Well , actually it didn't beat anything because I'm driving a Fabia Sport 1.4 75bhp 16v today.

I know "sport" models aren't really supposed to be performance models but this thing is deathly slow. It reminds me a lot of my old 50cc scooter as the only way you can make decent progress is to keep the throttle wide open at all times and never ever slow down for anything. It's certainly no better than the 1.2 12v I'd had in the past.

Some other things I wasn't too keen on are the electric window switches on a flat panel under the stereo that doesn't sit flush with the rest of the dashboard. That and the little blanking covers where the manual winders are makes it look like a really cheap and nasty bodge job.

On the upside the seats are very good and it handles nicely. It's just a shame they didn't give it the 100bhp engine.

I really can't see the point in it as it stands now. Are they actually selling many?

I believe the electric windows were a dealer-fit afterthough which is why the switches are where they are. The later ones had proper factory fit electric windows The engine is also now a 1.2-12v, so I guess the fact that you had an early one as a courtesy car shows that they aren't leaving the showrooms as soon as they are delivered

Chris

Seats are vrs seats with sensible covers.

Well ' date=' actually it didn't beat anything because I'm driving a Fabia Sport 1.4 75bhp 16v today.

It's certainly no better than the 1.2 12v I'd had in the past.

[/quote']

I've had a 1.4 16v 100bhp saloon and the 1.2 12v HTP as courtsey cars and, I didn't think the 14.16v felt any better than the HTP.

In fact I preferred the HTP engine....had more character...must have been the 3 pot warble.

I believe the electric windows were a dealer-fit afterthough which is why the switches are where they are. The later ones had proper factory fit electric windows The engine is also now a 1.2-12v' date=' so I guess the fact that you had an early one as a courtesy car shows that they aren't leaving the showrooms as soon as they are delivered

Chris[/quote']

Is the remote central locking an afterthought as well as it's a cheapo little thing on the keyring rather than a key with the buttons.

I think I'd much rather buy an Ambiente with either the 100bhp petrol or 75bhp diesel engines

Is the remote central locking an afterthought as well as it's a cheapo little thing on the keyring rather than a key with the buttons.

I believe so as I think central locking was also a dealer fit option. But I'm sure someone will correct me

Chris

I'm sure Chris is correct, when I bought mine a old couple were looking at a clasic and they said they could fit windows and locking for them, I believe it was

The 1.4 16v is more powerful and faster, but has to be revved hard for its performance, it develops little useful torque at low revs. The 1.2 is optimised to develop its torque at low revs, and geared close to make what power it has go further. For the markets which they are aimed at, the 1.2 surely seems a better option to me.

Yep , on the way back I thrashed the nuts off it and it went "acceptably" but for people who like to drive with some sort of mechanical sympathy it really isn't the engine for them

Yep... Skoda realised the error of their ways.

The Sport is now a 1.2HTP WITH factory fit leccy windows and central locking (and aircon)

I agree they are deathly slow.. especially compared to what im used to, but the HTP has its own "character" and i think "nippy" would be the word to use... engine sounds ace

BUT

i definately dont agree with the FAKE exhaust trim..

So does this new version have proper controls where they belong ?

It just looked cr@p as an 'after-thought-install', it really put me off even considering it (wrongly so perhaps).

May consider it as a second car if the Mrs does, one day, pass her test...

So does this new version have proper controls where they belong ?

It just looked cr@p as an 'after-thought-install'' date=' it really put me off even considering it (wrongly so perhaps).

May consider it as a second car if the Mrs does, one day, pass her test... [/quote']

Yep, everything is now factory fit so it looks far more like it was designed that way

Chris