PDIBK

Defo the TDI runs out of puff, but then a) It is a TDI Only 1.6 c) Only 105bhp I too occasionally have the gear thing and wonder if it can stop a funny way at swith off and cause the box to move or something weird? Shouldn't but who knows - some days, in I jump and off I go. Others, it's like doing the can-can with your clutch leg!

Isn't it called inflation? And being spoilt for too long on VAT free offers? When they end, nobody likes the "real" price. I happen to agree on pricing on some models - on a recent CAR test, the Golf GTI as tested was cheaper than the Octavia. I mean, really, why would you? The only benefit I can see is the bigger boot and/or the estate option. But, I would also agree with the Skoda dealer mentality of the Rapid Spaceback being a thinking man's A3 Sportback...

Can anyone say whether the rear suspension on the Fabia can be corrected? My Dad's last Fabia (his current one is a couple of years old, so would have been 08 or so) pulled and he was told (bear with me, it was a while ago and from what Dad said, to paraphrase): "the rear suspension cannot be adjusted on a Fabia, you're better off shot of it". I can't remember if that was a Skoda dealer or a tyre dealership having done an alignment test. He had not spanked the car on anything. Does anyone know if that sounds right and if it could be contributing to some of the posters' problems - a chassis fault that cannot be fixed (too much rear suspension "twist"?) and what could be done? Or is there a tree that I'm barking up? Or is

The CR doesn't like to potter about too much - sure, you can snick it up a gear at 2000rpm or below, but it feels laboured and I always have to really TRY to do that. I don't drive around like a lunatic, but accelerating onto A-roads, onto busy roads from junctions etc seems to give it enough beans to clear itself - I haven't had a forced regen since the first week and haven't smelt the burning rubber smell for ages - so it must be coping without special treatment.

Well I'm at 18,000, so not bad. Still 5mm at the rear. That was about £140 for the two boots. Couldn't do better for similar mid-range tyres anywhere I looked. I think it's the funny size. OEM Dunlop Sportmaxx's were in at about £110 each!! I did the research, looked at tyre reviews, euro ratings etc and am happy that the Kumhos aren't just cheap rubbish.

Yeah - 0% makes a difference if the screen price is a few thousand different. I'd rather have a new car for a bit more, on 0% than the used car on 8.9%. The clincher may be what they can do for the Monte vs whatever they have to offer. I don't knw, but I wonder if they can do better deals against one versus the other, if it makes a difference to their margins.

It does seem bizarre that you can buy any trim/spec level in any engine/gearbox/body combo, until you get to the VRs. Then it's Petrol+DSG or nothing. Why can't they have a petrol and diesel "Halo" model? Gearbox should always be an option IMHO, but Renault (and others) have shown that flappy paddle is the way forward, so by only offering it, you may cut your customer base. For me the deciding factor would be how I planned to use it - current driving means a TSI can get close to TDI for economy, costs less to buy in the first place, less to fuel at the pumps and is probably a bit lighter to boot...however, if I was doing longer journeys again, the promise of 50+mpg in a TDI could be tempting, especially a small one with power not usually seen until the class above. As for kit, the bits mentioned above (fatigue monitoring, lane changing etc) are they not just expensive gimicks? Are they available on cars of a similar class (Polo, A1, i30, 208, etc)? There would be little point in adding things ONLY to the VRS (less engine options) - it would become too niche and cost too much to produce.

Some sort of IT wobble - double upload!

So folks, last week saw Rossi in for new front boots, following the revelation at the service that BOTH fronts were slashed on the inside, doubtless by pothole damage and also low on tread (c.3mm). I shopped around - Black Circles, Event Tyres, local fitters, National stockists etc. Nobody could beat Black Circles after about a month's research (thanks to Sparkly for the assist on Event though - they were close). I ended up plumping for Kumho Ecstas at about £70 per tyre, got triple Tesco clubcard points too. The downside was the fitting - the prefered local fitter (Black Circles recommended) was a Vauxhall dealer, who were shocking...enough of that. the tyres felt good on the drive back and around for the rest of the day, a bit more feel (admittedly the Dunlops were apparently worn AND torn) and felt marginally better on the bumpy stuff. However, more time is needed to confirm them overall and a back to back ride in the Golf confirmed that they may be better than the Sportmaxx's, but "there ain't no substitute for sidewall flex" in ride comfort terms...(to misquote the cubic capacity line).

So folks, last week saw Rossi in for new front boots, following the revelation at the service that BOTH fronts were slashed on the inside, doubtless by pothole damage and also low on tread (c.3mm). I shopped around - Black Circles, Event Tyres, local fitters, National stockists etc. Nobody could beat Black Circles after about a month's research (thanks to Sparkly for the assist on Event though - they were close). I ended up plumping for Kumho Ecstas at about £70 per tyre, got triple Tesco clubcard points too. The downside was the fitting - the prefered local fitter (Black Circles recommended) was a Vauxhall dealer, who were shocking...enough of that. the tyres felt good on the drive back and around for the rest of the day, a bit more feel (admittedly the Dunlops were apparently worn AND torn) and felt marginally better on the bumpy stuff. However, more time is needed to confirm them overall and a back to back ride in the Golf confirmed that they may be better than the Sportmaxx's, but "there ain't no substitute for sidewall flex" in ride comfort terms...(to misquote the cubic capacity line).

And we shouldn't forget, it will often be down to what the editor can secure for the test on the day...no rhyme or reason.

Thanks for all your responses. I've spoken to my friendly local Skoda dealer and aim to visit tomorrow - they have a Spaceback as a demonstrator and some Octavia estates. I'll chat the deal, but as Mrs PDI prefers the spaceback... My decisions will be based on available models (petrol, diesel, spec levels), new/used (depends on price and px deal) etc. I'll let you guys know, as I may be moving forums!

I don't understand the garage reference - just put the car in the other way around? And the ride on the VRS (I'm led to believe) is comparable to my Monte Carlo - hard. Does your mum really need a 180BHP VRS, or would a 1.2 TSI with DSG in Elegance spec meet the requirement? Or even a Monte Tech (VRS look-alike).

Some people seem to be getting a lot of regens! I have noticed four in nearly two years, because it was higher idle and the "burnt rubber" smell was evident when I got out. Those that are getting weekly regens, obvious to them, are you just doing short trips? I only ask, as I'm thinking of changing cars soon and may go petrol, because we're doing way less miles. Extra cost of the diesel engine to buy, extra cost of fuel, worry of not effecting DPF regen...all adds up to a pointer to petrol!

Guys, I'm thinking of changing the wife's company Golf and my Fabia in to one "family" car. Does anyone have any idea if the Rapid's legroom is comparable to the Golf? I see the boot is slightly larger (so the dog will be happy). I'm looking at the weekend, but just thought I'd ask first. If it isn't, it might have to be an Octavia.