So, the verdict is the cheaper and older platform is better so far than VAGs new platform and more expensive cars? RESULT

I think Skoda advertise their weights "with driver", VW and SEAT may not, although I do believe the new platform cars are a little lighter still.

I must say I am really surprised by the reviews. Anyone who knows me on these forums will know I tend to be positively biased towards Skoda but I actually didn't think the new Fabia RS with the old chassis would be up to much but from the reviews we've seen so far they really seem to have worked some magic with it! Skoda must have some great chassis people working for them at the moment after the huge praise the Yeti has had for it's handling abilities too

I'm really liking the look of the vrs.

I'd love to order one in green but I can only think it would be the same situation as the focus st and new rs, everyone seemed to order the orange (st) and green (rs) and I personally got sick to death of seeing the same colour !!!

It would be nice to see prices of optional extras to get a full cost of one.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for one at my local dealer for a test drive for sure

I'm really liking the look of the vrs.

I'd love to order one in green but I can only think it would be the same situation as the focus st and new rs, everyone seemed to order the orange (st) and green (rs) and I personally got sick to death of seeing the same colour !!!

It would be nice to see prices of optional extras to get a full cost of one.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for one at my local dealer for a test drive for sure

There is only one rub for me and that is called the Renault Clio RS Cup at only a grand more: proper manual box, track tuned chassis and a powerful engine without the twin charger complexity. That and the standard DSG (great but complex and Ithink the novely would wear odd) make me a little suspicious. Have always disliked the hatch but, as I say the estate looks cool.

Matt, you really are digging into that DSG box! Starting to sound a little scared of progression in cars.

the DSG has come a long way since the first runs in the Golf (bro had one)

Soooooo much smoother than the older ones (this is cos i have been in b33fys too)

Would like to drive one....... still don't think id can my mk1 for it though. just think along the lines of the Civic Type-R...............

Official launch is 28th July.

What demo should I order?

White with white wheels? Or Red with grey wheels? Hmm....

I think green with white wheels...that looks really good

A short review is on whatcar.com

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/skoda-fabia-vrs-driven/249809

A bit lukewarm in tone, but actually lots of praise for the relevant things like performance, ride and handling

Little to criticise but dull cabin and boomy exhaust. However still only 3 stars, I suspect because it's not as incisive as a Clio Cup.

It seems to me Skoda are onto a winner here for those that get it: the Fabia does not really compete with the Clio.The latter is more hard core, the Fabia more restrained, combining small family car practicality and reliability with high performance. This might not be an easy category for some journos, but it makes sense for buyers.

Edited 21 May, 201016 yr by helix

A short review is on whatcar.com

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/skoda-fabia-vrs-driven/249809

A bit lukewarm in tone, but actually lots of praise for the relevant things like performance, ride and handling

Little to criticise but dull cabin and boomy exhaust. However still only 3 stars, I suspect because it's not as incisive as a Clio Cup.

It seems to me Skoda are onto a winner here for those that get it: the Fabia does not really compete with the Clio.The latter is more hard core, the Fabia more restrained, combining small family car practicality and reliability with high performance. This might not be an easy category for some journos, but it makes sense for buyers.

Lol, another in depth Whatcar review

I think it's a bit harsh calling the cabin "drab" It's not brash or exciting but it looks pretty nice from the pictures (good seats, steering wheel, nicer stereo and climate control than the old car....)

Whats a

boomy exhaust

??

its a sports version, its not going to have a peashooter?!

Whats a??

its a sports version, its not going to have a peashooter?!

Exactly. And no other review I've seen has mentioned it. When that's on a list of only two criticisms it makes you feel they're short of things to be negative about!

Regarding the cabin i agree with OcatviaT81. Drab is rather an emotive word suggesting it's dreary rather than simply plain.

To be fair about criticism though, two reviews mentioned windnoise at speed. i couldn't tell if this was the estate or hatch. i wasn't aware of this criticism of the standard Fabia so if it's valid, could it be a consequence of the bodykit?

Edited 21 May, 201016 yr by helix

Think I've sold the first one! He's not on Briskoda (or at least I don't think so) but I'll make sure he joins!

Think I've sold the first one! He's not on Briskoda (or at least I don't think so) but I'll make sure he joins!

Wow: and not based on a test drive I assume!

Was it a hatch or estate: would you be breaching confidentiality to say the colour?

Lol, another in depth Whatcar review

I think it's a bit harsh calling the cabin "drab" It's not brash or exciting but it looks pretty nice from the pictures (good seats, steering wheel, nicer stereo and climate control than the old car....)

rE: climate control:- "there will be 'manual air con' as standard, are we assuming climate control is the same?

rE: climate control:- "there will be 'manual air con' as standard, are we assuming climate control is the same?

No, climate control is with the lcd display, air con is just rotary dials, like the old Fabia.

Wow: and not based on a test drive I assume!

Was it a hatch or estate: would you be breaching confidentiality to say the colour?

It's a hatchback in Race Blue with white wheels. He is coming out of an 05 plate Fabia vRS that I sold to him at my last Skoda garage back in the day, when he bought the Fabia he part exchanged an Octavia vRS MKI. I'd be suprised if he wasn't at least registered on here perhaps not an active poster. I'm sure he'll come and introduce himself. I bought it based on the photos on the previous page of the race blue vRS and the fact that Skoda wouldn't make it unless it was worth buying!

I know that the clio is in the same class etc but surely they target different markets. Think the Fabia is more comfy and practical and the clio is the out and out sporty supermini. Still think the Fabia has it for all round ability if not drive and nice to see the 'old platform' seems to be getting better reviews than the new one :p,

Fed up of Whatcar reviews now its become like the sun of motoring every review for all cars they seem to contradict themselves like one person has driven it and a completely different one has written the review :wonder:. Love the "cabin is desperately dull" comment sure its not great and a bit simple but the polo and clio are hardly cutting edge or something of beauty :|.

Edited 21 May, 201016 yr by Fabia00

If people can compare the fabia to the Ibiza Cupra which is normally seen as the hard core Seat then why not compare it to the Clio? Dont forget the new Clio 200 has a softer more comfortable setup than the old Clio 197 I've not driven one but I'd be keen to compare the two. For me the Fabia could win due to the cost and mpg. However if I was after a more hardcore car then the Clio 200 CUP would be the answer.

Edited 21 May, 201016 yr by faboka vrs

I think it's a bit harsh calling the cabin "drab"

Nothing harsh about that. For me, it's a commendation. 'Drab' is just what I am looking for - and I find it in VW and Skoda. Who needs a distracting dashboard when one's eyes should be on the road? Had I got a Mk2 Fabia, I would have painted black over the cheap silver surrounds on the air vents on the Mk2 to keep it 'drab'.

I think you'd hate French cars Mike! I saw one of those new Peugeot crossover things to compete with the Yeti and the dashboard is so busy with stuff going on it feels almost uncomfortable to be in it.

Nothing harsh about that. For me, it's a commendation. 'Drab' is just what I am looking for - and I find it in VW and Skoda. Who needs a distracting dashboard when one's eyes should be on the road? Had I got a Mk2 Fabia, I would have painted black over the cheap silver surrounds on the air vents on the Mk2 to keep it 'drab'.

I agree with you, I like plain and simple interiors instead of Tomy Toys style MyFirstDashboard like in the new Fiesta for example, but I am sure there is a better word than drab!

Maybe they should use the word functional instead of drab? I just like that everything is within easy reach and anyone could understand it. Think the new Fiesta dash looks awful.

Seen a black vrs with black alloys yesterday looked very nice, would be better if they only put the s2000 rally kit on

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/19052010/36/skoda-fabia-vrs-0.html

Enjoy

They seem to like it but think a manual gearbox would suit it better.

They seem to like it but think a manual gearbox would suit it better.

should have done both dsg and manual instead of just dsg, if they bring a diesel out they should offer 6speed manual