Fabia 3 1.4 16v first impressions

[Little Jo]

Well, I've had a new Fabia 3 estate a couple of days now, so I thought I'd post some first impressions. After 17 years of driving Vauxhalls, I've been impressed by the way the Fabia has been designed. It's a well designed package of features that is very practical and convenient.

Firstly, how it looks: It's a good design. Easy on the eye, but no gimmicks. Some modern cars designers have become so obsessed with ergonomics that the design ceases to be practical. Skoda have kept funtionality, but it's still a nice car to look at.

Comfort: The seats are superb. Compared to the Vauxhalls, it's much more supportive and the high seating position is really good. The adjustments on the seat and the steering mean both petite little me and my tall husband can get comfortable. All the controls are light, but there's enough feedback through the steering that you don't feel there's no contact with what the car's doing. I like the gearchange too.

Space/storage: Simply fabulous. The boot, with it's pockets etc means it's a good family car. The Fabia estate is some 10-15 cm longer than my Astra hatch, but that extra space is put to very good use. The glove boxes and other cubby holes in the cabin are useful too. I do like the underseat storage. The spectacle holder in the roof is a nice touch.

Nice surprises: The Skoda spec makes no mention of the adjustable intermittent wipe, and that's a really useful feature. The maxidot computer is good too. I like the stereo - sounds good and it's easy to use. Instruments are clear. Climate control works a treat - no more being blasted with very cold air!

Driving experience: Everything is still very tight, so we're taking it easy while we get used to the different characteristics. Engine is willing, the gearing in 4th and 5th is longer than my Astra's close ratio gearbox and while it means coming down a gear on occasions, it does make for nice relaxed cruising. Even on our first trip, the computer stabilised at a steady 42 mpg, cruising at 60 mph on dual-carriageways and A roads.

Steering is precise and the suspension is good despite those 16" alloys.

Summary: We love the car. If things continue as they've started, we will be very happy indeed. I'll be using the car for my daily commute on A, B and C roads. It will do that trip very nicely indeed.

Jo

[Reece_1]

Thats a nice write up there, agree about the design having seen one a few days ago it suits the car well. That storm blue looks a nice colour too.

Seems the level 3 is the best spec to get then.

[sharkrider]

and it'll just get better as it loosens up

[Little Jo]

It's done just over 353 miles now and is improving day by day. Just had its central locking programmed to lock the doors when I pull away as an extra safeguard. Also had a small strip of rubber trip at the base of the A pillar glued back into place.

Fuel economy is improving despite using the climate control during the hot spell. Brakes are bedding in - which is reassuring.

Yes, we're happy Skoda drivers! Living up to the advert - though I'm still being asked what it tastes like, whether the brakes are spongy and whether I'd stocked up on Golden Syrup.

[woodenspatulas]

Originally Posted by Little Jo

Living up to the advert - though I'm still being asked what it tastes like, whether the brakes are spongy and whether I'd stocked up on Golden Syrup.

beats being asked if the rear heated window works well enough to keep your hands warm while you push it! lol

glad your happy with it! im loving my level 3 demo too. im also from vx backgrounds and i have to agree with your comments there.

oh and your also so right about the climate. its also good in the cold days, it wont blast you with cold air and waits till its got some heat before turning up the fans

[Little Jo]

beats being asked if the rear heated window works well enough to keep your hands warm while you push it! lol

.....but has it been suggested that you park in the shade in case the icing melts?

That Skoda advert has a lot to answer for. I've even been asked what the best before date is! I've been offered cream to go with my jelly rear lights......is this a taste of things to come??? (Sorry couldn't resist the pun!)

Anybody else had any funny remarks that take the micky of the Skoda Fabia ad, or is it just me?

Jo

[stevehowes]

Oh i have had plenty:

(Before it arrived)
Friend 1: Where is your new car then?
Friend 2: They are just doing the icing

"What flavour is it then?"

[MikeyG]

Originally Posted by stevehowes

Oh i have had plenty:

(Before it arrived)
Friend 1: Where is your new car then?
Friend 2: They are just doing the icing

"What flavour is it then?"

[Little Jo]

Tee hee hee - at least we've all got a sense of humour - we can handle it!

I'll have to clean mine this week, it's covered in dead flies. We have had a couple of summers where there was a distinct lack of flying bugs to mess up the car - but not this year. Got a really juicy bug yesterday - I had to get my Autoglym glass cleaner out last night.

I got a net for the boot floor and it really does help stop things flying around the boot, well worth the money and dead easy to fit.

I'm wilting! Time for an ice cream me thinks.