2003 Skoda Fabia vRS 1.9 turbo diesel
Summary:
Quick smile enducer
Faults:
Wouldn't start due to sticking relay the day after I took delivery. Took almost a month before the fault was solved.
Windscreen wipers failed twice. Easily fixed by replacing fuse.
General Comments:
First of all the dealer was excellent when the car got dropped off there on the back of a wagon.
Now that I have got the car back I'm very happy with it. It took a bit of time to learn to trust the car again, but now 2 months on there has been no other faults.
Both the economy and the performance is improving with every turn of the key. If economy is your game it is easily able to return 55mpg+ on a good A road! Trouble is the heavy foot that does not that figure down occasionally, giving an average return of about 49mpg. The performance is such that I can't see the front tyres doing too many miles. Overtaking is reassuringly easy, 3rd and 4th gear offering mind boggling acceleration for a diesel, let alone a Skoda.
As I'm only 21 I did get a bit of stick of the less knowledgeable of the lads and all the ladies. Those that do know less are starting to warm to the car, especially when most cars get in the way and the car will pull strongly past them! Eats st170s alive, even kept up with and by doing so embarrassed a Mini Cooper S which did shock both me and it's driver. Although it's obvious in the twisties my vrs would struggle to keep up with the Mini, but did keep up with the Golf GT TDI round them very easily, think he was a bit p***ed off!!!
The front seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg room and ample lateral support. There is a surprising amount of room in the back considering that it is a very small car.
For such a small car it drives like a much bigger one, definitely puts a smile on your face, especially in the 3rd, 4th and the fuel pump!!! Oh and the insurance is good as well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd March, 2004
23rd May 2004, 11:54
Hi there. I'm 21 as well and about to get my first car - 2nd hand. Have settled on getting a Fabia of some description, despite the ribbing from all my mates. Could you please tell me what insurance group the vRS is in, and how much it costs to insure a 21 year old on it?
Cheers
Gilberto Carlos.
27th May 2004, 14:13
The insurance group is 9A - For an oldie couple like my wife and I (early 40's) it's about £350. I test drove this pocket rocket last Saturday (could only top 50mph 'cos of cameras and love it. Try this site for more info on Skoda's - www.briskoda.net.
12th Oct 2004, 19:00
To the original poster - I'm looking at a vRS and also of a similar age. What are you paying for insurance and from who?
(or if anyone else wants to offer info, feel free)
Thanks...
26th Oct 2004, 06:50
For a 24yr old male with no no claims the best quote I've had is about £500, so for 21 I'm assuming maybe £600-£700.
Drive one and then decide whether you can afford the insurance - you'll sell your granny before not getting one!
20th Aug 2005, 07:35
Hello there!
Just for reference on the Insurance costs on these babies...
I'm 22, have 2 years no claims, and currently drive a 2.0 Skoda Octavia Ambiente which is group 9E - which I believe the Fabia vRS belongs to the same. Costs me £702 to insure this year.
I am considering the move to a Fabia vRS, and am arranging my test drive soon!
4th May 2004, 15:01
No wonder it kept up with the Golf GT Tdi! Its the same engine in a smaller package. I only became aware of this derivative of the Fabia yesterday, when looking at Seat Ibiza's in Parkers Guide. Decided I'd like one. What's insurance like for a 21 year old?