Skoda Roomster Scout (2007): first official pictures

Oh no, not another pretend off-roader...

Afraid so. This time Skoda has given its Roomster mini-MPV the 4x4 look - but with none of the hardware to back up the off-roading image. Sales kick off in June with prices starting at £12,505 for a 1.4 petrol. Buyers can also pick a 1.6 petrol, or 1.4 and 1.9 diesels. The Roomster Scout is 43mm taller than regular models and benefits from a raised ride height, but remains resolutely two-wheel drive. The bigger Octavia Scout (unveiled recently) at least offers 4wd for better traction on slippery slopes and tracks. Manufacturers are increasingly dressing up humdrum hatchbacks and estates to look like tougher off-roaders (think Audi Allroad, Volvo XC70 and VW Polo Dune), but it's not exactly a new phenomenon; the butch, but fwd, 1977 Matra Rancho was the first modern soft-roader, and even Rover launched the Streetwise, a toughened-up 25, four years ago.