Fab 1

How easy is it to remove the seat backs and bases? I can do it in a trice on my Mark 2, where there's a simple revolving circlip on the back pivots, and the bases are just held by wire clips. Just requires the bolt holding the central seat belt fastening to be undone. Reveals the true Fabia load capacity!

Whoops, things have moved on...what do I need to know about Smartlink? Had my last Skoda 10 years...and haven't been following, and have no blokey mates to explain. Yes, it'll talk to my phone, but are there any probs or charges once the dealer has set it up?

I've been to the Skoda dealership here and they are adamant the Mark 3 estate seats do not come out like the video. Feeling pretty fed up!

Thanks everyone. Yes, the seat bases can come out, but buy a spare set of grommets first. Skoda, what a retrograde design step. Now, what about the seat backs. On my Mark 2 they weigh about 40kg. You can remove them by taking a screwdriver to push round the circular circlip on the outside pivot position, unscrewing the central seat belt fixing, then pulling each back out sideways to take the bottom pivot out of the holding cylinder. Voila, a 2-seater estate. Doddle, done it many times. Is the Mark 3 the same?

Thanks Gumdrop, but this isn't the Mark 3

So, my impression is those that say no haven't investigated, and just take the handbook/dealer's word for it. I'd love to hear if someone's succeeded, before I commit to buying a Mark 3.

Anyone know if the estate rear seat backs fold flat as they did beautifully on the Mk 2 (yes I know there's a step, but do they go horizontal?) Also, do the seat bases fold forward against the front seat backs, or indeed even come out? Thanks

The latest Fabia Estate (mk 3) doesn't seem to have easily removable back seat rests, or indeed bases. Skoda showroom staff are hopeless when it comes to this. Driving our Mk 2 alone to Spain, I remove the seats, take my fitted window blinds, a portapotti, and make up a full length bed for me and the Jack Russell. Means I can stop anywhere, no costly single occupancy pet friendly hotel rooms, four times for the return trip, and can maximise driving time. So my questions are (this is our 3rd Combi, we've loved it for 10 years, it out functions our new Golf all-the-toys GTI); 1. Anyone know if the Mk 3 seats can be easily removed totally? 2. I've had this one 10 out of it's 11 years and must sadly think to replace. Given an £18k budget and all the world's cars (sacrilege) to choose from, what else could I buy that comes anywhere close? PS, I thought the Rapide offered nothing.

Just had a road spring go on my 8 year old Fabia! And 4 months ago on our Golf GTI. 1. Can springs work-harden? 2. Is this noted with greater frequency on VW group cars?

Bit of an anticlimax really, but then I was about to sit down and talk prices. Yes, I was shown a Mark 3 Fabia Estate...the SE, which I'm interested in, and briefly, the SEL. In both instances, the rear seat base is virtually the same as on the Mark 2; split and able to fold forward or be removed. We were out on the forecourt. When asked what I was shown a few days ago, the salesman said he supposed it must have been the basic trim model (S?), which I can confirm has a single piece seat base, which probably doesn't fold or come out. So I'm sorted...the SE is what I'll get, though I'm dismayed that the only colour you can have is dark blue, without paying more, and the range is boring, except for the metaĺlic green, which is too exciting for long term ownership. So, the sales staff have learnt something, and I resisted making the point. If carrying capacity is important (why else would you buy the Fabia Estate, even though its lines are prettier than the hatch), it's a point to remember. Thanks again to everyone for their comments.

Many thanks everyone....my meeting with a mechanic and sales person at my local dealer is set for Thursday afternoon. It will be interesting. I will report back, and in the meantime, phone the other two main dealers I spoke to and ask them to refer to p65 of the manual and look again!

Just to add, of course, I am familiar with the variable boot floor. The step up isn't an issue, what is though, is the awful slope of the rear seat backs with the immovable rear seat base in the way. Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

Ah, Crash 67, very interesting. The new estate I saw in the dealers had a single piece rear seat base. This video clearly shows a car with a two-piece rear seat base, folded up to allow the seat backs to fold forward more horizontally, albeit not completely flat. I have phoned a couple more main dealers who say the rear seat base does NOT fold up. The conclusion is that Skoda have changed the rear seats after early versions of the three series. Interesting, but a pain in the proverbial.

Help...I'm about to replace my 3rd Fabia Estate, moving from a Series 2 now to a Series 3. The Skoda salesman indicated the rear seat squab is now in one piece, doesn't lift up and fold forward, or even come out completely. This would prevent the rear seat backs from folding flat...a really serious problem for load carrying. Is this true? I'm thinking of making a second visit, and asking one of their mechanics to come out and show me it's true. If so, I'll have to look at Golf estates, but the price means it won't be new!

It may be that comment on individual dealers is not permitted, but if it is, I would just like the chance to say how pleased I was with D M Kieth of York. I travelled up from London to collect my perfect car; 2009 Fabia estate, 2, 80BHP TDI, and very low mileage. Unfortunately, a relatively new and inexperienced salesman there (no longer, I think) whose performance was below that expected, failed to ensure all was ready. The result was a perfect bodywork repair by my local London dealer, all sorted (at significant expense) by D M Kieth. Full marks for care and consideration for a customer who - not unrealistically because of the distance - they are unlikely to see again!