Hi all

Can any tell me what the differences are ?

Many thanks !

Ben

The cluster of lights at the rear are different - the reverse lights stretch right to the edge on the 05 model "mercedes style" Other than that i dont really know

I think you also lose the rear door pins, and the alarm may now be Thatcham Cat1 - I forget when that changed. There was also a change in gearboxes (length of final gear ratio), but I don't know when that changed either. Maybe someone can provide some dates to see if any of that is relevant

Chris

The gearbox is closer ratio (70mph is about 2200rpm in the newer ones, think it was 1800-1900 in the older ones). The vanes on the front grille are angled on the newer ones too. Other than that and what's mentioned above, can't think of anything else.

I know the answer to this......it's newer!

Boom! Boom!

Hmmmm...interesting anyone got more detail about the changes, and exactly when they happened?

I have a deposit on a 53 BM Fab vRS from December 03.

I can quite easily change that though and look at a newer model.

Fuel economy is important to me - so does the new models closer ratio mean that fuel conomy is worse than in the older models ? Is it just the final gear ratio that is different?

Are the styling changes very noticable ?

I appreciate its subjective, but every time I see a newer style model will I be wishing mine were like that ?

And if the newer models have a Cat1 alarm - what did the older models have ?

Thanks people

I've got a 53 and the only change I notice seeing newer models is the rear lights, and they're not hugely important to me. I like them, but if they get that annoying I'll buy some and put them on mine.

I like the longer vRS badge on the back too. The new short one doesn't appeal to me.

Wouldn't mind knowing when the Thatcham alarm came in though. Insurance might get nicer

And if the newer models have a Cat1 alarm - what did the older models have?

It used to have a Cat1 alarm (ie immobiliser and alarm), but it's only recently become a Thatcham approved Cat1. More details at www.thatcham.org I think....

Chris

Looks like the Fabia vRS has a Cat 1 approved alarm from Sept '03 onards. Hmmm.

EDIT: or is that a Cat one (not approved) from Sept on?

Looks like the Fabia vRS has a Cat 1 approved alarm from Sept '03 onards. Hmmm.

EDIT: or is that a Cat one (not approved) from Sept on?

My understanding is that the current car is Thatcham Cat1 so I guess everything built after Sep 2003 is Thatcham-approved. I don't know what they changed in the alarm system to achieve that and how significant it is in the big scheme of things though

Chris

I don't know what they changed in the alarm system to achieve that and how significant it is in the big scheme of things though

I think its the same alarm, just Thatcham have 'checked' it.

Significant to me though mate! My insurance company doesn't think I have an alarm! Took me 8 months with teh car to realise it had one!

One touch indicators??

I think thats only on the facelifted ones?

I would be looking at the price differance if it were me, is the 53 plate one sufficiently cheaper than a new one. In my experiance from our dealers and what people say on here I doubt it. There are some nice discounts to be had on new ones (about 8% off list) and my dealer has a cheap pre regged one in stock.

An example of an expensive used one - http://www.sparshatts.net/index.php?p=usedsearch&q=3&car_id=26355

The current VRS's have this one touch indicator thing where you move it slightly and it flashes 3 times. Different back lights, and you change up to 6th gear a bit earlier.

All of the above AND the dash plastics have a softer spongy feel.

Yet I noticed no difference. Tbh they might aswell be the same, and you can change the rear lights for what?

Subvertbeats asked - Fuel economy is important to me - so does the new models closer ratio mean that fuel conomy is worse than in the older models ? Is it just the final gear ratio that is different?

My wife had a 53 and now a new one. She says fuel economy is worse presumably due to higher revs, but of course the engine is tighter so we will see in a few months which is better.

Thanks for the replies guys

Can anyone confirm if the alarms fitted to the older models are now approved also (as it seems the alarm hasnt changed), or does the thatcham approval only apply to models post the approval date?

The alarm has been the subject of many a debate, there are several theories.

Perhaps best to check with your insurance or Thatcham themselves.

As far as I know Stu. All 2005 models are Thatcham Cat I. All others Cat 2

There has been much debate Robbo, AFAIK I've not seen a 'Conclusive' answer.

It would sound about right though.

Mort... thats because the vRS was only released in sept 2003

As far as I know Stu. All 2005 models are Thatcham Cat I. All others Cat 2

The PDF on the thatcham site says the OEM alarm on the Elegance and vRS is Cat 1 from Sept 03 onward. So I assume its cat 1 approved (electronic alarm & immobiliser)

There has been much debate Robbo' date=' AFAIK I've not seen a 'Conclusive' answer.

It would sound about right though.[/quote']

according to THIS thatcham PDF file (page 15), the Furby RS has got a cat 1 alarm since its release also the Fabia Elegance has since Sept 03.

HTH

Edit: barsteward... mort beat me too it

Edit: barsteward... mort beat me too it

Yay! I'm quicker... And my car is standard!!