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.