seanders

Could just be your alternator drawing more engine power to charge the batter too. It does happen to my car too. The gearing might be longer in my A3 because it's a 5 speed but she does pick up in 3rd for sure.

You've got the same engine as is in my A3, and the 1000 RPM idle is normal if the auxiliary draw is high e.g lights on, AC/interior fans or heating on etc. DPF usually isnt a problem if you're routinely getting engine up to operating temperature, but a spirited drive every now and then doesn't hurt. 3rd gear at 80/100 km/h around a few twisty backroads and she'll be spotless Nice car fella, as I've said before.

I'd love to find a set of the VRS spiders as they really suit the Fabia, currently have Japan Racing JR11's on mine and they match well to the car but I do agree that the ride is a bit rough on some roads with lower profile tyres + stiffer suspension

Ace job Luke, looks very well done

Looks very good for a DIY job man, should clean up well once paint is on. Will have to do this to a few nasty rust spots on my Fabia as well but a bit scared to mess with paint 😞

Lovely car man, she looks mint. I've got a TDI Fabia in Ireland too and I can highly recommend putting it on lowering springs/stiffer suspension as well as some wider alloys to really take advantage of some of the nice back roads we have (in Cork anyway). It completely changes how the car handles, eliminates body roll around corners and roundabouts. Gives you a lot more confidence to have a bit of fun with the zippy little things.