I've been looking at a Fabia III estate for my father and am convinced that I've read about (and seen on the configurator a couple of weeks ago) the option of a rear view camera. Our local dealer told us today that it is not available and a check of the website confirms that the car configurator no longer has this as an option.

 

Am I going mad or has this been hastily removed?

 

Secondly, where does the Fabia III sit in the evolution of the  Polo/Fabia/Ibiza platform? Is the chassis identical to the current Polo?

 

Thanks for any advice

Simon

I've not heard of a camera. I think it may be an option on the new Superb though so maybe that's what you've seen.

The chassis is different to the Polo as far as I know.

Thanks for that.

The camera is now available on the Yeti and even a couple of the staff at the dealership thought that it was an option on the new Fabia. It sounds to me like it was planned then withdrawn at the last moment either because of cost or perhaps bugs with integration to the new media package.

 

Surely the Fabia and Polo are basically the same car. What I was curious about was whether the Fabia III has some new developments that have yet to be introduced to the Polo. I see talk about an "MQB" platform in some of the reviews but I'm not sure what this is and which VW/Skoda models use it.

It's a mixture of MQB and PQ26, whatever that means.

MQB is VW's ultralightweight, modern, and modular platform. The PQ26 is the old Fabia (and others) platform from about 10 years ago. To save a bit of money Skoda has hybridised. What the real world difference is? I have no clue!

MQB is VW's ultralightweight, modern, and modular platform. The PQ26 is the old Fabia (and others) platform from about 10 years ago. To save a bit of money Skoda has hybridised. What the real world difference is? I have no clue!

 

It's more comfortable to drive than the mk2 i'll say, handling, not had the chance to push it yet to see what the characteristics are like but feels like a half decent chassis, probably improved by having traction control and stability which my old fabia lacked, a little let down by the steering which feels slightly disconnected, but overall an improvement over the old chassis.

Google VAG MBQ and you shall find out.

Its a common platform for all VAG transverse front wheel drive models as there are a MLQ (if my memory serves me, which is highly doubtful) for longitunal all wheel drive models (mostly Audis), all within the MB (modulare baukasten) programme.

In short its a way to increase profit by a modern common construction kit, and not necessarely for building better cars. Whatever that is.

I've had a look and it seems to be a modular way of creating cars rather than having these "platforms" that are used for each size of car across the four main VAG brands. They will have a standard structure that will mount a transverse front drive engine and the only fixed dimension is that from the pedal box to the front "axle". Thus the same structure could be used for the Superb, Octavia and Fabia. I think it is just the mid size hatches that use it at the moment (Leon/Octavia/Golf/A3) but the new Superb and Passat will use it and the Fabia III uses it in part - hence the extra width over the Fabia II. I believe that it is also responsible for the weight reduction.

I'm sure that VAG are keen for people to stop referring to their products as badge engineered versions of the core VW models.

 

Incidentally - the articles I found (written in January) confirmed that the reversing camera was originally supposed to be available. Maybe it wasn't just my imagination.

 

I was impressed with the Fabia III that we drove yesterday - particularly the 1.2 TSi engine. The only Fabia I've driven before is the second generation VRS.

Anyway, my Dad is tossing up between the Polo and the Fabia. He prefers the Polo's interior and the availability of the reversing camera but likes the proportions and boot size of the Fabia estate.

There's been a lot of Fabia vs Polo debate on here. Those of us that want an estate have no choice but to go with the Fabia though.

I've been looking at the hatchback and a blueGT Polo with the 150bhp 1.4 can be had for £16k through the discount sites. As opposed to an equivalent Fabia SEL with the smaller 1.2TSI for £15k. 

 

Personally, I'm sniffing around the polo for that reason!

Which discount sites?

I haven't started talking prices with the dealers but the list for a 1.2TSI SEL Polo with DSG, climate and reversing camera is not far off £20k.

Which discount sites?

I haven't started talking prices with the dealers but the list for a 1.2TSI SEL Polo with DSG, climate and reversing camera is not far off £20k.

Carwow, Drivethedeal.

DSG adds a bit more to both the prices I mentioned. Also note you need to buy on finance to get the extra deposit contributions, but you can pay this off ASAP if you're a cash buyer.

Hello Guys,
I plan to buy a FABIA III with rear and front detector.
I know the topic is "old", but do you know if it's possible to add a rear camera (it's not a buyable option...) with the "Bolero" radio.

like this one: http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ChrisHulme/media/revcam/2013-08-24112430.jpg.html

Perhaps the Amundsen is required ?
Thanks

Edited 19 July, 201510 yr by Phoenix877