I know this might be heresy on this forum but what alternatives has anyone tried for an automatic DSG Fabia? Waiting times are ridiculous so looking for good alternative, my favourite at the moment is the 1.4 Honda Jazz CVT automatic in EXL format. Welcome anyones experience with the latest Jazz - performance, refinement, comfort etc. Having seen a Jazz at the dealers it has a nice spacious cabin in a small footprint.

Thanks

A good old 6-speed manual!

When I had my civic went in for a service they gave me a loan of a new Honda jazz can't remember the engine size but it was a petrol as I remember th vtec badges. I quite liked it tbh it was good around town and surprisingly good on the motorway only complaint was it was a bit crashy over the bumps but apart from that quite a good motor.

Hi Expatman, my best buddies wife has the new Honda Jazz. She has had it for one year. It's just been in for service and they got a very big shock. After just 17,500 miles it needed new front discs, pads, and new front tyres. Total cost for the first service £678 including VAT! It's the 1.4 VTEC with manual box. The engine is completely gutless and only manages 40mpg average. Read the online tests and mostly everyone says it's hopeless for power and has to be revved hard to make it go. Best mpg my buddy has had was on a run to Devon, and was 48mpg driven at normal motorway speeds sticking to all the speed limits. Gearbox is very notchy too. I've driven it and it just doesn't compare to the Fabia, any model. If you like petrol go for the TSI 105, it's far superior. Or if you really like power go for the 1.6CR engined Fabia. Considering the Honda is a 'Which Magazine' best buy, just like the Fabia, I was shocked at it's poor performance. I'm an ex-Honda Tech and the VTEC engines are not the best for economy or performance. Ok otherwise. The Jazz has much going for it but nothing the Fabia cannot match and I personally think the ride comfort is superior in the Fabia by far. Oh...rear doors make a lovely clunk when you close them!

Edited 10 August, 201114 yr by Estate Man

When I was looking for a small automatic car last year, I ruled out the Jazz as it had a poor automatic set-up called I-Shift.

Later on when my Fabia was set back 3 months twice over, I looked at the Jazz again as Honda had recognised their blunder with the I-Shift and reverted to the CVT. As it was available from stock to my spec, I had a test-drive.

As Estate Man says, the engine is gutless, no low-down power, it has to be revving high all the time to get a decent performance. The opposite of the Fabia TSI DSG. Also the suspension is very firm and gives a restless ride.

Apart from these two factors, the design if the interior is excellent witha brilliant seat folding system and reliability will be good.

The servicing costs are high as the CVT needs maintainance to keep it going.

So I gave it up and waited for the Fabia which I now have and am very pleased with same.

When I was looking for a small automatic car last year, I ruled out the Jazz as it had a poor automatic set-up called I-Shift.

Later on when my Fabia was set back 3 months twice over, I looked at the Jazz again as Honda had recognised their blunder with the I-Shift and reverted to the CVT. As it was available from stock to my spec, I had a test-drive.

As Estate Man says, the engine is gutless, no low-down power, it has to be revving high all the time to get a decent performance. The opposite of the Fabia TSI DSG. Also the suspension is very firm and gives a restless ride.

Apart from these two factors, the design if the interior is excellent witha brilliant seat folding system and reliability will be good.

The servicing costs are high as the CVT needs maintainance to keep it going.

So I gave it up and waited for the Fabia which I now have and am very pleased with same.

Fine - but being made to wait 35 weeks for a consumer product is ridiculous. Skoda have got their manufacture and delivery system so wrong it will turn off many buyers from the brand, now and in the future. Yes, Skoda's are excellent cars but so are their competitors who will eat their lunch.

You are right Expatman, about the lengthy wait putting of potential purchasers. I think Skoda have been very much taken by surprise at the high level of sales they have generated. Unlike most other brands, Skoda sales are increasing. Unfortunately, it takes time to ramp up production with the building of new facilities needed, and of course the retooling. With new models of the Fabia not far over the horizon, it's unlikely we'll see much increase in the existing models production numbers I would guess. But who knows. If you can wait, it'll be worth it. :yes:

You are right Expatman, about the lengthy wait putting of potential purchasers. I think Skoda have been very much taken by surprise at the high level of sales they have generated. Unlike most other brands, Skoda sales are increasing. Unfortunately, it takes time to ramp up production with the building of new facilities needed, and of course the retooling. With new models of the Fabia not far over the horizon, it's unlikely we'll see much increase in the existing models production numbers I would guess. But who knows. If you can wait, it'll be worth it. :yes:

I agree, so, I ask myself, why do Skoda introduce more variants - Monte Carlo for example - while they cannot deliver the existing range within reasonable periods? I would suggest that anything in excess of 8 weeks (12 at most) for delivery of a new car is unreasonable and car makers should NOT be able to accept firm orders for which the buyer is financially responsible if the delivery time is in excess of 12 weeks.