Had a visit to a local showroom to have a look at the new Fabia. Despite one or two negative views on here, and my own uncertain view on it, I'd hope that seeing the new Fabia for real would win me over, but... Im afraid to say it hasn't, in fact it's really put me off it, and really dont like it. I'll but some thoughts on here, also I had brought along a friend (Non Skoda owning) to see what they thought.. they agreed basically with the comments here.

On first view the new Fabia appears taller and narrower than the Mk1 model. With a Roomster nearby, it was felt that Skoda had shoe horned the Roomster (Front design) into the Fabia hatchback. Sitting inside - the dash and interior just shouted cheap, the speedo and rev dial fingers reminded me of a 1930's Smiths electric clock.

Also didnt like

The seat fabric design in the 1.2

Smaller rear windows.

Also when examined one parked outside, the was a distinct gap on one side of the hatch door - you could see the hatch lifter, and didnt shall we say looked very water tight.

Overall impression that Skoda is trying to target the Fabia at a sub 30 age group but in doing so have created a car with a cheap feel to it.

If anything postive is to be gained from this thread, the only the Fabia I would have brought would have been the Fabia vRS, they had a rather nice one in blue outside.

tbh, if I had

I went to see the new Fabia a while ago and I have to say it will take some getting used to.

The new car is, I think, 50mm taller and a couple of mm narrower.

Can't agree about the build quality, it's far beter than the current Fabia in most aspects, cabin is very well made, VW quality almost, especially with the Fabia 3.

One of my only grumbles when inside is the steering wheel, surely Skoda could have sourced some better looking steering wheels and I hope the next vRS has the same one as the Octavia vRS as this looks good.

The only thing that really annoys me is the 12v socket by the drivers belt clip, it's a PITA when you have a phone charger or a cool box plugged in, they could have moved it surely??

Outside, the shut lines of the body pannels look closer together too, I'll have a look at the tail gate for the gaps on Thursday and I'll let people know the outcome, hope it's not goingto be an issue?

When in the seat, the sides, (especially the A pillar) do seem to feel closer to you than the old model, which may not suit some people.

The seats are quite suportive, I can't comment about the comfort in them when driving.

I am hopefully getting to try one on Thursday so I'll update this comment after I have had a go in one.

Sitting inside - the dash and interior just shouted cheap, the speedo and rev dial fingers reminded me of a 1930's Smiths electric clock.

Also didnt like

The seat fabric design in the 1.2

Try the dials on a model with maxi-dot, much better, but I thought the standard ones were fine.

Agree on the seat fabric on the level2 models, the bad thing is Skoda UK chose those from a much bigger range of options available from CZ. Whoever made that choice needs firing!

The seat fabric is a bit ghastly in the 2, surely they could have done better.

It seems that they have just thrown the last bits in to finish it off, don't get me wrong, as I said before, build quality is good, but the mind boggles about what frame of mind the chap that decided on the seat patterns. Fired, they should be shot.

As before, the steering wheels are just used from the old car, I know it's cost, but surely there are other wheels available in the VAG group?

Actually seen one today on passing on the other side of the road - looked like it belonged to some company rather being a demo car, as it largish graphics on it (Not Skoda I don't think), tbh it does nothing for me personally.

When you look at the opposition and their innovative design and technology, Skoda are miles behind. I'm afraid they (VAG Group) have NOT produced the car they could have. A poor effort.

I took one out for an hour. Loved it

Tidy little motor!

I think the lack of door bump strips on the 1 and 2 variants is just pennypinching.

Would you buy a car without bump strips on the doors?

I predict we will soon see the old pricing regime back soon (free aircon etc) as the prices are just far too high. Even then I doubt it will sell that well.

Not sure if I have seen one on the road yet. I may seen one and just thought it was another Roomster as I have seem quite a few of those about.