Skoda Fabia vRS 1.9 TDI PD Review

“I am a bit of a geek when it comes to research. I...”

Written on: 12/08/2005 by 88andyb88 (1 review written)

Good Points
Performance. Cost. Economy. Build. Respect is uncommon (though the word is spreading).
Being different.

Bad Points
Addictive - potential for points! (but that's just me)

General Comments
I am a bit of a geek when it comes to research. I wanted an entertaining but frugal drive. I looked at the likes of Smart Roadster, Fiesta Zetec-S etc... I undertook 3 months of my own research, and came up with this unlikely offering from Skoda.. The skoda Fabia VRS!


The more reviews and forums I read, the more impressed I became.


So, I took a test drive. It was when I put my foot down; leaving a 30mph zone that sold it to me. I was at 60mph in a few seconds!! WOW - serious in gear acceleration. Ride, cornering and feel were good. Build excellent. No intrusive diesel clatter from engine bay. An attractive if understated car. Residual value on the VRS is good (over 50% 3yrs).


I was initially dubious of the cream edged sport seats, but happy to say, 6000 miles later, I love them, and they are still clean!


This car is great all-round for the ££££'s in stock (130bhp), but give it a Dragon chip mod or ECU re-map (up to 200bhp), and you are looking at a seriously fast car!! I have mine Dragon chipped (setting 14), to at least 160bhp (cost of £220+- plug-n-go). My average fuel consumption is at 46mpg from new - fantastic considering I have a heavy right foot!! Most people get better mpg than me, up to 60 I'm told.


I'm 29 and like (conditions permitting - and in a responsible manner:)) to "give it sum beans!" as they say. This car is classed as a warm hatch, I'd say the hotter end of warm. Just watch the faces of those; BMW, Merc, VW, Audi drivers when I pass/leave em. What fun!!


Ok, I love this car!! - I love driving it - looking at it - talking about it. My gorgeous 26 yr old girlfriend loves it too!! (Esp. the air-con glove box!?)


I am quite normal!! I just have a couple of passions in this life - and my SKODA FABIA VRS is one of them!! Enjoy