I'm starting to think about replacing my mk2 Fabia estate 1.4 petrol 85bhp. I generally really like the car, but one of the more annoying things about it is its lack of pulling power up hills and, in particular, the way the engine sometimes dies when you try to pull away in 2nd gear at roundabouts. I'm considering replacing it with a used Rapid Spaceback or a mk3 Fabia estate (I'm looking for something with a sensible width in a world of ever-expanding cars). However, I'm confused about the engine options of Rapids and Fabias; I assumed the 1.2 TSi 110bhp would provide less pulling power than the 1.0 equivalent as according to the figures it has 129 lbs/ft torque vs 148 lbs/ft in the 1.0. But I read somewhere on this forum that the 1.2 has more pulling power and the 1.0 can get caught 'off boost' at roundabouts, which is the very thing I'm looking to avoid. Thanks.

By the off-boost comment, assume you’re considering an automatic transmission rather than a manual? just for context; as obviously you can avoid any issue by using the gearbox where needed in a manual!

What might be called an Automatic in a Skoda is a DSG.  Automated Manual.

You can change gear as you need just no clutch to use with the left foot.

Thanks for the replies. What I'm referring to, at least in my mk2 1.4 petrol manual Fabia, is where you go to do a rolling start in 2nd gear at a roundabout but very little happens when you put your foot down.  Does that still happen with the 1.0 tsi manual? (I read that the 1.2 tsi manual is fine for 2nd gear rolling starts). I appreciate that I could always change my driving style to adapt to a new car, but I'd prefer to get a car that fits my driving style. Thanks.

Having had a 1.2 TSI 105 and a 1.0 TSI 110, the 1.0 is far worse. The 1.0 torque figure may be higher on paper but you'd never know. In fact it has so little torque it stalls in second at traffic speeds (less than 10 mph) if the clutch isn't dipped. I have never had another manual that did this. It is also gutless in any gear without some revs piled on (It does pull from about 2500). Smooth gear changes seem difficult too as the revs plummet as soon as the throttle is released.

 

I've done 10000 miles with the 1.0 manual and completely do not recommended it for town driving. Main roads with lots of roundabouts are painful too.

After 2 years I still regret trading the 1.2 for this.

 

That said, people with DSG 1.0 cars seem to like them a lot more, the 7 speed auto hides the motors deficiencies.

 

 

Edited 1 September, 20196 yr by camelspyyder

Is your fabia 1.4 the normally aspirated 16V engine?

 

I have that in an Ibiza and it is another engine with no low down power at all. In that one nothing notable happens unless the revs are at 3000.

 

The 1.0 turbo is a slug just like the 1.4, but owning both I can state clearly the 1.0 is worse to drive.

 

I would have another 1.2 turbo over either.

 

 

 

 

Edited 1 September, 20196 yr by camelspyyder

Thanks Camelspyyder - really useful info on the 1.0 tsi. Interesting that you say the 1.0 manual is worse than the 1.4. Yes, I think I have the normally aspirated 1.4.  Surprisingly good on the motorway but there's a dangerous lack of power when pulling away in 2nd gear (and switching to 1st is not great for passengers who get travel sick). Looking for a car with a sensible width (ideally sub 1.75m but definitely sub 1.77m) with a large boot and a bit of go is proving tricky. After your comments, a 1.2 tsi Fabia Estate seems the obvious (but slightly boring) choice, Rapid also a possibility (but a bit basic). Also considering Peugeot 2008 (though driving position seems an issue), Nissan Pulsar (smaller boot but lots of kit) and a 2016 Honda Civic (though even the 1.8 petrol apparently lacks pulling power).

The best Rapid Spaceback model for me would be a 2017 1.2 SE Sport.

 

By that time the spec had been upgraded to include NAV, DAB, Climate, Cruise, Pano roof, MFSW, Voice dialling, Bluetooth, Parking sensors etc.

 

I have a Toledo to the same spec and cant think of any more toys I really need.

 

 

Edited 1 September, 20196 yr by camelspyyder

How's the ride on the 17 inch wheels? I read it's on the firm side. And I was thinking I'd probably want to avoid the pano roof - potential problems, particularly if I want to carry something on the roof. But I agree the Sport trim really improves the look of the Rapid.

17 minutes ago, Oli D said:

How's the ride on the 17 inch wheels? I read it's on the firm side. And I was thinking I'd probably want to avoid the pano roof - potential problems, particularly if I want to carry something on the roof. But I agree the Sport trim really improves the look of the Rapid.

 

I've had 2 on 17's and the ride is absolutely fine, some tyre choices can improve it further though.

The reputation in the media of poor riding Rapids is a legacy of the 2012 launch spec cars that had inferior suspension and steering.

The Spaceback intro round late 2013 saw the first big improvements, and the MY18 car I have is improved further over the MY14 one I had before.

 

I didn't find the diesel rode so well, but it has about an extra 100kg over the front and harder springs to suit.

 

 

 

 

Edited 1 September, 20196 yr by camelspyyder