One always travels to Europe’s most prestigious motor show, in Geneva, in the hope that there will be something different to see. It’s rare, in the internet age, for any automotive project to remain secret for very long but that’s where a ‘reveal’ is more likely to happen.

Which explains why there was a heaving scrum, for the first time in my experience, at the Skoda stand a couple of years back when their remarkable Roomster went on display for the first time.

Now, the uniquely styled versatile yet almost miniature people and load carrier from the Czech Republic is available in Great Britain.

Roomster truly lives up to its name: its ability to shoe-horn estate car loads into a body not much bigger than a conventional supermini is a major selling point. Although it’s only 14ft long, the initially variable boot volume of between 450 and 530 litres can be almost quadrupled if the passenger seats are removed. It means that holders for no less than three cycles can be fitted – and Skoda’s own brand two wheelers are among the options.

There’s more: Roomster is appropriately divided into two distinct areas – a point emphasised by the black rear window surrounds.

In what Skoda called the ‘driving room’ up front there’s lots of knee and elbow room for the driver and front passenger. The huge glass area means the visibility is perfect.

Meanwhile, in the ‘living room’ at the rear, the seats are raised up and with a low waistline it means that young children need not be bored because they can see all that’s going on outside. Sensibly, the rear windows won’t wind right down so that there’s no danger of children losing toys or other objects.

And even more: what’s called the Varioflex system means that the elaborate multi-function rear middle seat armrest can be folded forward or removed. The outer seats can slide inwards to create a four-seater layout with enhanced shoulder room – they also slide forwards or back.

The range-topping test car was powered by 1.9 litre diesel engine – one of six power options that will ultimately be available. This can generate 105hp and there is also a 1.4 litre oil burner with tunes of 70 and 80hp. The petrol line–up will start with a 1.2 litre 70hp unit from early next year. Currently on offer are 1.4 litre 85hp and 1.6 litre 105hp engines. Prices start at £9,920 and rise to £14,050 with the specifications simply described as levels One, Two and Three.

Three on test provided a panoramic sunroof with twin blinds, cruise control, 16 inch alloy wheels clad with low profile tyres, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors and some leather and aluminium trim to complement the pale upholstery.

This builds on Two’s eight speakers with the audio system, body coloured surrounds for the doorhandles and also the exterior mirrors which have a heating facility, floor mats, height adjustable passenger seat, manual air conditioning, remote central locking and a trip computer.

The entry model has 15 inch steel wheels, manual central locking, two gloveboxes and lots of stowage spaces, electric windows up front which are tinted, headlight adjustment, a 12 volt outlet, a single CD player and MP3 compatibility, rear foglamps and an immobiliser. Safety features abound – there are six airbags even in this model.

Roomster’s grille has been given a large chrome surround while the headlamps are positioned back into the wings. The turbocharged 1.9 can deliver more than 600 miles between fill-ups, according to the trip computer. It can also achieve a top speed of 113 miles an hour and it complete the yardstick zero to 60mph sprint in just over 11 seconds. The engine was mated to the standard Volkswagen Group five speed manual gearbox with reverse set next to first but a six speed autoshift is promised before the end of the year.