GAC M8 vs Skoda Roomster
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
GAC M8
From $76,590
People Mover
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol Turbo
274kW
—
ANCAP: no data
800L
Skoda Roomster
Price TBC
People Mover
Petrol
Turbocharged petrol, in-line, OHC, transverse
77kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
450L
GAC M8: we're still completing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, battery capacity and energy consumption.
Skoda Roomster: we're still completing price, height, kerb weight, warranty and turning circle.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The GAC M8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Skoda Roomster. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GAC M8 uses a Petrol Turbo producing 274kW and 630Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Skoda Roomster responds with a Turbocharged petrol, in-line, OHC, transverse making 77kW and 175Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 77kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the GAC M8 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GAC M8 measures 5,212mm long on a 3,070mm wheelbase, 998mm longer than the Skoda Roomster at 4,214mm (2,608mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 450L in the Skoda Roomster, giving the GAC M8 a 350L advantage. The GAC M8 seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m diameter
Large
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GAC M8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Roomster if: You or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC M8 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the GAC M8 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GAC M8 and Skoda Roomster?
The GAC M8 is the cheapest at $76,590 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Roomster uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of GAC M8 and Skoda Roomster carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC M8 has the largest boot at 800L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Roomster has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The GAC M8 makes the most power at 274kW. The GAC M8 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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