Thought I'd give some details of how the first 3 months have gone in our Black Magic 1.2 70 bhp petrol Fabia 2.

The car has been excellent from day 1.

What I like: build quality - no squeeks/rattles, smooth gear change, lots of space, thoughtful touches: (ticket holder, baggage hooks in boot, door pockets in rear, retaining straps in front door pockets); high quality radio/CD/MP3 player, quite economical - averaging 41 mpg, generally refined driving experience, general feeling of solidity, Maxidot and m/f steering wheel.

Criticisms: some wind noise from door mirrors, dipped headlight beam - not so much the brightness as the reach - may buy the Philips Xtreme replacement H7s, windscreen wipers could be better - perhaps need adjusted.

Have had a number of Polos before this car and the Fabia equals or betters the Polo in every way. I am now very happy that we have moved to Skoda after many years with VW.

Interesting comment about the brightness of the headlights, there is another thread in this section that mentions the headlights not so being bright. Glad you have had a trouble free three months.

Had a sit in this model a few weeks ago in the showroom, still had to have the seat right back, and on my Mk 1 I have the seat high up (Not exactly short) when I did it on this version, the gearstick and radio controls was too low down for my liking, plus I couldnt see over the bonnet even at the highest setting.

How are you finding the HTP 3 cylinder engine noise ? I wasnt too keen on it at first but gives the car some character, and its nice n smooth when you do constant speeds. Sub 100bhp engines aren't everyones cup, especially on a performance orientated forum like this, but suppose you are like me in that it gets you to from A and B back, does the job economically. Note your average mpg does seem a bit low, but then may have different journey distances, traffic conditions so a direct comparsion wouldnt be fair.

To be honest, and no reflection on your choice, I dont think I would have Fabia 2, funny enough I am looking at a Polo as the next car, so my direction is the other way.

Hope you have more troublefree and safe motoring

... but suppose you are like me in that it gets you to from A and B back...

Busy piece of road then, eh?

I had a test drive in a 1.2 3cyl, and thought it was perfectly adequate for a city car, a bit noisy on the motorway (but that's a gearing issue really) but in the city streets it was comfortable and nippy

i love the little HTP engine, the torque from such a small engine is fantastic!

the noise can be a bit anoying if your flooring it everywhere, but if your driving fairly steadily then its fine. when you do floor it the noise puts a smile of your face