Hi. I'm gonna be in the market for something nicer than my 12 year old Kia in the coming months.

 

I've done a little bit of research and a nearly new Fabia is a strong possibility.

 

I look forward to participating in the forum, from time to time. 👋

Hope you don't mind my suggestion as I have owned and driven quite a few different makes of cars and bikes over 40+ years of driving. (Yes I'm a TOG)

After I bought a 5dr Skoda Citigo for my daughter I realised you can't beat Skoda if you are keen on Value for your hard earned money.

I have since replaced my Nissan with a 22 reg Mk4 Skoda Fabia Colour Edition 110bhp/6 gears.

It has all the bells and whistles without tech overload and I can squeeze 56-62mpg out with light footed driving and following tons of advice I got from IAM.

Please feel free to have a look at my photos and ask away any questions you may have about my days with Fabia Mk4.

Edited 30 April, 20242 yr by Fab4yorki
Spelling

Hi there! Not at all. I just had a look at your intro thread with the pics and the car looks extremely nice! 

 

Is the Colour Edition basically the same kit as the SE L? Or does the SE L have slightly more stuff?

I will be looking for something very similar to yours, with a 110hp petrol but with a DSG box. I haven’t quite decided on multi-colour or trim level yet.

Hi JF

Thanks for your kind words, I’m glad that I can offer you some useful information about my Mk4 Fabia after having used it for last 4 months.

Colour Edition is almost same spec as SE comfort with better n larger instrument panel with Digital interchangeable dials so you can choose what information you want apart from speed and mpg.

Central Infotainment system is also larger with better radio & sound system etc. and has excellent connectivity with iPhone or Android phones using a cable, so you can use Navigation, voice control and other apps from your phone.

Colour Edition also gives you better looking wheels and colour scheme similar to mine, as well as Keyless start etc.

It may be a good idea for you to look at SEL and Colour Edition models for sale on Autotrader and compare the specifications side by side.

One thing I have noticed that you need to keep the revs above 1500ish to keep the power coming from the 1000cc 3 cylinder turbo engine, but you can certainly feel the power advantage of 110 horses under bonnet when going uphill or overtaking. If you are going for DSG auto, you may have a lot better power band available.
As you can tell by my enthusiasm, I love driving and never miss an opportunity to test drive a different car every time. I have driven some lemons and a few excellent ones on roads, rallies and test tracks in my time, so I make sure I always get decent value for my money.

Sorry I have rambled on a bit, please do ask me anything without hesitation, I’ll be more than happy to help.

That's great advice. Thanks. I'm rather taken with the idea of the "programmable" layout on the dials. I might be swayed into a Colour Edition.

 

It sounds like you've driven the odd sporty motor before, and you think that the 110 engine is peppy enough, which is also pleasing to hear. What's the ride like? I drive mostly built-up areas around Nottingham/Derbyshire and the potholes have been as annoying as most places recently. The council seems to be getting their act together in 2024 but I can see it being an ongoing thing. My Kia is actually quite a heavy little car because of the 1.1 diesel in it, and it can often shudder over potholes. This is one of the factors that is convincing me to get something more modern.

 

No worries about the rambling. As you can see, I'm capable of it, too 🙂

Fabia Mk4 is mechanically similar to Audi A1, VW Polo and Seat Ibiza, except the ride characteristic as Fabia suspension is designed for comfort rather than sports settings. As it is a family car and not for boy racers, I think it is better option for a mature driver.

Best thing you could do is find a Colour Edition for sale nearby and go for at least 30 to 40 minutes test drive on B roads as well as dual carriageway or motorway.

I have in past blagged 24 hour Test drives from a Skoda dealer as well as Peugeot dealer, so it is worth asking if you are interested.

I have attached Fabia review from Which magazine as I am a lifelong member and always read their reviews before buying anything, and it has never let me down.

I have also attached a car magazine’s review of Fabia vs Polo as they are very similar but different prices, it makes interesting read.

I hope you find all this information useful.

 

Skoda fabia Which?.pdf

Here is another try 👍

Thanks for those articles. I think the suspension will be perfect for me, as I’m my forties and not looking to be going flat-out all the time. I actually went to a Skoda dealer in Nottingham a few months ago and asked about a test drive but the young sales lad seemed only interested in selling finance, rather than the car. I might go again, now that I’m more serious about buying. How are you finding the upholstery in the Colour Edition?

 

Useful articles for me as well and have reinforced our decision to go for a Fabia.

Sorry about delay in responding to your last question about upholstery, It is average fabric nothing special. I always put new seat covers on any car I buy to protect the original upholstery.

One thing to mention about seat covers is that it is almost impossible to remove the front headrests.

I had to go to local Skoda dealer and used a secret button!!! In the back approx. 4 inches from top.

You have to feel for this button under fabric, press it with all your strength and pull the headrest up at the same time. I think it was a two man job, done in less than 15 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised that they didn’t ask for any money !!!
I have also added comments on economy in the “mpg” post which may be useful to read.

Thanks. Interesting about the secret button. I'm sure that knowledge will be handy around these parts.

 

I actually made a decision yesterday and I'm going to pick up a 22 plate Fabia tomorrow. It's a metallic blue 110 SE L with DSG gearbox. I had a go in it yesterday and it's really nice. Feels quite luxury for a small car. 🙂👍

Vow 👏 that’s great news, Congratulations, I’m sure you will enjoy using it as much as I have.

SEL is definitely better specification than Colour Edition , did you check if you have a spare wheel or is it a repair kit. I have always gone for a spare wheel and when I bought current car I made it clear to  Skoda dealer that no spare wheel, no deal and within 5 minutes he found a spare wheel. It’s amazing what car dealers will do when they are desperate to sell a car.

I am really pleased for you and can’t wait to hear about your experience with your precious new purchase.

It's a kit with the gunge stuff. But, I will bear that in mind. 

 

Thank you. I'm really looking forward to doing a lot of miles, this weekend. 😀

I've been all over the place today (yesterday, now!).

 

I picked it up in Newbury and headed towards Bristol, before diverting over the Severn Bridge and up through central Wales, then Shrewsbury and back across to the East Midlands to home.

 

It's really great and sheds the miles, no problem. I flipped it into sport mode for an hour whilst on the smaller A roads and B roads in Wales because I needed to floor it a couple of times to overtake a van, etc.

 

I feel like I'm going to enable sport mode whenever I'm not using dual carriageway or motorways, as it enables more decisive driving and it doesn't seem to drink much more fuel unless you start driving hard.

 

Loving the car for both refinement and luxury and also practicality of getting somewhere. 

 

One random question... what happens if I'm showing it to family/friend and they press the red SOS button? Does it ring emergency services? Will I get a bill?

5 hours ago, JFrankMiller said:

 

 

I picked it up in Newbury and headed towards Bristol, before diverting over the Severn Bridge and up through central Wales, then Shrewsbury and back across to the East Midlands to home.

that's a bit of a diversion ;o)

I am so happy that you have enjoyed what sounds like a brilliant long drive in your new toy. Sorry to be curious/nosey 🤪 what is current mileage on your new toy because I know these engines get quieter and smoother after about 15-20 thousand on clock as the various cogs and bits get to know you intimately.

The SOS button dials the emergency services in case of  an emergency using car’s “Skoda Connect” automatic phone system and also your location via GPS.

I have attached a link to YouTube video showing how it works as well as to an article by Parker’s Guide.

If someone pressed it accidentally, you will get a message where you can cancel it, but at least you find out it’s working 

You can also access the owner’s instructions manual on your Infotainment system in the car which is helpful in exploring various useful functions.

 

https://www.parkers.co.uk/what-is/sos-button/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpnfjeZg6sk

 

Have a Great Weekend exploring 🏎️😎

Ah, right. So if someone presses it acciddentally you get an immediate option to stop it with the button or by using the infotainment console, or finally using the phone app. I'm about to set up the MySkoda phone app properly right now, so that's handy to know. Thank you.

 

It had about 7.5k on the clock when I collected it, though I added a couple of hundred more yesterday. 🙂

 

Edited 5 May, 20242 yr by JFrankMiller

Here is another link with video review to confirm that you have made the best choice for your money.

https://www.parkers.co.uk/skoda/fabia/review/

Did you checkout the hidden umbrella in driver’s door and an ice scraper in the petrol filler cover, Skoda call it “Simply Clever”, OK I’ll stop now before I bore you to distraction.

 

Haha. I'm in the gym right now but I'll have a look for the umbrella when I go back to the car. I've seen a few YouTube reviews from when I was making my mind up and I'd forgotten about the umbrella!

 

I made a really good choice, so you don't need to remind me, yeah. 😝🙂👍