I've read the replies to this thread with interest as I've just gone through the process of test-driving 3 of the 4 cars in the AE test so here's my thoughts on them:

Don't worry I ordered the Skoda

Peugeot 207SW 1.6Hdi:

Quite a nice car I thought.

Good points are flat load sill and opening tailgate window. Quite like the styling too.

Bad points are not as big boot as Fabia or Clio and performance a bit flat.

Renault Clio Sport Tourer Dci 86:

Disappointed overall.

Good points - flat load sill. Good performance & quiet.

Bad points - Bit flimsy inside. Boot too shallow. Spec not good for the price and expensive to lease as a company car.

Skoda Fabia 1.4TDi Estate:

Solid all-rounder.

Good points - cheaper than others. Felt more solid to drive and better screwed together. Boot huge and practical. Good spec for the price and cheap options. Good performance for a small engine.

Bad points - rolls a bit if you drive it hard.

My conclusion is pretty much what others have been saying - the Skoda is a better car in the real world and as my wife has done 72K in her Fabia 1 with no problems it wasn't a hard decision in the end.

Be interesting to see if a car mag does a long-term test on one.

Just have to wait until mid-October for my Fabia 3 Estate now!

I've read the replies to this thread with interest as I've just gone through the process of test-driving 3 of the 4 cars in the AE test so here's my thoughts on them:

Don't worry I ordered the Skoda

Peugeot 207SW 1.6Hdi:

Quite a nice car I thought.

Good points are flat load sill and opening tailgate window. Quite like the styling too.

Bad points are not as big boot as Fabia or Clio and performance a bit flat.

Renault Clio Sport Tourer Dci 86:

Disappointed overall.

Good points - flat load sill. Good performance & quiet.

Bad points - Bit flimsy inside. Boot too shallow. Spec not good for the price and expensive to lease as a company car.

Skoda Fabia 1.4TDi Estate:

Solid all-rounder.

Good points - cheaper than others. Felt more solid to drive and better screwed together. Boot huge and practical. Good spec for the price and cheap options. Good performance for a small engine.

Bad points - rolls a bit if you drive it hard.

My conclusion is pretty much what others have been saying - the Skoda is a better car in the real world and as my wife has done 72K in her Fabia 1 with no problems it wasn't a hard decision in the end.

Be interesting to see if a car mag does a long-term test on one.

Just have to wait until mid-October for my Fabia 3 Estate now!

A very sensible and logical choice plus mid October will soon arrive. Besides it is something to look forward to.

AE are at it again this week via their New Car Honours 2008 - in their opinion, the best Supermini MPV is the Nissan Note with the Roomster commended. Best Supermini goes to the Vauxhall Corsa with the Mazda2 and Mini commended.

Hmmm!

I reckon it's up to the individual, I would not have a French car again after having 3 (Renaults) and not liking them at all.

The motoring press reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt IMO. Example:-

Ford Ka was given 5 out of 5 stars at launch i.e. perfect!

Ford Focus 5 stars at launch...perfect

Ford Mondeo 5 stars...perfect

Who's kidding who? I would sooner take note of JD Power or Parkers owners reviews are good.

I have to agree with Little Jo too.

I spoke with someone from my local dealer and they said Journos drive cars like they are GTIs

I know of one girl who said she had nothing but problems on her 2002 Corsa but when she told me how she drove it I wasn't surprised! My sister had a corsa and hers never had the problems of that persons.

Also keeping the balanced through the bend carries the momentum and allows a more brisk journey than the accelerate then brake harsh method of some other drivers who don't realise the concept of going round a bend.

Reviews are good but they aren't the be all and end all of a car.