I put my Mk1 Fabia in to diagnose an EMU light problem and have been driving the Yeti 1.2tsi as a courtesy car. What a sweet engine! It really pulls very well and is quiet. I have the 2.0 Mk1 Fabia and I have always loved the smooth, comfortable feel to it, but this little engine is pretty much as good - even from low down. There is just a slight lag before it gets going after putting my foot down, though.

I have delayed purchase of a Mk2 Fabia mainly because I didn't like the selection of engines (although I also find it is not such a good design in other areas). I had been waiting for the new VRS, but I am put off by the excessive power - 180hp. I would have gone for a reasonable 120-130hp such as the 1.4tsi from the Octavia. Until, that is, I tried the 1.2tsi.

Compare the specs:

Car: Mk.1 2.0 vs. Mk.2 1.2tsi

Power: 115 @ 5400 vs. 105 @ 5000

Torque: 170 @ 2400 vs. 175 @ 1500-3500

Mpg: 25.9/47.9/36.7 vs. 37.2 /47.9/44.1

Speed: 121 mph vs. 119 mph (Polo 1.2tsi)

0-62: 9.9 secs vs. 9.6 secs (Polo 1.2tsi)

It seems a win-win situation. Are there any drawbacks? Longevity? Servicing?

The MPG you are quoting for the 1.2 is for the Yeti, in the Fabia it reaches around 53MPG!