I've just upsized from the Fabia 1 vRS to an Estate Model - 1.9TDi to the "3" Spec - I needed more space for guitars & gear that I transport around.

Initial impressions is that it's less refined than the vRS mainly due to engine noise - quite rough through the gears but ok on the motorway - maybe it'll smooth out with age ?

The upside is it's noticably less thirsty than the vRS - my best in that was high 40s whereas my first trip in the Estate this weekend gave me 52mpg and this on an engine that has only done 4,000 miles.

Inside it feels cavernous compare to the vRS but overall dimensions are not that different - I parked them side by side and was surprised how little the difference was. Maybe the extra height makes the spacious impact.

I'm hoping for the same incredible reliability as the vRS (30 months & 32k miles) other than standard 10k servicing all I had to pay for was one headlight bulb and windscreen wash.

welcome mate, can never have enough guitars

Hi and welcome to the Fab 2 club! I too have the estate version but with the 1.4TDI engine. I have a friend who has the 1.9TDI. Both of us have found the engines become much quieter, more powerful and smoother as the miles go on the clock. It will be at least 10,000 miles before you get full power and best fuel economy, and possibly longer...the engines are very tight when new. Add to this the fact diesels are notoriously difficult to run in due to the high lubricity of the fuel trying to prevent valuable metal to metal contact during running in between cylinder bores and piston rings. In other words, just keep driving it and enjoying it knowing it gets better and better. Don't be afraid to give it plenty of work to do. You will see!

Yep, you should notice a difference after about 6-8,000 miles. I also have a Fab 3 estate - 13,000 miles on the clock and it's definitely quiter and smoother. My fab's still a lot noiser and rougher than my bro-in-law's new Audi A3 2.0 TDi mind you, but he paid twice as much as I did for the privilege. And I have cruise control and climate control too!

Thanks for the replies guys. I agree about the engine - my vRS had 30k+ miles and was very refined and performance was just coming to the boil nicely I think.

First week over in the Estate - nice drive and performance is lively enough.

Seats not as comfy as vRS and overall it seems a bit flimsier - switchgear not as chunky and rear doors don't have the same reassuring clunk when closing them.

On the positive side, economy looks a lot better (even this early) and it's got full climate control which even Mrs P can understand and operate.

Is this post allowed here?

Is this post allowed here?

No, now reported as spam :(

and gone.

Noticed that dodgy post at luchtime - wonder why she picked on me to spam - not that I'm paranoid or anything

Sorry! ...Thought it might look like that, after i sent reply! (can't add an embarrassed smile)