1.2 6v Mk2 vs lots of Mk1s I've had

I'm down in Dorset visiting my parents for a few days and used Mum's little Fabia to go from Weymouth to Bournemouth last night (Round trip 90 miles). I currently have a 1.9TDI Elegance Combi as my daily driver and have owned and used a number of Fabia Mk1s since 2002 although they have all been SDI, 1.4TDI or 1.9TDI diesel models I realised as I was setting off that I've never had a decent drive in a petrol Fabia or a Mk2.

I had previously been a little predjudiced agaist the MK2 for a number of reasons. Firstly I feel that the Mk1 was an excepionally pretty little car and the styling was so 'right' that it was difficult for Skoda to improve upon it in the 2004 facelift (similar situation for Peugeot when they came to update Pininfarina's beautiful 205).

Secondly, the Mk2 has lost some of the originals 'feel good' features for example the mental old school skoda seat fabrics and the way they have moved the bonnet release to the passenger side.

Thirdly a friend who's Skoda ownership history surpasses even my own bought a 1.2 Sport to replace his similar spec 07 Mk1 and hated it so much that he traded it for an Octavia TDI after just 3 months.

Here are my comparisons

Mum's car is a July 09 Fabia 1 6v in white (blue seats) with 15" Alloys, side rubbing strips, glovebox and under seat storage it's now covered 3000 miles.

The 1 spec is miles better than the old classic spec in the Mk1 you do not feel that you are in a stripped out base model although they really benefit from alloys and side rubbing strips. The only glaring omission is tinted glass which cheapens the look of the car. Seat trim is great quality and although the 1 has the hard dash it is well put together and doesn't rattle there is a really pleasing lack of blanking plates so you're not constantly reminded that you've bought the cheap version.

I have found the comfort of the Mk2 far better than the older car. The seats are firm,well shaped and the driving position is great. I personally like the austere style of the Mk1 dash, but the Mk2s is modern attractive and well laid out. I found the Dance radio excellent for such a cheap car.

The ride on 15" wheel was much bouncier than the smooth ride of Mk1s I have used, however, I found the newer car far less likely to understeer (The 1.2 must be far lighter over the front wheels than the heavy diesels I'm familiar with).

The 6v engine is a noisy companion at 70mph+ but is a revvy little chap and gives the car a charming utility feel I was amazed at how enjoyable the car was to husstle along reminding me of my old Renault 4 which I loved as a teenager.

The car is very nicely put together, but there have been quality issues including a collapse of the under dash sound proofing panel which fell on the pedels as Mum was driving and bust parcel shelp clips.

All in all I really enjoyed driving the car, but would probably go for a Roomster if changing my Combi.

JON

Edited 30 December, 200916 yr by vanagonjon