Skoda Fabia Estate 1.9 TDI Elegance 5d (AC) (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Economy
Value
Not cheap and some suprising omissions for top of range car - no CD player, no sat nav, no auto gearbox, no leather seats, no electric rear windows. But good overall value.
Costs
Even hard driving maintains 46mpg and 52 mpg at 77mph on motorways.
-
On the road
Driving
Superb engine gives good acceleration and relaxed cruising. Heay understeer when pushed hard. Too much bodyroll with full load. Electronic throttle anti-stall is sometimes intrusive, so not easy to crawl in traffic.
Performance
Stunning midrange acceleration. Narrow body and good turning circle make parking simple. good cornering with 14" tyre option, but needs good rain tyres. A great high speed commuting car, much faster than it appears.
-
Living with it
Reliability
Failed steering rack and clutch master cylinder within 5000 miles was not a good start. Next 20,000 miles faultless.
Image
To some people it is still a Skoda but most people see it as a small lifestile estate with a bit more class than Ford or Vauxhall.
Comfort
Firm seats are comfortable on long journeys, Rear seat good for 3 children or two adults. Good soundproofing, but optional 14" wheels give bumpy ride on country roads.
-
Security and Service
Security
Remote tailgate and driver's door only modes are well thought out and very useful. Lack of rear electric windows spoils central locking.
Service
Service and customer care is excellent.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Clutch master cylinder failed within 5000 miles.
Other
Steering rack sensor failure within 5000 miles - lost power assistance when turning left.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes