Decided to replace the VRS battery even though the old battery is pretty much ok. Never been really happy with the original battery which at 540 Crank Amps and 61Ah reserve, is a bit weak for a diesel. So I dropped in a calcium beast 680 Amps for cranking and 75Ah reserve

Pretty sure this thing could jump start a jumbo jet

Headlights barely flicker at idle when steering turned to full lock.

Down side, the monster was £99

Hope you don't mind the questions; - What is the expected life of such a monster? Is it the same physical size to fit the existing carrier?

Hope you don't mind the questions; - What is the expected life of such a monster? Is it the same physical size to fit the existing carrier?

4 Year no quibble warranty, so I would expect to get 6 years out of it. Physically bigger than the standard battery, but does fit with no problems (it is a listed battery for the VRS)

Halfords part number HBC0096 if you want the exact size.

I believe Fabia diesels for cold climates get the monster battery. So well suited to Scotland

I noticed with the standard battery from cold starts first thing, the ASR and ABS warning lights would go out, then come back on for a couple of seconds after starting the engine. Thought this might be a self test if car not used for some time. They don't do it with the big battery, so I suspect the original battery isn't really up to the job.

Would explain all the PAS/ABS post we see here during winter.