Skoda Fabia Hatchback (2007 - 2014) 1.2 TDI CR GreenLine II 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Those in the know about Skoda know what a good deal you get and how fantastic they are for the price. I think it suggests I am sensible, and you sometimes find other drivers try to take advantage because of that. I like to compare it to a Prius: same emissions but less than half the price!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Initial reaction tends to be that it's a sensible car, and not over the top. When I tell people about the fuel economy, most people are stunned.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely would buy another Skoda. We may look to upsize next time so I would consider an Octavia or Superb, but would definitely get the Greenline version.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably a Skoda Octavia Estate (Greenline).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£11,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got a good deal as Skoda were offering to pay the VAT on all new Fabias. Similar offers seem to crop up from time to time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Purchased for low emissions and high fuel economy, and chose Skoda because of their reputation for value for money.

What was the dealer like?

Fantastic - this was our first brand new car, and they explained everything to us and kept us informed. There was no pressure and they didn't patronise us either.

What's it like to drive?

Great to drive. Like all diesels there is a bit of a lag which takes some getting used to but once it's going it's fine. Don't let the engine size fool you: this has plenty of power. OK, it won't win a drag race, and it won't like being driven at 80mph plus but that's not what you buy a car like this for. Fuel economy starts to drop dramatically above about 75mph, but you don't have to drive it too gently to get good returns. Handles well like most small cars, and has very good visibility due to the design of the windows.

What's it like to park?

We added rear parking sensors because of the prevalance of small concrete pillars everywhere in South East London, and because parking can be tight on our road, but you don't really need them otherwise (not even sure if they're an option any more). It's small and fits into tiny gaps, and is very easy to control while reversing, with the Hill Hold Control providing an extra bit of help when reverse parking up a hill.

Have you had any problems with the car?

We had a few teething problems initially: the intermittent wipers and start-stop failed to work. After much investigation this was found to be due to a loose sensor under the bonnet, and the problem was swiftly rectified.

What's most practical about your car?

The fuel economy is amazing, and gets better as the engine gets run in. The listed figure is 83mpg, and it seems achievable. On a good run the best I have achieved so far was 81mpg, though figures in the 70s are more common for long trips and in the high 60s for shorter journeys.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Few small cars have cruise control, and I absolutely love it. It really helps with the fuel economy by helping you to maintain a constant speed, which can be difficult when you're driving normally because of the engine size.