Skoda Fabia 1.9 TDi (130) vRS

Price: £12,250
For: A punchy diesel engine makes this Fabia one of the most interesting hot hatches. It’s a good buy, too, thanks to keen pricing, low running costs and strong residuals.
Against: It’s not enough fun to drive. Soft suspension makes it feel wallowy in corners, and the ride is bouncy. The interior can’t match the exterior for flair.




Performance

The Fabia vRS is a hot hatch with a difference – there’s a turbodiesel engine under its bonnet. Against the clock the 130bhp vRS is not a sparkling performer, but the 229lb ft of pulling power means there’s urge on tap all the time and overtaking is straightforward.


Handling

The Fabia’s drive can’t match its aggressive looks. It feels soft and wallowy when the going gets twisty, with too much lean and too little control. The steering is accurate but doesn’t provide much feedback, while the ride is bouncy rather than compliant. The six-speed gearbox has a pleasing action, however.


Refinement

A slight rattle on start-up is the only real indication that this Fabia is a diesel. The vRS seldom sounds raucous, and the diesel’s punch means that you never really need to extend it. The noise fades away to a thrum at cruising speeds.

• Body type Hatchback
• Number of doors 5
• Number of seats 5
• Engine (cc/type) 1896/4
• Fuel type Diesel
• Max power (bhp/rpm) 130/no data
• Max torque (lb ft/rpm) 229/1900
• Max speed (mph) 126
• 0-60mph (sec)
• 30-70mph (sec) no data
• In Gears 30 to 50 (sec) no data/no data/no data
• In Gears 50 to 70 (sec) no data/no data/no data
• Braking distance (m) no data/no data
• Engine position F
• Driven wheels Front
• Length (mm) 3960
• Width (mm) 1646
• Height (mm) 1451
• Front headroom (mm) 977
• Front legroom (mm) 952
• Rear headroom (mm) 1100
• Rear kneeroom (mm) 846
• Boot space (min ltr) 260
• Boot space (max ltr) 1016
• Turning circle (m) 10.48
• Turning circle lock to lock(m) standard
• Towing weight (kg) 1000
• Kerb weight (kg) 1235
  
  
  Remarkably cheap to run for a hot hatch Expensive cabin feel; mechanically sound Good level of safety kit
  
  Buying
  
  Running costs are the Fabia’s strongest suit. Fuel economy (a Euro-average of 52.3mpg) is excellent for a car with sporty intent, and emissions are low, too. Residuals are expected to match those of the Fabia hatchback, which means the vRS should be a strong performer.
  
  
  Quality
  
  Some owners have experienced some minor trim rattles and problems with Skoda's stereo system, but the Fabia should be sound mechanically. Fixtures and fittings are of high quality too. All the switchgear operates with a solid, expensive feel.
  
  
  Safety and Security
  
  Like other Fabias, the vRS has driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard. Side airbags are a cost option. We’ve broken into other Fabias in 30 seconds during What Car? Security Tests, though.
• Urban 42.2
• Extra Urban 67.3
• Combined 55.4
• Tank Capacity 9.9
• CO2 Rating 151
• Insurance Group 9
• Typical Quote 372
• Retained Value no data
• Contract Hire Rate 258
• Cost per mile 33.6
• Service Cost 824
• Servicing 10,000
• Warranty 36/UL + 10 yr Perforation + 3 yr Breakdown
  
  
  Simple, comfortable, but not glamorous Plenty of room for four adults and a good boot Only well specced at the top of the range
  
  Behind The Wheel
  
  There is little to distinguish the vRS from its lesser brethren apart from patterned sports seats, and the vast expanse of plastic seems austere. The controls all work well, however, and it's a model of good ergonomics. The driver's seat adjustment is superb, with an easy-to-use ratchet to raise your perch, and the steering wheel moves both ways.
  
  
  space and Practicality
  
  There's sufficient rear leg- and headroom for six-footers and enough rear width to allow three passengers to settle in reasonable comfort. The boot isn’t enormous, but it’s well shaped and easy to access. All models come with split-fold rear seats to extend the luggage bay.
  
  
  Equipment
  
  Skoda recently cut Fabia prices, but also equipment levels. At the bottom of the range you get no deadlocks, central locking of electric windows, though two airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard. Only at the top of the line-up is air-con standard, alongside remote locking, alloys and all-round electric windows.
• central Locking standard
• Remote Locking standard
• Adjustable Steering Reach standard
• Adjustable Steering Rake standard
• Electric Steering Adjustable not available
• Seat Height Adjustable standard
• Power Seats Adjustable not available
• Air Conditioning standard
• Climate Control not available
• Seat Belt Tensioners standard
• Driver Airbag standard
• Passenger Airbag standard
• Side Airbag 275
• Side Impactbars standard
• Centre 3 Pointbelt standard
• Traction Control not available
• Antilock Brakes not available
• Auto Gearbox not available
• Alloywheels standard
• Deadlocks standard
• Immobiliser standard
• Alarm standard
• Visible Vin standard
• Secure Spare Wheel standard
• Marked Parts standard
• Etched Windows standard
• Satellite Navigation not available
• Handsfree Phone not available
• Leather Seats not available
• Locking Wheelnuts standard
• Metallic Paint 260
• Split Fold Rear Seats not available
• Electric Front Windows standard
• Electric Mirrors standard
• Heated Mirrors standard
• Manual Sunroof not available
• Electric Sunroof 400
• Cruise Control 125
• Multi CD 275
• Radio not available
• RDS Radio standard
• Unique Fit Radio not available

These are a lot tougher than they look

Fairly comfortable but i have sat in worse.
Handles - 40c pretty well too lol
They have all the gadgets in there too, which
you wouldnt get from a simular prices car.

Looks good and looks like skoda have begun to
loose the bad press from the past.

And there making in roads at the WRC too..

Each to there own..

I love these. With the help of VW, Skoda has come a long way in a very short time. Good on them.

You can definatly see the VW influence, looks more and more like the Polo everyday. I am yet to decide if this is a good thing or not.

Nice looking car, i wouldnt give it away it someone gave it to me.

I like it. They raced one of those against a mini cooper and it crapped all over it on the straights. Different story on the corners though....

Mini coopers are fairly slow for a 1.6 aint they?

About 12 secs 0 - 60 i believe?

Tell a lie, about 9 seconds with about 125 BHP

Mini Cooper 0-60 mph 8.9 secs 115bhp
Skoda Fabia vRS 0-60 mph 9.3 secs 130bhp

Hope that clears anything up!

I suppose the extra 15 BHP would come in very useful at 60+ MPH.

Yeah, and being a diesel......the higher torque output must help as well.

went n whelans skoda rs the other day an dear me! not to sure on the overal look an the price but the torque an the acceleration is sumthin else if sum1 had told me 5 years ago skoda wud make a car with these figures i wud hav laffed but now its a reality an its spot on in my book!