Has the plastic in the cabin started to squeak and rattle yet? Diesel engines in a small car are not really a good idea. Too much vibration! I think Continental tyres are excellent. Never been as happey with any other make once I have had to replace the original (continental) tyres on any of my Skodas.

But the Fabia isn't really a small car, is it? Cars have gradually got larger and heavier: this is larger and heavier than a MK1 Golf, and not far off a MK2.

The build quality would appear to be excellent. I wouldn't swap this for a petrol engine: diesels are so advanced these days, that a petrol engine feels like a step backwards. The enormous low-down torque is something I would miss enormously, as is the amazing fuel economy.

The Continental tyres aren't very progressive at the moment, although that may improve with time. I've found Goodyear tyres to be hugely progressive, which allows even an amateur driver like me to have full control over long drifts. These feel a little snappy at the moment.

No tyres are at their best when brand new. Is the Fabia bigger than a Mk 1 golf?, don't hey use a fabia dash board in the SA CitiGolf (Mk 1 body)? I know the build quality is good, but the vibration form a diesel engine eventually loosens the best car interior and the smaller the car the quicker this happens. My Dads Fabia Tdi already squeaks more than my 5 year old petrol Octy LX. It is however nice to drive and economical.

The weight of the steering can be adjusted by your dealer. I think there are about 9 steps in the adjustment range, from 'girlie button' light to orangutan heavy.

Is the Fabia bigger than a Mk 1 golf?, don't hey use a fabia dash board in the SA CitiGolf (Mk 1 body)? I know the build quality is good, but the vibration form a diesel engine eventually loosens the best car interior and the smaller the car the quicker this happens. My Dads Fabia Tdi already squeaks more than my 5 year old petrol Octy LX. It is however nice to drive and economical.

I don't accept that diesels are less smooth than petrol engines these days. My car appears to have excellent engine mounts and sound proofing: I can't even hear the engine above 30 mph, and their isn't even any vibration transmitted through the gearstick. Any vibration is firmly absorbed before it gets anywhere near the interior.

The Mk1 Golf weighed 810 kg, the Mk2 weighed about 1200 kg, and the Fabia vRS weighs over 1300 kg. As I said, the Fabia isn't really a small car.

bryand,

Are dealers normally happy to alter the weight of the steering? I might get them to ratchet it up a notch at the first service, in that case...

I don't accept that diesels are less smooth than petrol engines these days. My car appears to have excellent engine mounts and sound proofing: I can't even hear the engine above 30 mph, and their isn't even any vibration transmitted through the gearstick. Any vibration is firmly absorbed before it gets anywhere near the interior.

Different people say this and yet it is just not my experience. Every diesel I have driven including new models (Focus TDci, Fiesta turbo diesel, Pug 307 turbo diesel, my Dads Furby 1.9 Tdi, VW Golf TDi, Skoda Felicia 1.9D) have all been very noisey compared with petrol versions (admit only ever driven a diesel Golf, but have driven both for all the others).

I work with plenty of luddites who claim diesel engines are for generators. Are you sure the Focus was a TDCi? I found that to be quieter and much faster than the 1.8 petrol engine, particularly at speed. However, this engine does need to be run in to around 3,000 miles, before it really quietens down (the engine uses knock sensors, which allow the engine to recalibrate itself to minimise noise after a certain period of time).

Diesels are a little bit noisier around town, but I really can't hear my engine on fast 'A' roads and motorways.

The Focus is a TDCi and it was the worst of the lot (well except for the Felicia). It sounds like you are driving a tractor. Prob the smoothest diesel was the 307. If it was not for the heavy price premium for a diesel car I would be attracted for the economy, but at the mileage that our second (non vRS) car does a diesel would not be economic. Also if economy was not an issue I would always plump for a petrol engine. Once had a skoda sales man try and tell me an Octy SDi would not feel under powered because of its torque! Rubbish.

bryand' date='

Are dealers normally happy to alter the weight of the steering? I might get them to ratchet it up a notch at the first service, in that case...[/quote']

Yes, it's one of a number of things that can be adjusted electronically, either by a dealer using their diagnostic tools or by anyone with a VAG-COM diagnostic interface and a laptiop computer (see the my Diagnostics forum for more details).

Cheers Bryand! I'd spotted a few other tweaks on this forum, but I hadn't realised the dealers were happy to make them.