Some may find this useful so here goes.

Bought a 74 plate Fabia 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG (with winter and charging packs) in Feb and have now been driving it daily for 6 months.

Reason for choice, I wanted an automatic, it’s the right size and I was adamant I didn’t want a 3 cylinder 1.0L engine - it’s just a quirk I have but it ruled out several other options.

Pro’s

Really nice to drive. Responsive, comfortable, good visibility and excellent economy (I average 50mpg).

DSG is as good as any VW I’ve driven- it really is nice.

FAST when you give it a boot full!

All the bells and whistles one could need although lane assist annoys the life out of me (but can always turn it off)

Good build quality

Excellent boot space for class or car

Good insurance premium (half that of my previous BMW 225)

Cons

Nothing major but a few irksome elements

Infotainment system is sometimes a bit irrational, goes completely dead on occasion for no reason.

A/C is not particularly cold. Might be solved with a rehab but is only 9 months old!!

Finally a few irritations with Skoda themselves as follows:

Spare wheel as an accessory is £300 but only £155 if ordered with a new car.

This is the top model but has no front sensors or reverse camera (now addressed with new colour edition).

Service plans are not great IMO. I’ve found an Independant VAG specialist who is miles better in service offered and cost.

After sales from Skoda dealership - this doesn’t really bother me to be fair but they did promise several follow up courtesy call etc. but I’ve not heard a peep.

Conclusion - I am very happy with my Fabia, glad I bought it, have no regrets whatsoever and would happily buy the same car again if I went back in time.

Hope this helps someone currently looking.

I too have the same car but a 73 plate. I love it, but do turn off the lane assist every time I get in the car as it bugs the hell out of me but leave everything else on. The winter pack is an absolute tick from me, it’s superb when I’ve had to use it. Nothing has gone wrong, it’s never let me down, comfy and very easy to drive but took a few months for me to get used to the sharp braking system!

Infotainment system does go off completely now and again but comes back on after 5 seconds or so, but Ive now realised its every time I go into a Sainsbury shop for some reason. Used to do it a lot but someone on here said to try holding the on/off button for about 30 seconds the next time it goes off which I did and as I said, it’s maybe once every few months now.

It’s 2 years old next month (Nov) and Ive not even done 9,000 miles yet but going in for its first service this week on a service plan so not quite sure what to expect tbh!

An oil & Inspection service and a Pollen filter replaced should be expected.

They might even say Brake Fluid is due a change now at 2 years and no longer first at 3 years.

Other up-selling as well, AC service and the brakes being 80% worn, not only 20%.

My wife has had hers for just over 12 months now and agree with everything that has been said. The sharp brakes catch me out now and again especially as those in mine are a little soft.

We ordered a good spec. but got a good discount so overall very pleased with the car.