Just to be helpful, because it fooled me. 

 

My exhaust pipe started making the "I need a new exhaust!" noise. I could smell fumes and knew it was somewhere near the middle. 

 

So went to my local garage who put it on the ramp and pointed out a rusted clamp where the front and back pipes join. Fifteen quid later, replaced and gixed. 

 

Apparently they see this all the time on Fabias, along with equivalent Seats and Audi. 

2 hours ago, Polaris said:

a rusted clamp where the front and back pipes join

The Sleeve type one with the two nuts/bolts

If you want it to last then it helps if you spray them with VHT paint once a year.

I do mine every Autumn.

 

Thanks. AG Falco

 

It is very common, and they are very crap parts VW source. 

Thanks Polaris and AGFalco for pointing out the problem and solution. You've probably saved a few Fabia owners a bit of dosh!