I've recently bought a Skoda Fabia which I'm quite pleased with. Its registration 54 with mileage of 18100.

Anyway, I've been out on the road for around 1 week or so. Just noticed that for general driving when on the move its very smooth etc...

But, sometimes when pulling away on flat ground in 1st the clutch seems to struggle abit and is almost tempted to stall. I'm being gentle easing off the clutch. Does the Fabia require some "fuel" gas when moving off on the flat?

I don't notice this on a Fiat Punto and another car I drive. They all seem smooth and I don't have to worry about using gas on the flat when in 1st. I'm just wondering if its down to me recognising the position of the bite and on the other cars I drive the computer takes over to prevent stalling.

Any advice before approaching the garage. I'm going to give it a few more weeks and also try it on hill starts.

If the clutch isn't slipping or juddering it is fine. Car will definitely need some gas when pulling away on the flat. You just have to get used to the new feel of the car.

What engine have you got? My 1.9TDi will pull away fine on the clutch only on the flat, but the other cars I've driven (58 Corsa 1.3D and 09 Fiesta 1.4CDTi) both needed a bit of accelerator to get them to move off ...

Edited 3 February, 201016 yr by martinch

Thanks for both replies. I've got a 1.2 engine with registration 54.

I also drive other (different manufacturers) cars at work and I've not experienced having to give "gas" before in 1st gear when starting off on the flat.

I also drive other (different manufacturers) cars at work and I've not experienced having to give "gas" before in 1st gear when starting off on the flat.

My driving instructor's Corsa's (2008 late model), which had a rather weedy 1.3 diesel engine, needed revving to 1,200rpm to pull away without stalling (and god help you if you had the AC on when doing a hill start!). Their later Fiesta (1.4) would pull away on the clutch only, although it didn't feel all that happy doing this. I suppose if you're concerned, you could look for another 1.2 HTP at a dealership and see if you could test-drive it?

Not sure if that's any help, or not...

I think the antistall on TDI's give them enough power to pull away and creep in traffic with no throttle.

However because of a petrol engines lower compression rate (maybe) it will need a bit of throttle application to get up and running.

Although saying that it's been at least 5 years since i owned and drove a petrol car!!

Edited 3 February, 201016 yr by PastyBoy

my clutch judders when pulling away all the time. what does this mean? how do i fix it? ive got a 1.9tdi 100.

my clutch judders when pulling away all the time. what does this mean? how do i fix it? ive got a 1.9tdi 100.

Find a deserted road or car park and do a few high rev launches. This will burn off any clutch contamination or glazing if not too severe.

i'll have a go and see what happens.