I just collected a new Fabia Elegance 2.0 today, to replace one exactly the same that was 3 years old (and keeping the same custom plate).

There have been several worthwhile improvements. The wheels initially appeared to be the same. They are similar, but the new ones have fewer recesses round the rim to clean and no horn around the rim to get scraped. However, they don't have hub caps, so I will have to clean round the bolt heads. Anyone know of caps that may fit?

On the outside, the rear badge that was 'FABIA' with '2.0 I' underneath, now has just 'MPI' underneath. Good. I prefer understatement. Along with the front bumper change (a la VRS), the rubbing strips have been shortened. There are insignificant changes to the grill. The wing mirrors seem to be constantly heated now (?). The dealer screwed the plates on the front. Those sticky pads are hopeless on the curved bumper.

Inside, the upholstery is darker and more practical. The quality of material is better as well. The Symphony is a nice looking unit, but I'll have to swap it out for my Pioneer. The leather steering wheel is a lot better than the old one (also copied from the VRS). The suspension, being new, seems firmer. So driving it is better. The dials are a bit more fussy than the old car, which is a shame. The dashboard now has a stippled finish under the windscreen (to avoid glare?). Cruise control is a nice-to-have, but perhaps not so suitable for running in. I am getting used to the indicator tipping. The parking sensors seem OK - not too intrusive. The parking ticket clip is handy for snagging cloths on. Cabin noise is about the same as before.

Overall, I am happy with it (only 45 miles so far, though). My last 2.0 averaged 34.9mpg over 33,500 miles (half motorway, half about town). This one may do a bit better with the cruise control.

Part exchange with my old car cost me

The wing mirrors seem to be constantly heated now (?).

If it's the same as the current vRS, they seem to be on the whole time if the switch is set to the position between the adjust positions. Seems odd; my old car heated them solely if the heated rear window was on, irrespective of the switch position.

If it's the same as the current vRS, they seem to be on the whole time if the switch is set to the position between the adjust positions. Seems odd; my old car heated them solely if the heated rear window was on, irrespective of the switch position.

Yes, it does seem strange - particularly as they frequently mention in the manual about switching electrics off when you don't need them, so as to be environmentally conscious. I think I will leave mine in the 'L' position.

Yes exactly. I do the same with mine and then it's always ready to adjust down so I can park neatly by the kerb.

Car sounds/looks rather nice! nice colour too.

Will check this heated mirrors thing.Doesn't seem right.I thought it just operated with rear windsceen demister.Will change the setting on ours tonight.

Good residuals too by the sound of it

Inside' date=' the upholstery is darker and more practical. The quality of material is better as well.[/quote']

I thought that when I got my new Elegance recently. But the dark plastic on the doors and dasboard seems to show up dust and dirt quite badly after a while.

Agree with all your other comments.

Sal

Looking good! That MPI badge will upset a few 316's I don't doubt!!

Looking good! That MPI badge will upset a few 316's I don't doubt!!

Not as much as the M3 *** number plate!

I'm glad you got another 2.0. Six months down the road, my parents are still over the moon with son number one finding them one Very similar mpg for the mixture of mileage (34.3 last time I was there to check)

Still has that 'this could be a mini Audi A3/A4' feel about it because its so relaxed and relatively refined (compared with lower speeds in the 1.9 TDis)

Rob

Hey wow, I din't know they introduced a new model. How many horsepower is it?

Hey wow, I din't know they introduced a new model. How many horsepower is it?

I believe the 2.0l Fabia has been available in the UK since the Fabia's release back in '99/2000? Spec-wise, it's 115bhp and uses the old Golf GTi-8v engine

Chris

Seem to remember the dealer saying the heated mirrors automatically turn off after 15 minutes anyway, not put a multi-meter on it to check that out though & I've got mine on 'L' as well