Hi All

New on here and seeking some advice please ....

Currently torn between buying a new Spaceback SE Sport or Fabia Estate SEL ?

The heart says the Spaceback, much prefer its looks and think it's a really handsome looking car in the sport guise !

However, I'm being a bit put off after reading some of the negative reviews on here etc. and other online reviews.

In contrast, the Fabia seems to get mostly positive reviews - the head says yes, but just not as struck on the look of it.

Would really appreciate any thoughts you may have.

Many thanks

Trev

That's a tricky one. Setting aside the looks (I personally like the look of the Fabia), for me it would come down to three things:

1) Space. Boot size is pretty similar on both models, but the Rapid has much more rear leg room for passengers. Is this an issue for you?

2) Equipment. Compare standard levels of equipment. The SE Sport is pretty loaded. Not sure about the Fabia SE L?

3) Price after discounts. I reckon you'll get a better discount on the Rapid as they sell fewer of them compared to the popular Fabia.

Much of the criticism aimed at the Rapid dates back to when it first went on sale, but back then it didn't have half of the standard equipment it has now. Also, it has been criticised for the quality of the interior. True, it's not as well finished as some other cars in its segment such as the Astra or Focus, but having sat in both, it's on a par with the Fabia.

Test drive both and see what you think

I was in the same position after having a baby, needed more space than the 3dr polo I had then.

I went for the spaceback, hands down. As has been said more leg room in the back, I'd say just more room all round.mthe spec of the sport model is good and it does look smart with the glass roof and black wheels!

I'm not a 'car man' but it's a comfy drive and the Mrs really likes it too.

Spaceback SE Sport, MY15, bought from new, here.

 

The car's done 4000 miles in just over 6 months, including a few 600 miles roundtrips. Other than the autowipers/lights that were fitted as an extra and aren't really up to scratch, I can't fault the car. It's roomy, economical, fairly well equipped and comfortable on long journeys. 

 

I drove the Fabia for 2 days as a courtesy car, don't know which model it was but i found it disappointing. It struggled to pull and was very noisy, and doesn't compete with the Spaceback in the looks department either.

 

As others have said, it all comes down to your space needs, specs, and final price. Also, are you intending to keep the car after 3 years? if so check which car will hold it's value better.

 

Shortly after ordering the car I discovered this forum and my heart sunk when i read all the comments about the Rapid. Fortunately,  I can't say I share the experience other people in the forum have had with their Rapids.  I now hope I haven't jinxed it!

Owning both a Spaceback and a Fabia II Combi, I would lean towards the Fabia. Higher riding position, better interior trim, comfy seats, more versatile (and bigger) boot. The Fabia III is trimmed very nicely indeed (even better than the II).

 

The good sales figures for the Fabia in general mean that there's likely to be a plethora of accessories, mods and other upgrade options that have not made it to the Rapid and are unlikely to any time soon.

I swapped my 14 plate Ibiza estate (which I'm guessing is the same as the fabia your looking at) for a MY16 SE Sport. I think it's s much nicer car to be in, the spec is great and I love the seats, feel of the wheel and the infotainment is the same as my mates golf r that cost 30k.

Leg room in the back is great compared to the Ibiza however the boot is a bit smaller. I used to be able to fit both kids bikes in the boot without putting a seat down but I've no chance in the Rapid.

I've done 5000 miles since Jan and have no issues with build quality. I find the glass roof is a bit pointless as I can't see it when I'm driving!

I'd say that the Ibiza handled a lot better and was even adjustable with the throttle mid bend. You can really tell the Rapid is old tech underneath when pressing on. Pottering round town though you wouldn't notice, it depends on how you drive.

I personally think the Rapid looks the best by far. If you don't need the extra bit space I'd go for the Rapid.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

I think the Ibiza is more akin to the Fabia II, but owning both Ibiza and Toledo I agree the little one handles and rides better than the Rapid (Toledo) despite being a 4 year older design.

 

Fabia III is WhatCar's 2015 car of the year.  

 

The Rapid (Built on MK5 Polo / Mk4 Golf bits) might have been competitive for that title in 2005!

Thanks all for the comments so far.

Seems opinion is pretty divided, but I think at the moment I'm still swaying towards the Spaceback.

Will update when the order is placed.

Any further comments more than welcome.

Regards

Trev

My16 Spaceback SE Sport for me -

 

Thread can be found here -

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/386039-arrived-my16-skoda-rapid-spaceback-corrida-red-photos-ownership-thread/

 

Hi!

The wife and I had a drive in both the Seat Toledo (identical to the rapid notchback) and the Fabia mk. 3 combi. While both nice cars to drive, the toledo/rapid felt the more 'grown up' car, perhaps due to the longer wheel base.

Further, we needed space for a toddler in a car seat in the rear seats. While boot space is great in the fabia combi, the space in the rear seats is quite limited.

Further, we didnt really find too much difference in interior plastics. Sure the toledo/rapid is quite hard plastics, but the fabia is not exactly soft touch leather all around either :-)

After having test drives in both, the decision was quite straightforward for us. Especially as with dealer discounts, the toledo came out quite a bit cheaper. But if you dont need the space in the rear seats, the fabia is definitely also a good buy!

Good luck with the decision and happy hunting for the right car - always an exciting time!

My wife had a Fabia III on loan while her Rapid Spaceback was being fixed.

 

I had a drive and being a car geek, the Fabia is definitely more composed on the road.  Over a rough piece of road, our Spaceback seems to have a lot more flex in the body than I'd like.  I suspect down to the fact it's a bit of a mongrel under the skin.

 

My wife, who isn't a car bore, didn't find anything she preferred in the Fabia.  Other things we both prefer about the Spaceback:

• Interior quality
• Interior ambiance
• Interior space
• Boot space
• Level of trim / features (obviously that depends on the trim level you get, but when we last looked, you generally get more stuff on a Rapid)
• Ride comfort
• Exterior design (Fabia looks a bit boxy IMO)

 

I know it's subjective but we're very happy we chose a Rapid Spaceback over a Fabia.

 

 

Owning both a Spaceback and a Fabia II Combi, I would lean towards the Fabia. Higher riding position, better interior trim, comfy seats, more versatile (and bigger) boot. The Fabia III is trimmed very nicely indeed (even better than the II).

 

The good sales figures for the Fabia in general mean that there's likely to be a plethora of accessories, mods and other upgrade options that have not made it to the Rapid and are unlikely to any time soon.

 

I don't see the poor interior trim criticism that's often levied against the Rapid.  In fact, it's one of the things that drew us to the Rapid SB over its competitors.  I really like clean, minimal design and IMO the Rapid is smart and functional.  I also like the fact it feels open and spacious - there seems a popular trend to make cars cocoon the driver in a dashboard like a fighter pilot (Focus, Leon) which just makes me feel claustrophobic.

Just my 2 cents :P

Thanks again everyone for your input.

Think the Spaceback Sport looks really nice in the red Rick - definitely the colour I'd go for !

I agree with you Naxtek, having sat in both I think the Spaceback just feels a much nicer place to be.

Not overly worried about the handling issues - won't be chasing around in this car. Am looking for something 'more grown up' and a bit more understated, in contrast to having owned my Clio 182 for the last 9 years.

Guess I'm still very much leaning towards the Rapid.

Next decision is whether to order now, or wait till the next quarter to see what happens deal wise, in light of the referendum vote etc ? any thoughts ?