So if FORD can see the potential MARKET and BMW Mini ,why can't Skoda/ VAG in this popular small hot hatch sector.

 

Why should one Hiccup with the Prize winning Twincharger power train /warranty cost put them off from competing.

 

Don't forget VW Polo GTI No 1 WRC and Skoda vrs 2000 No1 in ERC.

 

Thought please!

Lets put some CUSTOMER PRESSURE on their MARKETING and CEO's

 

 

Audi SI is nice but to expensive in this sector in my view

I think there are a number of factors but the biggest one being sales as the big boss at Skoda fairly recently mentioned.  It's a real shame too as the new Fabia looks good, or at least from the pictures I've seen anyway.  I'd love to see a VRS model.  The Monte's seem to fly out of the showroom and in my opinion actually look nicer than the VRS, so Skoda are bound to go down that route for profit.  All show and no go I think someone mentioned, although I don't want to start an argument!  People seem to like the look but don't want the higher tax, insurance, fuel bills (petrol and oil!) etc.  Which is obviously another point, if the twin charger continued to be used, many people will be put off now by the potential oil usage and reliability.

 

It is a shame to lose the Fabia VRS, especially when the Octavia sells so well also, but there's another point, it has the option of petrol or diesel.  Again, most people plump for diesel due to running costs etc. but there is no diesel option for the Fabia.  As the mark 1 VRS sold so well, maybe they should have followed Seat's lead and dropped the 2.0 CR TDI in a Fabia as well?  I've owned one and it's not exactly a hot hatch by any means with 143PS, but it would probably boost sales and could handle a decent remap.  The new 184PS version would be great in a Fabia but would never make it into production, again due to limited sales potential.

 

It seems to be quite a specific market and it looks as though Skoda are leaving it up to their VAG cousins to cater to the smaller sports buyers.

I think there are a number of factors but the biggest one being sales as the big boss at Skoda fairly recently mentioned.  It's a real shame too as the new Fabia looks good, or at least from the pictures I've seen anyway.  I'd love to see a VRS model.  The Monte's seem to fly out of the showroom and in my opinion actually look nicer than the VRS, so Skoda are bound to go down that route for profit.  All show and no go I think someone mentioned, although I don't want to start an argument!  People seem to like the look but don't want the higher tax, insurance, fuel bills (petrol and oil!) etc.  Which is obviously another point, if the twin charger continued to be used, many people will be put off now by the potential oil usage and reliability.

 

It is a shame to lose the Fabia VRS, especially when the Octavia sells so well also, but there's another point, it has the option of petrol or diesel.  Again, most people plump for diesel due to running costs etc. but there is no diesel option for the Fabia.  As the mark 1 VRS sold so well, maybe they should have followed Seat's lead and dropped the 2.0 CR TDI in a Fabia as well?  I've owned one and it's not exactly a hot hatch by any means with 143PS, but it would probably boost sales and could handle a decent remap.  The new 184PS version would be great in a Fabia but would never make it into production, again due to limited sales potential.

 

It seems to be quite a specific market and it looks as though Skoda are leaving it up to their VAG cousins to cater to the smaller sports buyers.

Thanks for your comments . I agree there could be a place for the Monte to say have the 150 bhp diesel that would bring back some MK 1 experience and pleasure and not just a shower.

 

Relating to you comments on sales volumes.

 

Ford and Mini obviously think there is enough (also taking your point Mini have petrol and diesel options)

 

The market is what you make it and clearly,  as world player VAG are falling short. ( When their Aim is to be the biggest player!)

 

Perhaps it's also about Consumer pressure and why not use this as a basis for a PETITION  

I'd be willing to sign!  It could well be that VAG don't want the competition for the Polo GTI, Audi S1, or Ibiza Cupra though as the VRS always outsold them.

 

It's not just Ford and Mini though is it, there are others, such as the Corsa VXR, albeit long in the tooth, with questionable reliability also and sky high running costs, but Vauxhall offer HUGE discounts and good finance to shift them in high quantities.  Skoda shifted a fair few Fabia VRSssss when they did the no VAT deal and 0% finance etc.  People like a good deal and discount etc.

 

I think the MK3 has real potential as the Fabia model has always been a big seller.  If they got a VRS model right it would sell.  More options as standard, i.e. climate control, arm rest etc. the right engines i.e. petrol and diesel versions, some slightly better individual colour and style options as with the Mini and DS3 for example.  People expect value for money with Skoda so it would have to be priced right too.  They may be better dropping the twin charger as it has such a bad reputation now in favour of another turbo.  The Monte and the VRS would need to follow the same line as the Ibiza FR and Cupra i.e. the Cupra is the best looking and spec'd top model, whereas at the moment the Monte gets better styling than the VRS.