USED Skoda Fabia Hatchback (07 - )

My car

Affected by the economic downturn I decided to change a mid sized family car. This would save me tax and petrol. It seems today that much of the research and development by manufacturers is being concentrated on the super mini class. So good are these cars that they are making life difficult for cars in class bands above them. For instance why buy a Focus when you can have the Fiesta or an Auris instead of the Yaris. I had seen a Fabia parked in the street and thought what a smart little car it looked. Very modern with a toucch of class. After looking at most of the superminis I road tested a Fabia 2 and duly impressed placed my order. Having driven the car for about three weeks my initial impressions have been confirmed with the major benefit being the excellant ride quality and more space than you would expect. Add the quality interior to the excellent economy and you have a car well suited to modern times. My only complaint is the lack of an outside temperature gauge. For those contibutors who complain about the light steering specify the 16" wheels from the Fabia 3 which cures the problem. I studied most of the competition and from what I can see the Fabia presents very good quality for the price asked. Skoda are certainly no longer a joke - just look at the new Superb. Perhaps when times get better.....

My car

We ordered the 1.6 Fabia Sport in June and have just taken delivery. We have traded in a Ford Fiesta and I have to say are very impressed. The ride is solid, the MPG excellent, 42 mpg within two days of driving on country roads, quality of build much better than ford and the look of the car in bright red is excellent. People have stopped to look as they are so taken with the car. Only gripe - no floor mats - we thought we had agreed with the dealer mats would be supplied, when we picked up the car no mats. For a £12K car I can't believe that £25 rubber mats are not supplied as standard, who would drive away a brand new car and not include mats? We also own an Audi which is why for a 2nd car we looked at Skoda, when you get behind the cabin the indicators, lights are all the same as an audi so we know the quality is there. Don't be fooled by the brand anymore, it is up there and should be considered as you get more car for your money.

My car

Having owned the Mk1 Fabia all I can say is that Skoda seem to have improved on all areas for the new car. It is very spacious for a 'supermini' and will easily cary four tall adults and a boot full of luggage.

The 1.2 12v engine is brilliant and feels much more powerful than expected even with a full load, its very lively as well easy to rev and sounds great. The engine also seems to get better as the miles pile on, nearly at 6000 now and have averaged arount 44 mpg using brim to brim calculation.

The ride and hadling are also very good with plently of grip and nice turn in. The only disapointment is that the suspension can be a bit noisy over poorly surfaced roads probably the result of less soundproofing to save weight.

However, the overall view is that the car feels very comfortable and sophisticated especially for such a low price.

My car

I have just passed 5000 miles and I am averaging 54 mpg. There is more than enough power for me and it will sit at 70mph on a motorway all day, doing just 2500rpm.

What I like about the car is the room all round. The boot is a useful size and the room in the back is very good.

I have read reviews about engine noise and mpg - yes, there is noise at tickover but once you're running, it's fine. On the MPG, it's all down to your right foot.

This is my first Skoda and won't be the last - great car.