I agree about the airbag off switch - always seems standard on the French? Clios and 307s spring to mind. Another surprising one for me, when I was browsing the spec, was the lack of third proper belt in the back. I believe this is included if you spec a third rear headrest? Apart from the heated front screen, those two were the only things I lost when I changed from my Focus...

Rarely have a full compliment in the back, but I was surprised nonetheless.

Steve

I agree about the airbag off switch - always seems standard on the French? Clios and 307s spring to mind. Another surprising one for me' date=' when I was browsing the spec, was the [b']lack of third proper belt in the back. I believe this is included if you spec a third rear headrest[/b]? Apart from the heated front screen, those two were the only things I lost when I changed from my Focus...

Rarely have a full compliment in the back, but I was surprised nonetheless.

Steve

definiatly 3 belts in the back, pre facelift had 3rd lap belt and post face lift had 3rd 3pt belt. Head rest in middle is an option

Well I've done the deed and a Black Fabia vRS now resides with me. It's an '05 reg with 9k miles and the first service completed by my local VW dealership!

My neighbour discards his old copies of Autoexpress to me, and on a general cautionary note I spotted an interesting article on P.66 of 16-22 Nov edition ref a Pembrokeshire reader's Black Magic Pearlescent Fabia vRS.

She had the paint lifting on hers, but severity of damage is it seems a function of the critters diet. Berries are very corrosive I gather!

Best watch out for those West Country Blackbirds, Pigeons & Seagulls, apparently Metallic Black is one of the colours/types most susceptible to the corrosive action of bird 'lime'. Droppings damage isn't covered by warranties, so wash it off quick!

Ahh, mine's stuck in that 'new gearbox but pre-facelift' period then, as mine has a middle lap-belt

Why didn't they change everything all at the one time :confused:

Steve

My neighbour discards his old copies of Autoexpress to me' date=' and on a general cautionary note I spotted an interesting article on P.66 of 16-22 Nov edition ref a Pembrokeshire reader's Black Magic Pearlescent Fabia vRS.

She had the paint lifting on hers, but severity of damage is it seems a function of the critters diet. Berries are very corrosive I gather!

Best watch out for those West Country Blackbirds, Pigeons & Seagulls, apparently Metallic Black is one of the colours/types most susceptible to the corrosive action of bird 'lime'. Droppings damage isn't covered by warranties, so wash it off quick! [/quote']

This was covered in a thread at the time of that issue I think. I've never had a problem with mine, and get a fair bombarding, especially when the berries are out and hanging over the driveway in late summer/early autumn. I would say that with a decent wax coat on the bodywork, you aren't at any more risk than any other type of colour. I still remove the deposits as soon as I spot them though.

Steve

Nice little review

Steve

Err, thanks! Just re-read it and it is a little garbled at best, mind you I wrote it at about 5AM after a long and crappy 12hour shift.

Greybeard, I'll definately give you a shout if I'm heading that way, make sure you do the same if you're headed this far west.....

My Golf was met. black and although only just over three years old, was definately showing signs of age even though it wasn't at all badly affected by stone chips. I think perhaps the previous owner may have used car washes as when the nice coat of wax the supplying dealer had applied wore off it did look a little worse for wear. Soon came up looking nice again with a quick light polish and a day's atmospheric dust had settled on it to hide imperfections! I'll keep an eye on the little Fabia's paint though, and I remember that thread and the rather scathing opinions of the lady's cleaning regime! I have a feeling that my Fabia's paint will also be a bit scarred by car washes, visible when the valeter's wax wears off, as the previous owner was of the worryingly titled 'One Lady...' kind (apologies to any ladies on here who do actually care for their cars properly).

Oddly enough, one of the first outings for the young Fabia will be ferrying people to a funeral later in the week........