This is the first car where i have noticed a lot welds on the bodywork. Moreso when you lift the bonnet..

The car is amazing, and i would not change it for the world (Apart from the odd CV joint!!)...

Is this normal for Skoda's??? What about the latest Fabia models???

Yes it's quite normal, usually lots of spot welds with the panel joins given a coat of seam sealer. I was looking at a Jaguar XKR the other day, seeing thick aluminium castings joined to other panels by rivets is a bit disconcerting.

It's not only the production methods, I've seen an article on BMWs new body repair techniques which aims to do away with welding in favour of adhesive bonding, plastic nuts and bolts and rivets.