I test drove the car yesterday. Although I fell in love with this car's looks the moment i saw its adverts and on road ever since it was launched, I had to gauge for myself if good looks came with good stuff. Despite the numerous criticisms inflicted upon this car, I was determined to give my own verdict only after i tested it. This as already quoted by some reviewers before me is definitely not a car for a person who goes by the price alone or evaluates a car based on it's category (hatch, sedan etc.). This is a car for those who value design, style, comfort, performance and safety. I test drove the Swift VDi a couple of months ago and almost made up my mind to buy it before I test drove the Fabia. To be honest, i was never a fan of the swift's design but against my own liking and because of budget constraints, I had almost decided to buy it until I test drove the Fabia. Well, honestly I am not buying this car immediately but when I do buy a car in near future it would be none other than the Fabia Ambiente.
I wouldn't narrate the feature list as many of you would have already researched it by now but give a perspective of my emotions during the hour long drive that i had with this car. I am given to assume that firstly there is definitely no car in the Indian car market that compares to the Fabia in the looks department within the hatchback segment. Secondly, the engine noise, which has been berated ubiquitously seems to be disposition that requires getting used to. One thing though, is that the engine is certainly not underpowered, it does a 180 easily as said by the test driver whom I am predisposed to believe as I certainly wouldn't jet off at that speed. However, I did do a 100 and trust me, it felt as being ensconced in a tight secured space. No wobbles, jerks or any sesations of fear aroused me at that time. The height adjustable seats, tiltable steering wheel are just to add comfort during the drive. The A/C works fine and so does the music system which of course has an Ipod compatibility. The brakes for me seemed to be super sensitive and I had a hard time getting used to. They just halted the car at the slightest of touches. Perhaps, this might not be a queer feeling for many of you but for me it was.
My final verdict is that I love this car the way it is and wouldn't buy another car for its value. It's got the looks, features, style and safety and not many hatchbacks come with all of it and if they do, they come pricey like the Fabia.
I have got numerous inputs on the mileage, but I wouldn't worry about too much considering that this car would be with me for many years to come.
Awesome interiors, stunning looks, safety features, attention to detail feature loaded and what not?noisy engine, indicator and wiper levers swapped in positions, peculiar positioning of lamp switches