Skoda Fabia Hatchback (2007 - 2014) 1.2 TSI (105bhp) Elegance 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Wise men spend their money wisely. Don't listen to negative hype - Fabias are cool, practical & cute!

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

Neighbours like it, work colleagues like it, wife likes it, adult kids still mock me about it but are not so ashamed when it comes to getting a lift in a Skoda, as they have been doing so since 1999. Besides - Dads are meant to be embarrassing!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - size, shape, space it takes up, looks, fitted equipment.

What are you likely to buy next?

I have no idea, probably supermini sized, petrol engine & good equipment specification.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

The specific car I bought was a full £1000 cheaper than any other national offer, was the colour & spec that I wanted. I had to travel quite a few miles to the dealer, they kept the car available until I was free to make the trip without taking any deposit over the phone. They gave me a bracketed trade-in price over the phone for my 55 plate Superb which was inline with what I expected & on viewing my car fell just short of their top offer price by £100, this I accepted as the car had a 'scratch to plastic' damage to the car on the front bumper which I had been quoted £125-150 to repair. Although I know my old car is up for sale at a much higher price, the independent garage still has to provide a warranty & ten weeks on still have the car to sell.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Fitted equipment / specification, engine size, output & economy, colour & offer price. Have owned other Skodas & am happy with build, finish & brand reliability. Overall size of the car as a downsize from a Skoda Superb.

What was the dealer like?

Very good to deal with, no pressure selling. The dealership staff were friendly, mixed in age group, relaxed in their style & even the coffee was nice! Their loan APR was competitive & by taking that provided vouchers for Skoda accessories & free servicing.

What's it like to drive?

Very easy, great visibility, All the controls are where you want them & are easy to use. I mostly drive for economy, however when required the acceleration is responsive & effortless, as is the pulling power for the hills, even fully laden. It is quiet on the open road & does not skip about too much with the current poor state of our roads, some of that will be the trade off of the 45 profile tyres on 16" wheels, which do give secure cornering. Overall the suspension is well designed & gives a good overall balanced drive. Despite it's boxy looks' it does not get blown around too much.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, the steering is light, the front does not drop away so it cannot be judged. The interior space of the car is good so the rear is not much further than the visible inside of the rear window. The reversing sensors work well as does the visual distance display, if not up to the standard of reversing cameras available on other cars. In addition to this the radio all but mutes the volume when reverse is engaged & if the wipers are on then the rear wiper also gives a swish - brilliant.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No, I have had the car for over ten weeks now, I like Skodas, they are well put together, this Fabia being my third.

What's most practical about your car?

For a small car the Fabia shape is perfect, great all-round visibility, seatin positions suit my age, slightly more upright, easy access / egress. Good roof height, especially in the back, my lad is over 6'3" & can sit upright in the rear, the rear passengers also get clear vision from the side windows. Boot is a good size & took four of us away for a week.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control was top of my list, I use it nearly all of the time, it is about the best way to keep within the speed limit, especially as I went from a large diesel to a petrol engine which is a totally different driving experience. Also the climate aircon is much nicer with rotary controls than buttons. Also like the reversing sensors. The average fuel consumption computer is so accurate.