SKODA’S latest Fabia is proof, if it were needed, that you really can have your cake and eat it! And their recipe for success is in building a car that’s one of the best value for money machines in the supermini class. Although some might question whether the Fabia is really a supermini, because there’s not a lot miniscule about its dimensions. It offers you a healthy sized slice of metal which will carry a family of four in adequate comfort and with room to spare. Probably why the original car, launched seven years ago, has been such a hit in the UK. Buyers here have snapped up over 130,000 of them and more than 1.5 million have been built in that time. And it’s won a shelf full of awards.
The latest model, launched earlier this year, majors on the benefits of the previous Fabia as it takes on the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio in the battle for sales, and starts at a competitive £7,990 for the entry level 1.2 HTP 1. It has a decent amount of standard equipment in a CD player, ABS, power steering, immobiliser and dual front airbags, but obviously sacrifices have to be made to keep the price down, so you won’t find remote centre locking and electric door mirrors on the Fabia 1, the lowest trim level. And I was briefly left wondering if they’d forgotten the brakes as well on first acquaintance, as they proved to be a bit softer than I’m used to.
But rest assured that though the pedal travel may be long there’s plenty bite at the end to stop you safely. There’s plenty engine choice in the range – seven in fact – the least swift being the 1.2 litre three cylinder 60bhp unit in our test car, an engine used in other VW Group products. There’s a thrummy quality to the engine note, and it has to be said that in town it’s perfectly adequate. It’s just left lacking a bit when the road opens out a bit and the traffic thins out, which is where its breathing thins out and it gets a bit like the wheezy fat boy trying to keep up with the rest on the school cross country run. Using the cake analogy it doesn’t exactly put the zip in the marzipan but then there are plenty others to choose from if you feel the need for a bit more speed.
People opt for a Skoda for a variety of reasons – value for money, reliability and overall user friendliness. The latest Fabia ticks all those boxes and this one in particular, while only the entry level model, proved a comfortable enough method of transport, and an economical one too. Its extra urban figure is a shade under 59mpg which means that as well as not costing a lot to buy it won’t cost a fortune to run either. Oh, and it’s insurance group 1 into the bargain. So, a neatly styled five door hatch that’s a definite improvement over its predecessor. Piece of cake really.
Skoda cars have an excellent reputation for producing quality cars at a fair price. In Ireland Skodas are a very popular car for business users and family drivers alike.
Gone are the days of the Skoda jokes, where Skoda was classed with Lada and Polski Fiat. Skoda is now part of the Volkswagen group and the cars are well designed and look great.
There are only three basic models, Fabia, Octavia and Superb.
The models have been designed to fit in between the conventional size classes, for example the Fabia is between a Fiesta and a Focus in size. The engines are quiet, but provide all the power that 99% of motorists ever need. Inside the cars are spacious and comfortable, with a high driver satisfaction rating.
The diesel engined Skoda Octavia has brilliant fuel economy at around 700 miles1100 kilometres a tank full and it’s still a decent performer too.
Rear legroom isn’t brilliant, compensation for a big boot, but plenty big enough for a family and occasional adults
As for handling the Skoda Octavia beats the equivalent Volkswagens due to it’s stiffer and better ride that’s needed for rough Czech (and Irish)roads compared to the smooth German ones of Volkswagen.
Comfortable on long distances, but the road noise level is noticeable.
The Skoda Octavia Estate car just goes on and on. The loading platform seems endless. This estate car is also one of the most pleasant to drive that I have ever come across
The New Octavia car is even better value than the older model. The differences on the outside are subtle, but inside is different story, with redesigned seats and instrument panel. You know you are in a different Skoda Octavia.
The Skoda Fabia is quiet at all speeds. Great steering, brakes, and taut body control. Amazingly frugal engine keeps getting better as it matures, averaging over 65mpg on daily country commutes. Beautiful Skoda gearbox with very smooth changes.
Skoda’s super efficient air-con does not affect the Fabia’s performance or fuel consumption. Heated seats are perfect for winter. Rock solid construction enhances passenger safety.
I think that the skoda diesel engine is the perfect partner for this car as the fuel economy even in town is in the high 50’s and the torque is amazing in this small car making it seriously quick, surprising a few Fiesta and Corsa drivers!
The Skoda Fabia is a real Pocket Rocket! The steering is brilliant – very light when you need it in parking spaces, but it weight’s up nicely when out on the open road.
The Skoda Fabia estate is an amazing package of space and economy. The 1.2 16v engine delivers far more power than any small estate car driver has the right to expect
Seats appear to be too uncomfortable at the start as they are very hard, but they soften up and become very comfortable after 10 minutes and you appreciate this in a long drive and it is far better than it’s rivals!
The ride is wonderful! Very supple for long distance cruising and a great handler. Amazing!
Loaded with kit for the money and you’ll save money with it’s excellent fuel economy.
Nowhere else will you find a value for money car like the Skoda Superb. The Superb has features that are generally only found in cars costing half as much again. A test drive in the Skoda Superb is a totally different world from a test drive in the very competent Skoda Octavia. The two cars may look very similar outside, but inside and for driving pleasure the Superb wins hands down.
The Skoda Superb really does live up to its name. It is superb in every way – good handling, excellent drive, full of features such as tip-tronic transmission and electric seat cw memory, spacious cabin, comfortable ride and powerful engine (turbo). The boot is cavernous!
Its actual rear leg-room is even larger than a Mercedes E class.
The top of the range Skoda Superb is a very high quality, well put together and extremely spacious, luxury family car.
Great engine, smooth auto gearbox, wonderful overtaking ability, relaxed cruising and very economical.
Coupled with great features and reasonable price, the Skoda Superb really is value-for-money. It’s money well spent!
Since 1999, the Czech manufacturer, Skoda Auto has been producing one of the most stylishly designed supermini. The looks of Skoda Fabia are based on new designs by its parent company, Volkswagen. The car is offered as 4 door saloon or 5 door estate and hatchback models. Available in petrol and diesel versions, most recent models are equipped with 1.4 16valve 80 PS engines which are able to produce torque up to 132N at 3800rpm.
Appeal
Earlier models of Skoda Fabia were heavier in comparison to its competition but designers soon came out with an innovative 1.2HTP engine which became so popular that VW Polo also adapted it in their newer vehicles. In 2006, engineers boosted specifications by adding a rear seat headrest, three point seat belts and four bodywork colors. In fact, it was the overall design which attracted young buyers who were readily impressed by its sporty looks. To cater to increasing demands, engineers have introduced classical designs including Silverline, Bohemia, Sport, Ambiente and Blackline. Minor changes are also reflected in junior models sold in Eastern Europe which are relatively low priced but doesn’t include standard features.
Powerful Diesel Engine
The diesel version of Skodia Fabia has also been an instant hit. The 1.9L turbocharged direct injection system can produce 130 metric horsepower and an amazing 310N at 1900rpm. It is controlled by a manual six speed gearbox which can accelerate to 100km/h in approximately 8 seconds. Although, the official acceleration speed is quoted to be more than 9 seconds but tests by major industry outlets have proved that the reliable diesel engine is actually more powerful than its contemporaries. A 6 speed tiptronic transmission and 7 speed direct shift gearbox are also available for customized models.
5J Model
The new 5J models have been rolled out with additional safety features. All European models are fitted with driver, passenger and side airbags. A highly advanced internal safety feature that prevents wiring from heating up is another distinguishing aspect of 5J models. According to Euro NCAP safety tests, Skoda Fabia is recommended to be 4 stars in adult occupancy ratings and three star for child occupant. Considering traditionally lower safety ratings for small cars, it is an impressive feat to achieve such high ratings in its class.
Gurg Sumit Kumar
Skoda, a subsidiary of the international VW Group that is based in Czech Republic has four cars in India. Though the brand is not a global hit, Skoda automobiles in India have seen great success. Skoda aims at producing environment-friendly new cars with high standards of comfort and safety. It has a manufacturing plant based at Shendra, on the outskirts of Aurangabad in the Maharashtra state of India. In this article let’s have a look at the Skoda automobiles in India.
Fabia, a Skoda automobile in India, is loaded with the best-in-class technology and extraordinary comfort. Active, Classic, Ambiente and Elegance are the four variants of this Skoda automobile in India. It comes with a choice of one diesel and 2 petrol motors. An impressive 70 bhp is packed in the 1.4-litre PD TDI Inline-3 diesel motor while 1.4-litre MPI Inline-4 delivers 86 bhp and the 1.2 MPI I4 petrol engine churns out 70 bhp. The Skoda Fabia’s engine is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission which allows smooth shifting of gears on the humpy bumpy roads in India. Lavish dual-tone interiors add the final streak of luxury.
The Skoda Laura, a leader when Skoda automobiles in India are considered, is a masterpiece of modern styling, outstanding manufacturing quality and ground-breaking engine technology. This Skoda automobile in India comes as three variants: Laurin and Klement, Elegance, and Ambiente. The engine varieties include a 1.8-litre TSI, a 1.9-litre TDI PD, and a 2.0-litre TDI PD. The classy, elegant and comfy interiors draw attention to the chrome-accentuated interior door handles, rich Ivory upholstery, and wood furnishing. This Skoda automobile has made its entry in India with a 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat and plenty of other features.
The Skoda Octavia is a well-built luxury-filled Skoda automobile in India. The car symbolizes the fine blend of quality, ideal designing and fresh technology. This Skoda automobile has made its entry in India as four variants: Ambiente Turbo, Ambiente, Laurin and Klemant, and Elegance 1.9 TDi and these suit the roads of India just right. The Octavia comes with a choice of two engines, a 1.8-litre turbo petrol and a 1.9-litre TDi diesel motor. The engine in all variants is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Superb, roomy interiors in a mixture of wood and leather give it the looks that make the car so well known in India.
The Superb is one of the four Skoda automobiles in India that offers a 7-Star experience. The car comes in just three variants in India – 1.8 TSI, TDI PD, and V6 FSI 4×4. Making its entry in India in two petrol variants, the 1.8-litre turbocharged and 3.6-litre V6 turbocharged versions, the Superb is certainly a superb car. The diesel variant derives its power from a 2-litre I4 turbocharged motor. The Skoda Superb shows off ivory Nappa leather seats, dual tone Onyx-Ivory interiors, wood design interior décor, 2-way electrically adjustable driver seat with programmable memory and loads of other features for car buyers in India.
Deepthi Alvares
Nowadays, all cars including the one we are talking about here, the Skoda Fabia vRS, have a computerized Engine Management System. This system can be re-programmed to adjust the amount of fuel or oxygen that goes into the engine at a time, the spark plug timing and even engine power at different RPM’s. This process is called remapping a car and it is usually done so that you can get the optimal performance from your vehicle.
The amount of power you can gain depends on your engine type. Seeing that this is the sports version of the Fabia, the performance has already been improved. But, with a little more cash this diesel engine can really push the limits. The Fabia engine already has a very impressive performance and the extra power that is gained from the remapping more often than not will see the owners face light up.
Where you get your remap done from is important but as long as the dealer is recognized it shouldn’t make much of a difference. One of the best car remapping companies, in my opinion, is Angel Tuning and you should definitely consider them when remapping your Fabia. Initially, it gives you 130bhp and 310nm of torque. There are two ways in which you can remap this:-
1. Generic remap: Here, the car can gain anything from 20-40bhp. These are pre-designed remaps sometimes called “off the shelf” remaps.
2. Custom remap: The car gains from 40bhp upwards and is based on your preferences and other modifications that you may have.
What actually happens is, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), the engine’s computer which controls everything from the ignition timing to when the turbo kicks in, has a pre-designed map stored on its system. This map can be re-programmed so as to provide you with the optimum driving experience in your vehicle. It takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete this process. The work that is done does not damage your Fabia in any way as it is entirely software based and thus you only risk your ECU.
After getting your Skoda remapped, if you are not satisfied with the significant increase in performance you can choose to get the mapping un-done so that you are back to your stock car settings. You can continuously remap your car, so, if you are a speed junkie, you should stay updated on the latest remapping software’s available so that you can have the best possible remap on your vehicle at all times.
At this point, you must be wondering why the stock maps installed in your vehicle aren’t already at optimum performance. The reason for this, a law, which states that all new cars must have a dip in the engine power at RPM’s of 2000-3000. This law is was made to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, although all it does is make people accelerate more in this rev range which leads to increased emissions anyway plus wasted fuel. The Skoda’s performance is also limited from the company itself so that they can release new faster models later by just changing the map on the ECU. They will use this opportunity to charge you 1000’s of pounds more, just like they did when releasing this variant of the Fabia.
One thing that you should consider before actually remapping your car is whether or not this will affect the insurance on your vehicle. In most cases, the insurers won’t be able to tell the difference between a remapped vRS and a stock vRS, but just to be on the safe side you should thoroughly go through the documentation relating to your insurance before remapping your engine.