2001 Skoda Fabia Comfort 1.4 from Colombia

Summary:

Great car for Europe, needs work for Colombia

Faults:

The gears are not properly made for mountains.

There are some noises inside the cabin.

The rear brakes tends to make some noises when they are cold.

General Comments:

Although the Fabia is a great car, it could be better. There are some problems of adjustment inside the car, the Colombian ground is not quite uniform and the suspension tends to suffer causing a lot of noise inside the car.

Also because the inclination of the streets in Bogota, the probability of causing a traffic problem is very high, you never know when because a lack of power in lower revolutions, the Fabia is gonna turn off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th September, 2001

2001 Skoda Fabia Classic 1.9 SDI from Belgium

Summary:

Economy, but no more

Faults:

The ABS-warning lights suggest there is a malfunction. They switch on every now and then.

General Comments:

Nice car to drive, driving comfort is better than in a VW Polo, but the interior is very spartan. No luxury at all!

The engine is way too slow. If I have the aircon on, I have difficulties accelerating faster than trucks or large vans.

A very dangerous car for people with an active driving style: rear wheels will easily lose grip in a fast turn.

Very dangerous road behaviour in bumpy turns.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2001

26th Aug 2001, 07:00

I have the same car and you must have a 'dodgy' engine! I have done 31,000 miles in mine in just over a year because I commute 110 miles each day to work! The engine pulls very well even with the air con on!! (In fact I don't notice any change in performance) You have to use the engine well and maybe yours is still a bit tight. My wife is forever telling me to slow down and I am always overtaking unsuspecting cars!

I agree that the interior is a bit vacant but is functional and I have no complaints.

The road manners are very good but I have also noticed that bumps and manholes can unsettle it whilst cornering. Just be ready for it! It's all good fun!

18th Jul 2003, 19:27

I'm thinking about buying a Fabia, and your comments are interesting. As far as the Air Con problem goes, Air Con takes about 7bhp (max) - so it will reduce power, but it shouldn't be critical. I was interested to read the comment about the rear wheels 'skittering' on uneven surfaces... 50kg of concrete in the back would probably sort that, (quick & dirty fix) but otherwise, you should take the car back to the dealer and have him adjust the rear suspension. - I will probably use mine with just one or 2 people. so that's valuable info.

2001 Skoda Fabia Classic 1.4 75 hp from Belgium

Summary:

Great car, but the turbo diesel seems to be the best choice

Faults:

Engine seems to fall out sometimes for something like half a second, and then just goes on, slowing the car down briskly. Dealer couldn't solve this problem yet, car has to go to VW for a check-up.

General Comments:

The car suffers from a delay at the throttle: when you put your foot down, it takes a while before the engine reacts, which is annoying when taking off. The diesel models do not suffer this problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2001