Hello!
I am from the USA and now live in Sweden. In the US I've had many VW's over the years; a bunch of MK2 Jetta GLIs and GTIs, a G60 Corrado, a 98 Jetta GT, 98 GTI VR6, (then played with Hondas and Subarus for awhile), finally returning to a 2017 GTI Sport and most recently a 2018 GTI Autobahn with all the bells and whistles. I've also followed the WRC for many years so was aware of Skoda as a brand previously, though they are not sold in the USA of course (nor is even the VW Polo).
I was looking for a smaller more efficient car in Sweden but hoping to stay in the VAG family, and picked up this 2018 Fabia Monte Carlo (1.0 TSI DSG) a few months ago.
I have a few complaints, but overall it's proven to be a great car. I love the way it looks inside and out, and the seats (sport) are among the most comfortable I've ever had. I've gone on quite a few 4-8 hour drives so far.
I only wish they made the Fabia with a 1.4-2.0 TSI and AWD!