This post goes out to the lucky few who've managed to bag themselves a new VRS Fabia...

I'm on the hunt for a new car - something automatic, with comfortable seats, and something I won't be upset about driving after getting out of my 220bhp mercedes...

There are *very* few cars out there that tick the boxes, and the VRS Fabia seems to - especially with the 20% off offer.

I test drove a 1.2TSI DSG, but the seats left me wanting more support (but I was quite impressed with the little 1.2). I figured since the VRS has obviously nicer seats, and doesn't cost much more to buy, I should give it a serious look.

I'm concerned that the dealer told me the VRS is terrible on fuel... even though the official combined figure is just over 45mpg. I know official figures don't mean much, so I'm after some anecdotal evidence from people who actually own one. Will I ever see 45mpg on my drive to work? (combination of town and country roads, or I can use the M1 if I have to).

My impression was that the dealer drives like a lunatic, whereas I plan on driving it as gently as I can, in the spirit of saving fuel. If I do decide to drive like a lunatic, I can accept I'm not going to be breaking any fuel consumption records.

I can make the numbers work if I can get 40mpg average out of the thing. If I can't, then it all falls apart and I can't justify buying one (and frankly I'm left wondering what I should buy - perhaps a 1 year old Golf GT).

Here's hoping some of you have some good news for me...

Thanks

L

The dealer aint wrong. Mine is still being run in and is putting in about 32-34mpg. You could probably get 45 if you really nursed it but i've been very careful with the new engine and thats what i'm getting. The car makes up for it though, i haven't even opened it up yet and its amazing. When run in should be better on fuel but not that much.

The car really makes up for it though.

Hi mate, see the thread below:

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/184457-new-vrs-fuel-economy/

Your driving style sounds similar to mine mate. I drive quite calm, 'coast' whenever I can instead of breaking and only use the power when I'm overtaking stragglers or there's some non-potholed flat open road infront of me! Mines got 6700 on the clock, my drive to work is A roads with quite a few traffic stops and I drive 50-60 miles a day. I make very few short journeys aka cold starts.

One thing you should remember. Most people didn't start getting their vRS till September from posts on these forums. It started getting colder and colder. Especially during the snow/colder spells and when you start the car up consistently at -8oC then it's going to affect MPG. I expect it to go in summer time by another 2-3mpg for me. As I've posted in previous topics, I get 40.5mpg to 41mpg on the maxidot and 39.6mpg using the full tank method using Shell V-Power.

Once I got over 5000 miles and what I think is more important, the temperature started going up outside, my MPG increased from 37-38mpg to over 40. If your lucky enough to have a garage/car cover, RON 99 near by, maintain your car every weekend and have a relaxed driving style with a bit of right foot when it's needed, you'll get over 40mpg.

Any other questions, let me know.

Edited 24 January, 201115 yr by Reavenger

I have the Ibiza Bocanegra and it has the same seats (Just different covers). Quite often on the way to work (An hour and a half some mornings) I often get pain in my lower back and can't seem to adjust the car to a position where it doesn't ache. My bad back does stem from a weight lifting injury about 6 months back.

The side support is good however and I don’t find myself slipping out of the seat on a hard corner.

i test drove a vrs and only got between 23.5mpg - 28.5mpg, i was expecting a little more tbh

I've managed 45 mpg on a 120 mile trip but this was driving 62mph just to see what mpg I could get, on the same journey driving 70mph I've done 42mpg.

Normally I get about 38-40 mpg on the same journey driving at mixed speeds (motorways). I've done 6000 miles in mine now, and mpg is getting better.

On long journeys I drive very carefully to save fuel, but when I get the chance to open it up mpg is the last thing on my mind.

I love this car, very fast when you want it to be, and economical when you need it to be, but you have to work very hard to see over 40mpg average.

I've seen my tank last 300 miles, and at most 430 miles.

My maxidot reads about 2mpg higher then my calculations, which Is peanuts and I use V-power and tesco 99.

I'm on the hunt for a new car - something automatic, with comfortable seats, and something I won't be upset about driving after getting out of my 220bhp mercedes...

I test drove a 1.2TSI DSG, but the seats left me wanting more support (but I was quite impressed with the little 1.2). I figured since the VRS has obviously nicer seats, and doesn't cost much more to buy, I should give it a serious look.

I'm concerned that the dealer told me the VRS is terrible on fuel...

I plan on driving it as gently as I can, in the spirit of saving fuel.

I can make the numbers work if I can get 40mpg average out of the thing. If I can't, then it all falls apart and I can't justify buying one (and frankly I'm left wondering what I should buy - perhaps a 1 year old Golf GT).

What was the fuel consumption like on your merc and which make/model?

To be honest it doesn't seem like the fabia vRS is the right car for you, I can't quite see the point of buying a hot hatch and driving it as gently as you can most of the time worrying about fuel consumption especially if what you really want is an automatic with comfy seats......

I would imagine a diesel car would fit the bill better. Kind of like the mk1 vRS was back in the day I guess -"the hot hatch for people who don't really want one...."

What was the fuel consumption like on your merc and which make/model?

To be honest it doesn't seem like the fabia vRS is the right car for you, I can't quite see the point of buying a hot hatch and driving it as gently as you can most of the time worrying about fuel consumption especially if what you really want is an automatic with comfy seats......

I would imagine a diesel car would fit the bill better. Kind of like the mk1 vRS was back in the day I guess -"the hot hatch for people who don't really want one...."

Thanks everyone so far for your replies. :yes:

My merc does a consistent 24.5mpg average, but that's only part of the story. Servicing costs and general wear and tear are where it really stings me.

The point of buying the VRS, is the seats (otherwise I'd be putting an order in for a 1.2TSI). I've done maths on pretty much everything else out there that fits the bill in terms of being not-slow, and having comfortable seats and an auto gearbox and there's really nothing else available brand new. A further benefit is the fact that PCP allows me to reduce my costs in years 1 and 2, which helps with the planned arrival of offspring.

Second hand cars work out more expensive over 5 years as a result of the fact an auto gearbox means (generally speaking) a larger car (as it's only very recently we've seen small cars with DSG boxes), and repair costs are higher by virtue of the fact there's no warranty and bits start dropping off eventually. Furthermore, the year 1 and 2 costs for 2nd hand cars I might consider are higher than buying new and using PCP.

So really I'm pinning all my hopes on a Fabia VRS working out - or I'm looking at Rover 75s and base spec Jetta TDIs - Or perhaps a Focus with a crap engine on PCP. Really not enthusiastic about any of those options...

Why do I want a hot hatch to drive gently? Because I find nothing more aggravating than not having the confidence to overtake - and if I have to spend my money, I'd rather spend it on something I like than something I don't. If the VRS will allow me to drive gently and get 40mpg, but boot it when I want to, then it fits the bill (subject to the seats being good of course).

I'm trying to organise an extended test drive on Thursday (I have a meeting 100 miles away) but every dealer I've called seems reluctant to lend me one for any length of time - and when I phoned around at the weekend they had none available at all because the managers all take them home for the weekend. Not entirely sure how they plan on selling any if that's the attitude they take!

Has anyone on here bought an estate? Anyone driven both hatch and estate? Any notable differences? Finding an estate to test drive is basically not going to happen from what I can tell, but it's an interesting proposition - I like the idea of shoving a bike in the back easily.

Thanks again for all the input!

I have the Ibiza Bocanegra and it has the same seats (Just different covers). Quite often on the way to work (An hour and a half some mornings) I often get pain in my lower back and can't seem to adjust the car to a position where it doesn't ache. My bad back does stem from a weight lifting injury about 6 months back.

The side support is good however and I don’t find myself slipping out of the seat on a hard corner.

Interesting... is there lumbar support on those seats? I didn't notice it in the Fabia in the showroom so I'm guessing not.

I guess all back problems are different which is why I want an extended test drive (at least an hour), but mine is lower back pain too so that doesn't bode well.

I've been told lowering the seat as far as possible, and lying back slightly more than you might normally expect can help with lower back pain - but haven't had an opportunity to try it since the seats in my merc give me no pain whatsoever (one of the reasons I bought it in the first place).

Once I got over 5000 miles and what I think is more important, the temperature started going up outside, my MPG increased from 37-38mpg to over 40. If your lucky enough to have a garage/car cover, RON 99 near by, maintain your car every weekend and have a relaxed driving style with a bit of right foot when it's needed, you'll get over 40mpg.

Any other questions, let me know.

Thanks for that.

Does RON99 make enough of a difference to offset the cost then?

Our trip computer shows about 35 on a morning commute, its about 14 miles, stuck in traffic for the first 5...

This morning was unusally quiet I hit 39.5 on the trip computer taking it easy, not great on fuel, but our A3 only does 43 on the same commute!

Thanks for that.

Does RON99 make enough of a difference to offset the cost then?

Many biased reports from the likes of Tesco, BP and Shell would say yes. Maths will tell you the extra 5p you pay for 99 Ron probably won't get you your money back. I do however think you notice it in performance and smoothness on the vRS (having driven 1000 miles with 95 unleaded from Morrisons).

Seats are good for me and I'm 6ft 3. Plenty of headroom if you care about that. Front and back. There not the best seats although I've come out of 1h 30mins to 2 hours driving no problems. They'll certainly keep you in your seat going around a roundabout at 35-45mph.

I'm starting to feel like I'm some sort of driving miss daisy charictor that will be bringing a bad name to VRS's but I managed to avarage an indicated 50mpg on my first test drive and 40-45 mpg on the second test drive though that involved lots of stopping and swaping drivers etc.

*edited because mph doesn't equal mpg

Edited 24 January, 201115 yr by Can

I'm starting to feel like I'm some sort of driving miss daisy charictor that will be bringing a bad name to VRS's but I managed to avarage an indicated 50mph on my first test drive and 40-45 on the second test drive though that involved lots of stopping and swaping drivers etc.

Good to know. I'll happily drive miss daisy if it means I can have a VRS

I'm trying to organise an extended test drive on Thursday (I have a meeting 100 miles away) but every dealer I've called seems reluctant to lend me one for any length of time - and when I phoned around at the weekend they had none available at all because the managers all take them home for the weekend. Not entirely sure how they plan on selling any if that's the attitude they take!

I would say then that the test-drive will be key as it will definitely answer your question regarding how comfy the seat is. The vRS drives so nicely tho you may well come away thinking 'to hell with the fuel economy....'.

Its really not going to be that bad though if you're coming from a 24.5mpg Merc, you will notice a pleasant improvement. My last car was a Focus ST -that was extremely thirsty (although cracking fun, really good for Chav-baiting ).

If it really is that super-critical to your finances that the car can manage over 40mpg I still feel you'd be better off looking at something Diesel powered -say used Octavia vRS TDI DSG? Quick, economical, reliable and great seats. End of the day I think if you do take the plunge and go for the fabia vRS you won't be disappointed, its a great motor -can't wait for mine to arrive next month

Depends on where you're based. If Rainworth Skoda have got a demonstrator in they are fairly laid back about test drives. You sign the paperwork, they give you the keys and say see you later - might be worth a try (if feasible for you).

I've done just over 5K miles now and I'm regularly returning around 300 ish miles to a tank, equating to about 33ish miles to a gallon, regardless of how I drive it.

I have to say I really notice the economy starts to dive when I do very short journeys!

On a long journey, when I've driven extremely carefully, I have managed to return 45ish to the gallon......if I had been in the car longer, I'm confident I would have achieved better still.

I'm finding the sporty seats comfortable - better than the seats in Superb and Octavia cars I've owned in the last couple of years. Although they're not massively 'buckety' like a Recaro they still hold you in the seat well when the car is being driven in a 'spirited' manner...

I've only got 1400 miles on the clock. Short trips (less than three miles) are about 26 mpg, 120 mile trips on mainly 60-70 mph roads around 37 mpg although I did manage 41 mpg on a mainly 70 mph trip (about 60 miles). My maxidot is currently showing 33 mpg since I got the car. I never expect to get anything near the official combined figure so I'm never disappointed when I don't hit it.

I own an vRS estate but have extensively test driven a vRS hatch on two occasions. I cannot tell the difference in ride, handling, noise, etc. between the two body types. The estate boot is considerably bigger than the hatch and is a very usable shape. I carried my mum's wheelchair in it today without the need to fold down the seats, etc.

I'm finding the sporty seats comfortable - better than the seats in Superb and Octavia cars I've owned in the last couple of years. Although they're not massively 'buckety' like a Recaro they still hold you in the seat well when the car is being driven in a 'spirited' manner...

I've only got 1400 miles on the clock. Short trips (less than three miles) are about 26 mpg, 120 mile trips on mainly 60-70 mph roads around 37 mpg although I did manage 41 mpg on a mainly 70 mph trip (about 60 miles). My maxidot is currently showing 33 mpg since I got the car. I never expect to get anything near the official combined figure so I'm never disappointed when I don't hit it.

I own an vRS estate but have extensively test driven a vRS hatch on two occasions. I cannot tell the difference in ride, handling, noise, etc. between the two body types. The estate boot is considerably bigger than the hatch and is a very usable shape. I carried my mum's wheelchair in it today without the need to fold down the seats, etc.

33mpg might sting me slightly - I've got an extended drive booked on Thursday so hopefully i can get a good idea of what it'll be like. I'd be buying a diesel if there was a Fabia with a Diesel + DSG combo. The fact there isn't one available is truly surprising as far as I'm concerned.

We have an Octavia Mk1 VRS, and the seats in that are awful (which is why the wife gets to use it for her 2 minute trips to work and back) - so I'm hoping the Fabia VRS will be able to improve on them by a good margin.

I thought I read that a Sport version of the Fabia was going into production this month or next for the UK - sports seats but Elegance money? If so, you could have the 1.2 dsg.

Of course, there is always the Monte Carlo, which seems pretty much like the proposed Sport version but a limited edition, I guess.

I don't think you will regret dsg if you like an auto and the 1.2 surely offers a great performance/economy combo.

PS I was interested to note that you don't rate the Octavia seats. I do remember the electric seats in a Leon being comfortable (multi-adjustable, tilt, etc.)

Good luck!

If your worried about the fuel..... Don't get a vRS

Loads sort of moaning on this forum about fuel and mpg. The car appears to get mid 30's from what i have read vs mid 40's from the mfg data. I know thats wrong of them to claim this when its not achievable.

However surely if your buying hot hatch/sports car you expect to welly it and not get the mfg posted mpg anyway and as others have said if you worried then go for the diesel Fabia or a 1.2 or something.

I am leaving my RX8 for various reasons, although with the Mazda out of a 1.3 engine (thats how the rotary is rated) i get 17 - 20 to the gallon on an average journey, although up to 23 on a long run. I knew this going into buying the Mazda and accepted it.

I think a few on hear need to accept the vRS is what it is and it wont return the best MPG - but as posted its a lot better which ever way you look at it than an RX8 !

Driving to the speed limits on a journey the other night, my computer said 42.1 mpg, which isn't bad as the car has only done 120 miles.

Edited 29 January, 201115 yr by marcusfordus

Loads sort of moaning on this forum about fuel and mpg. The car appears to get mid 30's from what i have read vs mid 40's from the mfg data. I know thats wrong of them to claim this when its not achievable.

However surely if your buying hot hatch/sports car you expect to welly it and not get the mfg posted mpg anyway and as others have said if you worried then go for the diesel Fabia or a 1.2 or something.

I am leaving my RX8 for various reasons, although with the Mazda out of a 1.3 engine (thats how the rotary is rated) i get 17 - 20 to the gallon on an average journey, although up to 23 on a long run. I knew this going into buying the Mazda and accepted it.

I think a few on hear need to accept the vRS is what it is and it wont return the best MPG - but as posted its a lot better which ever way you look at it than an RX8 !

+1. i fully agree. couldnt care less about the fuel economy. for the power output its pretty good