I've had my new Fabia Elegance Estate in Anthracite Grey for a few days now and I thought I'd share my first impressions of the car. It's a diesel 105 PS CR with lots of extras. I'll maybe post in a couple of weeks what I think of the extras and how useful/cost effective they are.

Firstly the economy, according to the trip computer, is already impressive. Only done 350 miles but on each journey I am seeing nearly 60 mpg. The car feels really solid as well - the steering seems sharper than our previous Fabia 1.2 HTP hatchback - maybe because of the heavier weight over front wheels? Also the 4 spoke leather MF steering wheel feels really grippy and looks cool with it's beautifully finished stitching and matt black look. It is, as others say, incredibly refined (except at tickover). Tyre noise is a little worse than with the hatchback (Continentals) - the new car has Bridgestone Turanzas.

I know looks are very subjective but from some angles it really does look smart - certainly as an overall package it looks better than the hatch - more balanced somehow.

I've read on various forums to watch out for 105PS diesels stalling but my wife and I have found no problems in this regard and even at roundabouts the car seems able to cope with low speeds in 2nd and 3rd.

It's not perfect of course - there is a slight buzz now and again from the dash and in this facelift car I can't see the front of the bonnet from the driver's seat - has there been a change to the profile of the front?

Overall though I am very impressed so far. I waited 24 weeks for it and yes it has just about been worth it!

Congratulations on the new car.

Many people have commented that the estate is the better looking of the two.

Congratulations on the new car.

Many people have commented that the estate is the better looking of the two.

The estate is a nice more practical ? maybe better looking nah, I have the same as you in black but hatch with many extras I have done about 1500 now and it gets better and better, wish it had xenons ,auto lights up and auto wipers but ive got hands!, 3rd gear is awsome and cruises well on motorways but equally good in the corners quite pointy

The vRS estate imo looks more subtle than the hatch especially in the right colours. I really like the looks of the estate and every time I see one on the road I know I've made the right choice.

You've seen Fabia vRS Estates? I've only ever seen one other Fabia vRS on the road (mk2 I mean)

I feel like I'm in a rather exclusive club lol

You've seen Fabia vRS Estates? I've only ever seen one other Fabia vRS on the road (mk2 I mean)

I feel like I'm in a rather exclusive club lol

Aye seen quite a few have to do a double take though cos very like the ibiza estate

Snip

I think the hatchback is nice but the estate does look the better car - as for the other extras - I find xenon's blind me when others have them. As for auto wipers - well they are nice but I find them a bit of a laugh when they randomly wipe lol....

One of the reasons why I went for the estate, thought it looked nicer and more practical than the hatch.

One of the reasons why I went for the estate, thought it looked nicer and more practical than the hatch.

so thats 2 reason then!