Shelf/organizer removed | +50–100 l | Additional space by removing standard accessories |
It is important to understand that volume 1,800 liters is achieved only with a complete transformation of the interior - this means that the front passenger seat can also be folded (in some trim levels). However, in practice this mode is rarely used: usually it is enough to fold only the second row.
⚠️ Attention: With the second row seats folded down Roomster loses the function of head restraints - they must be removed and stored separately, otherwise they will interfere with the cargo.
Comparison with competitors: who is more spacious?
To evaluate the trunk Škoda Roomster on merit, it is worth comparing it with direct competitors in the class of compact minivans and station wagons. For example, Volkswagen Caddy in station wagon body offers 460 liters in standard configuration, but loses Roomster by maximum volume (1,400 l versus 1,800 l). But Dacia Dokker gets ahead with the basics 500 liters, but inferior in ergonomics.
Interesting fact: trunk volume Roomster even outperforms some crossovers. For example, Renault Duster as standard has only 408 liters, and Hyundai Creta — 402 liters. At the same time Škoda maintains a smaller height and width, which makes it more maneuverable in the city.
- 🚗 Volkswagen Golf Variant: 605 l (standard) / 1,620 l (max.) - loses in flexibility of transformation.
- 🚙 Opel Meriva: 400 l / 1,500 l - less than the base volume, but comparable maximum values.
- 🚐 Ford Tourneo Connect: 650 l / 2,600 l - the leader in volume, but the body dimensions are much larger.
Main advantage Roomster - this is ratio of external dimensions and internal space. The car is shorter Golf Variant by 20 cm, but at the same time its trunk is almost as big in volume. It does Škoda An ideal choice for those who value practicality, but are not ready to drive a bulky station wagon.
- Škoda Roomster
- Volkswagen Caddy
- Dacia Dokker
- Ford Tourneo Connect
- Other
How to fold the seats in a Škoda Roomster: step-by-step instructions
Salon transformation Roomster - this is a whole science. Many owners drive for years without realizing that the seats can not only be folded, but also move, remove and even rotate. Let's consider all the options:
1. Classic folding of the second row
The easiest way to increase trunk space is to fold down the rear seats. To do this:
- Pull the lever on the back of the seat (located on the side of the headrest).
- Tilt the backrest forward until it locks.
- If necessary, remove the head restraints (they are attached to two pins).
In this position, the floor is almost flat, but there remains a small height difference between the trunk and the folded seats.
2. Shift the second row forward/backward
Seats Roomster can be moved on the slide 15 cm forward or backward. This allows you to:
- 👶 Increase legroom for passengers (if moved rearward).
- 📦 Free up an additional 130 liters of luggage space (if moved forward).
The adjustment lever is located under the seat - you need to pull it up and move the chair to the desired position.
3. Complete removal of seats (for maximum volume)
If you need to transport a really large load (for example, furniture), the second row seats can be completely removed. To do this:
Fold the seat back forward|Locate the release lever under the seat (front)|Pull the lever and lift the seat up|Remove the seat from the interior (weight ~12 kg)|Repeat for the second seat-->
After removing the seats, the trunk volume increases to 1,800 liters, and the floor becomes perfectly flat. However, remember that you cannot always drive without rear seats - this violates the rules for transporting passengers.
⚠️ Attention: With the second row seats removed Rear seat belts don't work. If you suddenly need to carry a passenger, you will have to install the seats back.
Lifehacks for increasing space: accessories and secrets
Even a standard trunk Roomster can be made even more practical with the help of simple devices. Here are a few owner-tested solutions:
1. Removable shelf and organizers
Standard Roomster comes with a plastic shelf that divides the trunk into two levels. It can be:
- 📚 Use for storing small items (tools, first aid kit, washer).
- 🗑️ Remove completely if you need to transport a high load (for example, potted flowers).
- 🔧 Replace with lattice shelf (article
5J6 061 151) for better ventilation.
2. Rubber mat with sides
Standard trunk mat Roomster flat and does not protect against dirt. Owners recommend:
- 🛡️ Install a rubber mat with high sides (for example, WeatherTech or Lloyd Mats).
- 🧼 For ease of cleaning, you can put moisture-wicking diaper (sold in children's stores).
3. Cargo lashings
In the trunk Roomster there are four attachment points (two on each side). With their help you can record:
- 🚴 Bicycle (using mount Thule or Mont Blanc).
- 🛒 Bags with groceries (so they don’t go around in the trunk).
- 🎿 Skis or snowboard (vertically, along the side wall).
To transport long items (for example, boards or pipes) you can use slots in the backs of the front seats — they allow you to pass cargo into the cabin without folding the second row.
If you often have to transport dirty things (for example, after a summer residence), put them in the trunk folding plastic box (for example, from IKEA). It will protect the skin and is easy to clean.
Common trunk problems and how to solve them
Despite the obvious advantages, the trunk Roomster has several “diseases” that you should know about in advance. Here are the most common:
1. Creaking of plastic panels
Many owners complain of squeaking in the trunk area, especially at low temperatures. Reasons:
- ❄️ Freezing of plastic latches (solved by treating with silicone grease).
- 🔧 Loosening the fastenings of the shelf (you need to tighten the bolts with a wrench
10 mm).
2. Leaks through seals
If water appears in the trunk after rain, check:
- 🚪 Rear door seals (often wear out after 5–7 years of use).
- 🔍 Drainage holes under the rear bumper (may become clogged with leaves).
For a temporary solution you can use seam sealant (for example, Wurth), but it is better to replace the seals with new ones (article no. 6U6 827 561/562).
3. Seat folding mechanism jammed
If the rear seats no longer fold smoothly, the culprits are:
- 🕊️ Dust and dirt in the guides (need to blow with compressed air).
- 🛢️ Dried grease (use WD-40 or lithium grease).
⚠️ Attention: If the seat is stuck in the folded position, don't use force - this may break the latches. It is better to remove the casing and clean the mechanism.
What to do if the electric rear door does not work?
If you have Roomster with electric trunk drive (optional) 5J6 959 801), and the door stops opening, check:
1. Fuse F37 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel.
2. Microswitch in the lock (often oxidizes).
3. Relay J390 (located behind the panel near the driver's seat).
If the problem is not solved, you may need to reflash the comfort unit (BCM).
Real tests: what can the Roomster trunk hold?
Volume numbers are good, but how? Roomster shows itself in real conditions? Owners share their experience:
1. Shopping at IKEA
Standard trunk Roomster easily accommodates:
- 🛋️ Sofa "Klippan" (disassembled).
- 📦 8 boxes "Pax" (if you fold one seat).
- 🌿 12 pots with plants up to 1 m high.
2. Moving or giving
With the seats folded down Roomster fit:
- 🏠 Refrigerator height up to 160 cm (if you remove the rear seats).
- 🛏️ Two folding chairs and a table.
- 🧳 4 large suitcases + backpacks.
3. Sports equipment
For active recreation:
- ⛷️ 4 pairs of skis (up to 180 cm) + boots.
- 🚴 2 bicycles (if you remove the front wheel).
- 🏄 Windsurfing board (up to 3 m).
Fun fact: the owners Roomster it is often used as "small van" for business. For example, the trunk fits:
- 🍕 20 pizza boxes (for delivery).
- 🐶 4 cages for transporting animals.
- 🎤 Musical equipment for a small concert.
The Roomster's trunk is closer in actual capacity to a minibus than a hatchback. The main thing is to use seat transformations and accessories correctly.
Upgrading the trunk: what can be improved?
Even such a well-thought-out trunk as Roomster, can be improved. Here are some popular modifications:
1. Installation of additional sockets
In the trunk Roomster There is no standard 12V socket, but you can add one:
- 🔌 Connect to the rear lamp wires (plus - red, minus - brown).
- 🔋 Use cigarette lighter splitter with extension cord.
2. LED backlight
The standard trunk lighting is dim. The owners install:
- 💡 LED strip along the perimeter (powered by the lampshade).
- 🔦 Additional light on the rear door (item no.
5J6 947 415).
3. Dividers and drawers
Suitable for organizing space:
- 📦 Collapsible containers (for example, Really Useful Box).
- 🧳 Organizer grids on the side walls (attached with Velcro).
For those who often transport cargo, the installation will be useful roof rails (article 5J6 071 101/102). They allow you to attach a luggage box or bike rack without taking up space in the cabin.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the trunk of the Škoda Roomster
🔹 Can you sleep in the trunk of a Roomster?
Theoretically yes, but with reservations. With the seats folded down, the floor length is 180 cm, and the width is 120 cm (between the wheel arches). This is enough for a person up to 170 cm tall, if you lie diagonally. However:
- 😴 You can sleep comfortably only with tourist mat (5–10 cm thick).
- 🚗 You need to remove the headrests and fold down the front passenger seat for extra space.
- ❄️ In winter you will need autonomous heater (for example, Webasto), since the interior heating does not work when the engine is switched off.
Owners often use Roomster for camping, installing in the trunk folding tent (for example, Camping Box).
🔹 How much weight can the trunk support?
Officially Škoda does not indicate the maximum load on the trunk, but from the experience of owners:
- 🏋️ Before 200 kg — without risk to the suspension (if the load is evenly distributed).
- 🚛 Before 300 kg — short-term transportation is possible (for example, bags of cement), but it is better to distribute the cargo throughout the cabin.
- ⚠️ Above 350 kg — risk of deformation of the trunk floor (especially in the area of the rear door hinges).
For transporting heavy loads it is recommended to use floor enhancers (for example, plywood sheet 10 mm thick).
🔹 Can dogs be transported in the trunk of a Roomster?
Yes, but subject to safety rules:
- 🐕 Suitable for small dogs (up to 15 kg) carrying or grid box.
- 🐶 For medium and large breeds (for example, Labrador) you need cabin divider (article
5J6 061 150). - 🚗 Be sure to secure your dog with harnesses or in a special hammock to avoid injury when braking.
Important: with the seats folded down, the temperature in the trunk may differ greatly from the interior. It's hotter there in summer 5–10°C, in winter it’s colder. Use thermal cover for the pet's comfort.
🔹 How to protect the trunk from scratches?
Trunk plastic Roomster It scratches easily, but there are several ways to protect it:
- 🛡️ Rubber mat with sides (for example, WeatherTech).
- 🧵 Cordura case (to be ordered according to the size of the trunk).
- 🎨 Anti-gravel film to the most vulnerable places (for example, near door hinges).
If scratches have already appeared, they can be masked using:
- 🖌️ Plastic restorer (for example, Plastic Renew from Sonax).
- 🔥 Hairdryer - slight heating makes minor scratches less noticeable.
🔹 Is the Roomster boot suitable for a wheelchair?
Yes, but with nuances:
- ♿ Folding strollers (for example, Drive Medical) fit without problems even with the seats up.
- 🦽 Electric wheelchairs (weighing up to 100 kg) require the second row of seats to be folded.
- 🚗 For ease of loading, you can install ramp (for example, Pragma Mobility).
Loading height in Roomster — 75 cm, which is higher than some minivans (for example, Citroën Berlingo - 60 cm). This may be inconvenient for self-loading.